I saw Turnover here a few years ago, and Pinegrove more recently, and I'll be seeing AJJ here in the spring. Large, very spacious venue. Both times I've been here I haven't had too many issues with it being too crowded and with not being able to see. There's a bar and designated areas for drinking (which I prefer at a concert venue). Overall the Union Transfer is a very beautiful venue, and I've enjoyed every show I've seen here so far. read more

See all

Finally getting to review something I actually know about - venues. I spent the majority of my life seeing bands play. I loathe the "concert" feel of being lost in a crown of sweaty, drooling fan who just want a piece of the band from afar. The only true way to experience a live show is where the musical act can interact with their fans on a one-on-one basis. That give and take is what makes the experience more than just a performance. The union transfer is handled by Bowery entertainment and r5. Sean Agnew gets all the credit in the world for working his ass off to make philadelphia a premiere place to see everything from the DIY punk show to a first class act in a larger venue. However, every R5 show has that DIY close-knit feeling. How he has taken the Union Transfer which roughly holds 1000, complete with a top of the line sound system, and classed up the previous hole that was the spaghetti warehouse in such a fashion that an old jaded punk rocker like me still loved every part of it is not an easy task. I'll come here anytime. Face it, the TLA and Electric Factory are both awful - Huzzah to the union transfer. read more

I'm impressed. Looks like a great venue to see a show in. I was there with a group of friends for the Winter Beer Festival. As soon as we walked through the front doors - the group stopped looked up and around and said "WOW this place looks awesome" Best yet, this was the old Spaghetti Warehouse?!?! Bathroom were clean and there are plenty of them (although none on the second floor). I liked the multiple rooms and areas Union Transfer has. It'll keep people moving and not just standing around blocking hot spots (stairs, bar, bathroom, food vendors). Two things I love to see at music venues (and you betcha, Union Transfer had it!) 1. Fans - large overhead fans to help prevent overheating during sweaty concerts. Check! (pic uploaded) 2. Designated places to put your drink - along the ralling of the balcony someone clearly thought this through. (pic uploaded) Without seeing a concert here, I am looking for a reason to go back and check out the acoustics. I can see the real potential. It is a little of the beaten path but Tressle Inn is right down the street. Llama Tooth across the street we also heard was good but I didn't check it out. Its too early to say this is my new favorite music venue in town (especially since I haven't seen a show here yet). I'm looking for a reason to come back. I'll update my review once I see a show or two. read more

Union Transfer - Balcony railing - specific drink placement - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

Thank you, Union Transfer. Philly needed you. A big, beautiful space at the perfect size for bands too big for the TLA but too small for the Electric Factory (a venue I have never loved). The decor is classy and understated, but with some very clever touches: - Angled armrests on the balcony to keep you from putting a drink on it and spilling it on the crowd below.... but with a small ledge below it for holding a drink. - steeply angled edges around the soundboard to keep people from pouring drinks on it mid-show - Stadium bleachers in the balcony so you can see even from the furthest point - Cornhole and beanbag tic-tac-toe outside! The bathrooms are big and clean, plus there are multiple bars with tons of room, one in stage area plus a bar in the next room so big it could be its own establishment. I've been twice and I've got tickets to go twice more. Very excited to have this place in town! read more

Sound: The sound is very good here. Seating: Standing room only except for upstairs and near the bar. Food/Drink: The beer selection is very good. Never got food here. Overall: There is something I really like about Union Transfer. It might just be the vibe, but it's one of my favorite places to see a band. The entrance is nice a roomy and you can get merchandise without feeling like you're in the way. The venue itself is surprisingly big (for a place in the city) and there are many viewing options: Standing in front of stage, seated at the bar, seated upstairs and standing upstairs. There's no bad place to see the band. read more

I was sad to see the Spaghetti Warehouse close, but I didn't mind once I attended a show at Union Transfer. I don't know how the TLA and the Electric Factory have managed to stay in business since Union Transfer opened. Union Transfer is better in almost every way. Great sight lines both on the floor and in the balcony, a great bar, great acoustics, and it's cleaner. The only downside is they don't have a seated area other than the bar and some seats at the back of the balcony, which may not always be open. The TLA does have at least a small seated VIP area at the Front of the balcony. For those of us that are a bit older we'd gladly pay extra for some seats. I have seen the venue bring out stools for people with disabilities, so if you do have a serious problem standing the venue may be able to assist you by bringing out a stool. I always have a good time at a show here. read more

