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

Excellent, and clean venue. They have bars, and a balcony where you can stand and watch your band preform as if you had front row seats. You just can't touch them haha. Went to see of Montreal play in October, they were amazing! They check if you're 21. I'm guessing in order to stand on the balcony you would have to be 21 yrs or older because you pass the bar. They have coat checking availability when you enter. The bathrooms are clean compared to other venues. I very much enjoyed the place. They had parking for ten bucks for the concerts just behind the venue. Perfect! read more

Union Transfer - Of montreal - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Troc used to be my favorite venue in Philly, but this is my new favorite. Everything about it was amazing. There is just so much space. My first time here was for a sold out show and it didn't seem one bit crammed. The balcony area is near perfect and you can see from just about anywhere up there. There are multiple bars, and the back bar is huge! Also, $4 for a beer at a show is pretty cheap. I couldn't believe I paid less than $20 for 4 beers. Since there were so many bars, there was no wait any of the times I went up to the bar. I have nothing bad to say about this place. I can't wait to go to more shows here! Totally beats Spaghetti Warehouse. read more

Word to the wise...no alcohol allowed on the floor for an all ages show. I'm here right now for Iron and Wine and had to abandon two beers and a half bourbon at the bar or miss out on the start of the show from my spot up front. Goodbye drinks. Goodbye $23. "You're welcome" to the lucky dude who saw this go down and to whom I "donated" my two beers. UT...POST YOUR POLICY PLEASE. The policy makes sense for keeping alcohol off the floor of an all ages show, but at a GA show you can't expect people to just stand at your back bar and drink while someone else tries to hold their spot at up front. BTW, to the bouncer who stopped me the first time (with a beer and a bourbon) and said "no booze on the floor" -- booze is typically defined as hard liquor. So when you tell me "no booze", and then I buy a second beer to replace my bourbon, you might understand my surprise to learn I can't take beer down either. read more

BEST CONCERT VENUE IN PHILLY. Hands Down. Every band that I like seems to play here. Most recent shows I've seen at UT: Cold War Kids, Watsky, Phantogram, Tune-Yards The balcony is awesome---if you get there early, its hard to see over the people in front of you from up there. They have cool bleachers on the balcony too if you're in the center. Bathrooms are easy to get to, they have a coat check, and nice area for merch sales and snacks. There's an awesome restaurant across the street called Llama's Tooth for a quick dinner before a show. UT's bar has a great IPA and Craft beer list, along with mixed drinks (they don't have Crown Royal though... bummer) And a HUGE room with hightops to drink up before the concert! I hope this venue is always around! read more

I finally got to check out Union Transfer this week and I have to say, I was impressed! I heard it was an open floor plan with no seating, so I was wondering how they were going to handle the Henry Rollins spoken word show. They had rows of chairs setup on the floor downstairs and I chose a stool up on the balcony. Even at a sold out show, the venue felt spacious and not overly crowded at all. It's a beautiful old building with great acoustics. Even when I went to the bathroom I could still hear the show. Service was great and we were served drinks at our seats in the balcony area. Prices were about average. I was able to find free street parking only 2 blocks away. There was a food truck parked outside, which was a nice surprise. I had a sandwich while I waited for the doors to open. The women's bathrooms were clean and empty. Perhaps because I was at a Henry Rollins show and the dude factor was pretty high. It was a pleasant surprise. read more

I'm a little late with this review, but I felt guilted into writing it when I checked out a video tonight from a concert I went to last year at Union Transfer (Heartless Bastards, 3/25/12). Even on a scratchy YouTube video with only 47 views so far, you can hear how AWESOME the sound system is. As a 30-year concertgoer in the Philly area, I can say without reservation that Union Transfer is my favorite venue. (The layout of the place is great, too, and I didn't feel crowded or unable to navigate.) And like a previous poster, I want to keep the place to myself, but sometimes you just gotta do the right thing. 2016 update Came back for another show, still an excellent place for a show! read more

The venue itself is awesome. The acoustics sound wonderful and generally a nice crowd. However, drinks are way overpriced. The security must be part of the hitler youth. Make sure you don't break a rule you didn't even know was a rule. Don't offer to hold someone's beverage because they don't just take it away from you and let you know that is not permitted in the area, like most places. They escort you out and make a big scene, take your bracelet and you wasted all that money for a ticket you purchased. So be mindful of the over zealous security guards there that are rude and don't even consider maybe you weren't aware of a rule. If they maybe told you about rules and made things clearer people wouldn't accidentally break a rule, even a ridiculous minor infraction. Get a grip, you're security personal, get a real job where people might actually respect you. Persecute someone holding a beer while people are in the pit smoking blunts, good job being a decent security guard. read more