This is a great venue. We were able to get there not long after the doors opened and get a prime spot upstairs with a great view from the balcony. The sound was excellent and the staff were courteous. read more

Venue - cool air conditioned temperature & nicely finished inside, bathrooms were nice, tidy and clean. It's not the biggest venue but there's a balcony level and for some reason like 3 or 4 bars. (Overkill) Professional staff, security checks as well. However I did not like that as soon as I walked in there were people inside trying to get me to register to vote. 8pm on a Friday inside an alternative music venue, that is not the vibe I'm looking for. Prices- $8 for a 12oz can of beer, not great by any means. Pre-game the venue and/or bring a flask. It was $63 for just two tickets to the venue & only two bands played and one of them was a local band. Also parking in their lot was $15 even though there was free street parking available. I know the area isn't the "best" but that was absurd. And despite having "security" and a private parking lot they didn't bother doing anything to keep people from being accosted by local scammers, their outdoor smoking area was just a temporary metal barrier set up on the front sidewalk. People were just walking up and trying to scam the smokers out of money and the "security" guys didn't do anything. Weak. My local punk dive bar has 0 security and does a better job keeping its patrons from being harassed. Between the $15 private lot parking and the random street guy I witnessed pressuring a sad young couple into paying him $5 for "helping" them parallel park in the street, it was difficult to decide who the "real" scammers were out here. That same guy tried to get me to pay him for telling me a joke while I was standing in the smoking area??? If staff doesn't even have the balls to clear the area then wtf did I pay all that extra for?? I don't really see what all the price hiking was for except for having AC and no stickers on the toilet seats. read more

Not sure where the scale begins and ends for ranking venues. Compared to a lot of Chicago venues I have been to, this one is definitely up there in the top tier. Very nice, but not uncomfortably nice. The interior is small, but not cramped. The space is well designed with the back area elevated and the upper balcony wraps around so there are few spots in the venue that make it "hard to see" It has a rustic, converted, factory, oh look at the exposed brick and steel work vibe to it, but not in a pretentious way. Let's be honest, that is a pretty cool look. The sound quality is quite good and based on what I saw in the sound booth, the equipment seems to be of a high caliber. There is a nice bar area as well as a couple spots "in" the music area to purchase booze. Only been once, so I look forward to future shows. read more

Cool venue to catch a show! Large standing room area, with a second floor balcony. 3 bars (1 backroom area, 1 inside the show area & 1 on balcony), coat check, ticket booth, restrooms. The place was clean and had a cool ambiance. Beers seemed to average about $8 per beer. Parking is behind the venue for $15/car. Not bad to get in and out of. I dig it. read more

Probably one of my favorite venues in Philly next to E-factory and Uarts but each are very different so hard to compare UTransfer is kind of like a mini-efactory. It's got the upstairs area you can sit on some balcony stairs (similar to Music Hall of Williamsburg if you're from Brooklyn) , the downstairs area in front of the DJ/Stage as well as a couple of side rooms. Coat check is $3 , and when you first walk in there is two bars downstairs (sometimes they open a 3rd one if it's busy!). 1 bar is located in the downstairs stage area, 1 bar in the other room near the bathroom and a pop up bar when you first walk in when it's busy. Bathrooms on the first floor as well. I like that there are this many bars -- it's much needed to service us during shows! All the bartenders have always been friendly which is great. Staff -- friendly. And guess what -- I didn't feel like a criminal ( see my TLA review). They are nice and professional here. One example -- for some reason I got really sick one day -- I ate dinner and everything but all of the sudden everything went white and I couldn't see anything. I had to sit down because I was blind. The staff didn't yell at me or anything, just asked me to sit somewhere else ( I had no idea where I was because I was still blind). I'm thinking at TLA they would have kicked me out for assuming I was on drugs -- not that I'm anemic.. Summary? Good staff, well staffed bar, good sound system, and roomy! If your artist of choice is playing there, don't worry about this venue for one sec. Great experiences all around!! read more

I finally made it to this venue after living almost right across the street from it for over a year! I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I went on a Friday night to see Nick Murphy. I arrived during the first opener and after a quick I.D. check and ticket scan, I got right in. I have seen lines that wrap around the block for certain shows, but I'm assuming that everyone is just early. One bonus, if you're over 21, you're allowed to come and go as you please. That means that besides having bars right in the venue, you're able to leave and check out super close bars like Roy Pitz or Llama tooth (or in my case, stop at home and drink a beer on my couch)! The inside is big enough that you're not squished like a sardine, but still cozy enough that anywhere you choose to view the show still feels intimate. The balcony is also nice for an overhead view. The area around Union Transfer is definitely on the ups, but there are still a lot of homeless-esque people who hang around the area. No one will bother you besides asking for cash or food, but it is something to be aware about. Overall it's a really cool venue and I definitely plan to check out more shows here! read more

I find Union Transfer to be one of the better music venues. For one, you can view the stage pretty much from any of the areas you stand in. Plus, there's an elevated area on the side and there's an upstairs standing area too. You really get a good look at the performers. I have enjoyed both concerts I've seen here. There is also free street parking (for the win!). read more

My first visit to the Union Transfer was on Saturday, 4/20/13, to see Joy Formidable play with You Won't and Blood Red Shoes. I was excited to see the show there after reading all of the positive reviews and I was not disappointed. Just as a Yelper before me wrote, it is much cleaner and not run down like the Electric Factory. There was space to move around, although I am not sure if the show sold out or not so that may change with a sold out show. One of the nicest parts about it was that the merch was reasonably priced, as well as the drinks. The tickets for the show were only $20 too! Not that this is a review about the bands themselves, but Blood Red Shoes were awesome! I had never seen or heard them before but what a great surprise! They hung out in the lobby after their set and were very friendly too. I hope they come to Philly again. So back to Union Transfer - This is a great, easy to get to venue with great sound and a friendly staff. I brought my teenage children since they wanted to see JF too and initially I was a little uneasy since I had never been there. However, there were quite a few young adults/teens there so that put them at ease and alcoholic beverages were not allowed out on the floor area so that created a friendlier atmosphere, for the younger crowd anyway. I will most definitely go back and can't wait to see another show there! read more

See all

This was our first time back to Union Transfer since Oct 2014, and 3+ years later this is still my favorite venue. We saw K Flay here on 03/18/18 and wow, what a fantastic show! There is plenty of room, plenty of bars, and the acoustics are amazing. Everything is well organized, and you don't have to wait in long lines for drinks. I feel lucky that we got to see this show in this venue. read more

A nice venue for concerts. A good size, large enough for there to be a bit of ruckus, but small enough to be able to see the stage well from anywhere. I like the look of everything, lots of wood, and open space. There are three bars, and it was easy to get a drink even with a sold out show. I came to see Seu Jorge do his Life Aquatic songs in honor of David Bowie. The show was awesome, but for a quieter show like this one, perhaps the acoustics aren't ideal. I think the high wood ceiling leads to you being able to hear any little noise that the crowd is making. read more

Just saw Rex Orange County here last night and it was a 10/10 experience. It's the perfect size for a lowkey artist like Rex, it was very clean, and there was a very nice security guard who gave me friends and I two bottles of water. A not so nice security guard was also there but we did not let him drag us down. Not a ton of frills which is good because it made entering and exiting very simple. Made some lifelong friends in the line as well as inside the concert. My friends and I were second row and it was perhaps the peak of my existence.Excellent acoustics and an overall amazing experience! Absolutely ill be seeing a concert there again! read more

See all

Union Transfer, which is only a few years old, is aging well here in Philly. The shows here are always a ton of fun. It's a smaller venue which can make shows feel intimate but it still can house a giant mosh pit. UT is right off of Spring Garden and within walking distance of of the Broad St line and the El (okay 8 blocks might be far.....). Once inside, you walk into the front room where food and merch is sold. It's separate from the main floor so you can easily make transactions without screaming. Inside the main area, there are tons of 21+ sections which I like. If you would have asked me at 20, I'd be annoyed though. The balcony area is usually 21+ as well. Beer is reasonably priced and most of the time they have the city wide special. Sound is also pretty good here since the sound booth is right in the middle. It makes it so that no matter where you stand, you can hear. There is no weird reverberations either. I've been here countless time and I love this venue. Can't wait to come back! read more

went to Union Transfer tonight for a Sleep Token concert and got turned away for our tickets being "invalid". we got them off stub hub and have been looking forward to this concert for a long time. the fact they had so many people getting turned away and being told their tickets were fake was crazy. it's also the fact they have a box office specifically for ticket issues is beyond me. i'm not sure if that's normal or not but me and my friends thought that was super sketchy. union transfer was aware of the amount of bots selling tickets and did nothing about it. this was a waste of my time, money, and gas. this was a joke and i will never come back to union transfer. read more