****DISCLAIMER: I HAVE ONLY EVER BEEN TO ONE SHOW HERE, AND I AM UNDER THE AGE OF 18, SO I CANNOT RELIABLY COMMENT ON THE BAR AND SMOKING POLICIES**** With that being said... I live music. I practice it at least 3 hours a day, I listen to it in all different formats, and my iPod makes up the better part of my daily commutes. And Union Transfer is simply a wonderful venue. We saw Cold War Kids here in October of 2014. When we initially drove up to it during the day to check out the exterior, I got a shady feeling from it. There were a few cutting-edge, grungy sort of weed-smoking fellas outside (not that I hold anything against those who use it). But once we went there for the actual show (at 10:30, late show!), it was a completely different atmosphere. More mainstream crowd than I originally thought, and very typical (though not basic). The staff was very nice and accommodating to me and my father's needs, and never gave me any BS. The actual show room is nice and open, with high ceilings and chandeliers, as well as balconies (in which I believe they have seating, but cannot comment for certain). There are three bars in the venue, and if at any time you want to smoke, they will give you a wristband and you may go outside to "take a few puffs" and re-enter the show later. Great acoustics (was many things, but prior to 2011, a Spaghetti Warehouse), nice but not harsh sound system and good viewing angles. I was fortunate enough to have been right up at the front the whole time, so I can't comment on how the back or balconies are, but my advice to you is that you get there early (maybe like 10 minutes prior to doors opening) so you can get a spot up at the front (AND STAND THERE, YOU'LL THANK ME LATER). Believe me when I tell you, even though you can roam freely during the opening act, by the time the main act comes on, the place will be a full house. The bar serves non-alcoholic beverages as well, but unless you have someone to get them for you and you're underage, it's not really worth it. You can quite literally reach out and touch the band, and there isn't any annoying security that will heckle you unless you're being suspicious, which there was a guy behind me who was (he was either moved or ejected). They sadly do not allow "good" cameras in there (my Canon T4i was denied at the ticket booth), but that's expected, especially since it's a Bowery venue. No biggie though. The only real complaint that comes to mind is the piano having been a bit low on the sound system. I initially thought this was because I was standing about 5 feet away from the guitar amp, but when I went back and watched some non-professionally shot videos of the show, I noticed that it was indeed a little softer than usual (go watch other videos of them playing live). The vocals were also very distant during the first few songs (but that was fixed). I'm not sure if this is due to a bad board guy, or if the band had their own sound guy, but either way, it was something that needed to be fixed and I hope is in the future. The bouncer I spoke with was also very nice after the show as well. We had a nice chat, and he also had a Sharpie handy (thank god for him, otherwise I never would've gotten Nathan's autograph ;) Overall, this was a great venue from the one show I did see and I would most certainly come here again. :) read more

Been to Union transfer 3 times and each is a disappointment. The ticket checkers are rude and unreasonable and the box office is unhelpful. The only good thing is the security keeping and eye on the rambling riff raff circling the entrance. I was looking forward to seeing the Surfaces, a low-key group. The venue was half empty. No one was in line and STILL the scanning staff was impatient and rude. Concert lovers: STAY WAY! read more

Such a cool, hip concert venue! I went here last night for Jessie Ware's concert. It's an easy drive from Central New Jersey; just take 95 South to Exit 22, make a few turns and you arrive on Spring Garden Street. I didn't see their private lot, but there was plenty of street parking since I arrived early. I parked 1 block over before 11th Street and had a super short walk into the venue. Make sure you have your I.D. ready and ticket ready. The front door staff were super nice and patient. Some bouncers are grumpy and treat you like cattle, so it was a nice welcoming to the place. This place doesn't even feel like Philly! It has that Williamsburg Brooklyn vibe which I was totally digging. Think tall ceilings, wood, chandeliers... vintage old time train station. It's an intimate venue, but has great sound quality. The main area by the stage is large. There is an upstairs level with balconies, but for the Jessie Ware concert, they weren't open. There's a bar area towards the back opposite the stage with plenty of places to set your drink and watch the show. Unfortunately they didn't have much seating available for the concert. Jessie Ware's music is pretty mellow, not one to be doing some heavy dancing. It was only 2 hours, so not too bad. The bathrooms were clean, but had an odd smell to it. There is another bar with more seating, but you can't really watch the concert. It would make a good place for a private party or gathering. The front bar has a concession stand courtesy of HipCityVeg. Veggie friendly food for the veggie friendly hipsters! I totally dig this place and hope to be back in the future! read more

This is exactly the type of venue Philadelphia needs. There is a ton of space for concertgoers to stand but the space still feels intimate. There's a full-service bar in the back with hipster-friendly beers on tap. The bathrooms are crazy clean (for now, I guess). The sound system is awesome. Will be returning very soon - I'm talking like, in two weeks soon. read more

This place is pretty awesome for a concert venue. Checking tickets was effortless and navigating around the place was super easy. When you walk in, they have their bar area to left which has quite a number of tables to hang out before the show starts. The beers were pretty good and local. You have the option of either hanging out downstairs in what I would compare to be a general admission area or upstairs along the balcony. The place is small enough to enjoy the show from either one of these areas. If you do want to hang out on the balcony, don't worry, there's a bar upstairs for you as well in case you don't want to walk back downstairs to grab a drink. I can't wait to come back here and see another show. Note: I don't know if this was only for the show I saw but people were not allowed to bring drinks out on to the general admission area. I did see some with water bottles, so maybe it's an open drink policy on the floor. read more

I'll keep it short and sweet. -Easy, painless will-call. The employees were helpful and the line to get in moved fast. -Beers are reasonably priced compared to most concert halls/sporting events. -Spacious main floor and wraparound balcony allows for different views of your favorite band. -Excellent sound. Every show I've been to has has a decent midrange punch without the heavy, muddy bass you get at a lot of live shows. I don't know if its the room acoustics or what. Overall, it's a great place to see a show. Whenever I find out some of my favorite small-to-mid level bands are coming to Philly I hope it's Union Transfer. read more

To see the Spaghetti Warehouse transformed into the best music venue I've seen in Philly is nothing short of a miracle. Tons of space to mingle and get your drink on. Plenty of dark bars with a sort of saloon feel to it. They've left alot of the old light fixtures and stained glass which lends it an artsy feel, and my god the cleanest bathrooms I've seen at any music venue (lets see how long that lasts). The acoustics were amazing, but it could just be that Little Dragon would sound amazing anywhere.. Other than the fact that the neighborhood is beyond sketch and I thought for sure we would be mugged on our short walk from the car to the venue, this place is awesome! read more

Okay, I might be a little biased because I was front row for my favorite band here, and then was 10 