I would be hard pressed to plan a place like this. I love that there is a concert venue in this part of the city as It's easy to park along Spring Garden for free. I came specifically for the Rob Delaney comedy show. It was fantastic and UT was almost the perfect venue for a show like this. I say almost because the folding chairs, while comfortable for a folding chair, were a little uncomfortable after an hour or so of sitting. I'll admit that as much as I loved the show, I was ready for it to be over when it was because my butt and back hurt. I liked the "no assigned seats" aspect in principle but because I attended alone, I was afraid to get up to get a beverage or snack for fear of losing my great seat, As far as snacks and beverages go, I'd like to try the ice-cream they offer there sometime, it looked good. I'll usually pass on concert booze. It's often a little overpriced and crowded. I suggest hitting the nearby Institute, for a pre and post game beverage when seeing a show here. My minor complaints aside, Union Transfer is a boost to this area of the city, and Philly in general. I'll definitely keep a lookout for upcoming shows I recognize ( which isn't a lot since I'm such an old fart.) read more

The other night my friend walked into this place for this first time and said "Wow. WOW. What did we do to deserve this??" The building is beautiful. Look up at the light fixtures and the vaulted ceiling. It sounds fantastic. There are like 10 different areas within the venue: you can sit down or stand up, press right up against the stage or observe it from high above, go right, go left, drink a beer, drink a soda, and whatever you do, you'll be able to see and it will sound good. There's a coat check. The whole thing feels grown and sexy and I am very glad it exists in my city! read more

Union Transfer is everything I want a music venue to be. It is intimately spacious, with a cool atmosphere, and literally devoid of any spaghetti remnants. The 21+ crowd has access to two bar areas (with decently priced draughts) as well as the upper balcony level. The layout is expertly designed so that you have a great view from all points of the house. They host a wide smorgasbord of artists, so you can most likely find something for you. You can get Little Baby's ice cream just steps into the lobby area. And the post-show happy hour ($2 Miller, $3 olive drinks, $4 Jack Daniel's drinks) is definitely worth sticking around for a little while longer. What really separates UT from all other venues is the quality and freshness of the sound. I'm not sure if this is a result of the way the acoustics bounce off the architecture, an extremely high quality sound system, or the Philly fairy just wanting to bring something good to this historically decrepit neighborhood...but I like it. As a musician, it left me with happy ears. Do, however, be aware of the types of crowds you might encounter coming here. At any given show, be prepared to run into the one guy with glow sticks raving in the back, the small group in front failing to start a mosh pit, and at least four couples awkwardly trying to grind out of sync. read more

Brilliant place. For the directionally challenged, this is a short hike north of Chinatown, so tip, after the show, start walking that way to catch your cab. UT Philly is a beautiful venue - as in pretty. And clean. And amazingly, yet-to-be-sticky floors. The bar is in the back of the venue, with speedy service and fair prices. Many of the shows are all ages, so drinking is designated to the bar - but think about it. No more Miller Lite on your shoes. No more shall your jeans scream "doused in rum." It's probably a happy coincidence, but if more venues did a solid separation of drink from dancefloor, I'd be pretty stoked. I think one of the true litmus tests of a venue is "do I look for bands *just* because they're playing at the venue?" Why yes, yes I do. And seriously, $10-15 for a random night of fun means you can try out random bands and not be to worse for the wear. Definitely worth a visit. read more

First time at Union Transfer was on Monday night 7/16 for the Best Coast show. This was an all-ages show, and as a middle-aged relative geezer, I still had a terrific time in a great [relatively] new venue for Philly. I arrived about 7:30p for a show w/doors open at 8. Line wound around the block, but venue staff use the time to check IDs for those 21+ on the line who want to drink. [Aside: I can't believe how many younger people still smoke. Lots of under-21 kids puffing away. Boo. But, no smoking inside, so that's cool.] The neighborhood is scruffy, but decent, and street parking is plentiful. We parked about two blocks away, free on the street. For the duration of the show, my wife and I sat at a high-top bistro table at the edge of the concert-area-bar, and we had a decent view of the stage for the entirety of the three-act show...even with other bar patrons leaning on the adjacent rail....got a nice show from a guy standing behind his girlfriend, the two of them grinding together so aggressively that it made my back ache just watching them. I think [but am not sure] that there are 'bullpens' on either side of the show floor for 21+ drinkers. This is pretty cool. It is pretty strictly enforced, as we saw young guys from the opening act -- Diiv -- denied access. Ouch. But hey... We had several rounds of beers -- very good bottle & draft selection. Paid $11/round [$6 for a Yards IPA, $5 for an Amstel] which isn't a mind-blowing deal, but not a stadium-complex-caliber gouging, either. Very nice cocktail server in the bar area took our orders, and we tipped $2/round. Server was very gracious. Of all the non-arena venues in the area [TLA, Elec Factory, Troc, et al], this will probably be my new favorite. Wish there were more seated spots, but I'm an outlier in that regard and I understand why they keep the viewing areas pretty clear. Big, positive, vibe for Union Transfer. read more

I used to go here in the 90s when it was the Spaghetti Factory, for cheap food and even cheaper Chianti. I can't believe it is now a cool small venue, a fantastic place to see a show. Floor is open, with two levels of balconies with seating around the floor. Most of this has been covered well here. I didn't have a lot of time to look around until afterwards, because I wanted to keep my spot next to the stage. Look up at the cool ceiling. There is a huge bar off to the side, lots of warm wood for a welcoming feel and not the usual sleaze and dirt of older theaters (not that I really mind this either). It seems they don't book things that get totally packed or that they are pairing performers with the appropriate space, but it really works well. I hate arenas. Wine was Black Box, $7 a glass, and you can take it onto the floor, even though they at first said we could not. Parking out back was $10, reasonable. They have Little Baby's ice cream, which includes an equal selection of non-dairy and unusual flavors. That is one amazing thing about Philly: they love their meat but always seem to include alternative diets in a thorough and savory way. read more

Zrooooom to the top of my favorite places to see shows in Philly goes Union Transfer. It was only a few months ago that I was standing in Union Transfer at a Yelp event, screaming to everyone in sight, "How have I not seen a show here?!" That has all been rectified now, about a handful of times, and I have nothing but good things to say about this place. This is just a dope place to see a show- the sound is consistently great. The venue is nice and spacious; feels part-warehouse, part castle court, to me. Or almost churchy? Well, maybe I just like the vaulted ceilings and rafter beams. I don't know. I do know that upstairs or down, general admission style, I have easily been able to snag a good vantage point for view or for showcasing the moves. I don't know if there's a bad spot in the house. Ticket prices are typically between $13-$25 to see an excellent variety of bands coming through. So, maybe you are not sure that you're into some band or other, I for one, am all about giving a new (or new to me) band a 15-dolla-or-so chance. Dude, I have taken the 23 bus straight up there in no time from South Philly, on a last minute whim. Bought a ticket at the window and had an even better than usual Thursday night for m'self. I've begun to stalk their calendar. read more

No one told me the Spaghetti Warehouse closed! What a relief! That place was a poor excuse for "Italian" food. Luckily, the building has been reincarnated into my new favorite music venue. I was blown away by the Gillian Welch performance I saw in late October. Given that the floor plan is open with no assigned seating I was worried that this event would be a repeat of a show I saw at the Electric Factory where, crammed cheek by jowl, I had the misfortune of standing next to a stoner who vomited all over my shoes. The UT is extremely spacious: concert-goers can belly right up to the stage (or bar for that matter), fan out along the top-tier balconies, or relax next to the bar at high tops and tables for two. Everyone can enjoy the show from a good vantage point without another person or post in your sight line (ahem, I'm thinking of you Academy of Music!). If the show isn't all-ages you can even keep your "adult beverage" with you on the main floor. They also have a concession stand. I found the drink prices to be fair - I think my can of PBR was $3.75. I could also totally be making that up. The place has an industrial vibe that makes you feel like the place used to be a factory for train trestles. The acoustics are phenomenal - you're neither deafened nor guessing at the lyrics. The staff are very friendly and I actually enjoyed tipping my waitress as it meant not having to run back and forth to the bar. If you're driving, you can pre-pay online before the show and park in the lot directly behind the venue for $8 or so. Extra bonus: not having to buy tickets through Ticketmaster! Randomness: I know people with babies and small kids like music. I know they like concerts, but really...is it a good idea to bring your small child to a live show that starts at 9p, a time when they should be sleeping? Probably not. Sleepy kids are cranky as hell. read more

This is officially my favorite Philly venue so I'm going to keep it short and sweet. Let me start off by saying that I have been here a few times and will indeed be back for more! Much more! Actually I already have tickets. The bars are awesome, yay for a venue where you can actually access a bar and drink and see the band! Finally! The upstairs when open is pretty cool but the floor is super sweet! The acoustics are pretty banging too! You can see and here the band from almost everywhere! The only thing I don't like are some of there bartenders, they seem to be newbies and just can't get it together, but other than that, the place is still fairly new and growing so I will give them a pass. Now who wants to go to shows with me??? read more

I can't believe this place used to be the spaghetti warehouse...what a transformation!?! I've been to this venue two times now. One for a beer fest and once for a concert and I thought it was perfect for both. A few highlights: 1. There are 3 bars! It's never been tough to get a drink. 2. The balcony has bleachers which makes everything feel much less crowded. 3. High open ceilings- perfect for concerts. 4. Two bathrooms. I've never had to wait in line for the lady's room. 5. Size...it's small so you feel close where ever you are. Basically, I can't wait for the next show that I'm seeing there in March. Nice job Union Transfer! read more

I see lots of shows. From small unknowns to large stadiums to festivals. I have been a music fan in Philly for over 20 years and been to many venues from small and intimate Tin Angle and Johnny Brendas to the Electric Factory. Union Transfer is by far the best venue to see and experience live music in the city. From clear unobstructed sight lines from the floor, the bar and the above balcony to sound that is clear, crisp and loud when it should be. Supported by a simple yet effective craft beer program as well as a full bar - Union Transfer is by far the best place to see a show in Philly. Don't get me wrong, nothing beats Johnny Brendas in terms of intimacy and experience, but UT has everything from space, sound, lighting, etc for larger shows. I have not seen a bad show yet here, always decent crowds, great staff and great music. I don't miss the endless pasta bowls that used to be there one bit. read more

Did you ever go to a cheesy "wild-west" type resort with your parents? You walk in and the place just reeks of kitsch and there are jackasses dressed up in cowboy outfits with fake accents. Well if those places were actually cool, they put some decent design and work into the signage and there were no jackass employees, then you'd have Union Transfer. Three bars (that I observed), a coat check in the front and a great layout for seeing a show. I really think someone put some serious money and effort into this place to set it up like it is today. I saw a show here and I felt that I got exactly what I was looking for from the experience. The band was great, the beer selection was quite good (for a concert venue) and I didn't have to put up with BS. Perfect. I'll definitely be back to see other bands here. With The Institute right around the corner, it makes for a perfect evening. read more

I came here for Winterbeer Fest. I was never here when it was the Spaghetti Warehouse so I can't compare it but I sure as hell love the layout of Union Transfer! In my mislead youth, I would have lounged this joint waiting for concerts. I love the dark interior multiplex warehouse. I can't wait to go back. As far as Winterbeer fest: I really liked: The diverse beer selection How well the space complimented the event - I can't say enough how awesome it is People were friendly - can't believe I didn't see one fight The bathrooms were surprisingly nice I was not a fan of: Waiting in line outside with the dregs of society stretching back to parts undesirable Little tiny cups... but that was probably for the best The folks pouring the beer were not from the vendors, or at least most weren't. That lost some charm. Some of the vendors were hammered or out of beer within two hours. read more

Almost every detail about Union Transfer is well-considered. It definitely has a consistent look and feel and overall, it's a fantastic place to see a show. The stage is the perfect height, no matter where you're standing theres a great view, the sound system is crystal clear and the staff are great (never underestimate how much a venue staff can affect your concert-going experience. If they're cool, then it feels like you're just hanging out at a friends basement show) So far, the booking has been flawless. Its like my iTunes is playing live every night at this place. As someone who loves live music, this place is going to be draining my bank account all year long. That being said, since I'm going to be here so often, could you not charge $5 for a Kenzinger? read more

This is a great venue to see bands, small and large alike. If you are not into squishing yourself up with the rest of the kids against the stage, take a seat (or stand rather) on the lower landing or the balcony above. In between bands, look around and enjoy the beautiful details. The bar is never insane and they have a decent tap list. Plus the bathrooms have always been clean, which for a music venue, is pretty rare. read more

Union Transfer is probably the best venue in the city right now. Amazing sound system. Amazing space. Decent beer prices for a more corporate type venue setting. The layout is perfect and there are really good sight lines throughout the building. I love the back bar area to sort of lounge in prior to the show. The balcony is also nice if you want something to lean on. Ticket prices vary, but a good way to avoid the service fees is to go directly to the venue to buy tickets. The ticket booth is also open during shows so you can pick up your next set of tickets while you're there. As for parking and location, this area is still a little shady, but it's getting better. It appears they now do "event parking" which is somewhat lame as there is plenty of street parking around. If you're a bit hungry before the show, I recommend stopping by Sazon restaurant across the street. Great Venezuelan food. read more

A Philly transplant from San Diego, I have been to concert venues from coast to coast and Union Transfer is the best one I have ever been to. It is clutch how the stage can be moved to accommodate the size of the crowd, preventing sold-out shows from making you feel claustrophobic and helping smaller turnouts feel intimate. In addition, the quality of bands that R5 Productions books for UT never ceases to amaze. From Friendly Fires to Andrew Bird to Local Natives, I have seen some of the most memorable shows of my life at UT. And literally, the sound system is so good it will blow your bangs back. read more

Philadelphia is a long day drive from Columbus, but it was still the closest stop on Ben Howard's US tour, so over the river and through the woods to Philadelphia we went. I was a little worried having read other reviews about the area of the city and the parking situation, but we easily got a spot in the parking lot arriving just a few minutes before doors for a sold-out show. I was really surprised at how small the venue was -- I was expecting something the size of the Newport, and it's considerably smaller than that. It even felt smaller than the Fonda in Hollywood, which is where I last saw Ben Howard, and its capacity is only a few hundred more. My sister and I are both very short, and Patrick is very tall, so we had planned ahead of time to try to get up to the back row of the balcony seating -- and we did! The concert sounded good (though it was too short). There's a ten dollar minimum if you want to use a card at the bar. I must say the crowds, even in the balcony, were a bit pushy. Two folks in front of us were joined by a friend, who was joined by two more friends, who were joined by three more friends, eventually pushing out the couple who had been seated in front of us; some other concertgoers pushed up behind us while we were standing, effectively blocking us from being able to sit back down again; and I was a little worried the couple to our right were going to get into a fight with some of the people in front of them who were talking loudly off and on during the main show. read more

The Union Transfer space is fantastic. It's spacious without feeling too empty, and you don't feel overheated or jammed into a small space like at other venues. The ceilings are really high with chandeliers and large old signage with a circusy feel. There is a large double sided bar that faces the stage as well as into a back drinking area. There is also an enclosed side platform on the left side of the venue facing the stage that is a great spot to watch shows from an elevated vantage point. There are great drink specials after the show ends and there's a great foodtruck outside with delicious bahn mi's for some after-show eats. read more

I've been to many shows here. I really like this place. With the right band (e.g., Devendra Banhart) the sound can be very good. My favorite place to watch a concert is from the 2nd floor from the very last row on the risers. From here you can stand and have a perfect view. Staff is great and very friendly. Compared to other local theaters of the same size I slightly prefer Trocadero, but more bands that I like play Union Transfer. I like Union Transfer and Trocadero more than TLA. I don't like The Electric Factory - that place is too big and the sound generally too muddy. read more

Great venue for concerts. The sound is great and it has fun vibe. There are a few bars so it's easy to get a drink and they have a big beer selection. The space is standing room only and there is a balcony. The only thing I didn't like is that you couldn't bring your drinks on the floor! read more

Union Transfer - The griswolds! - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania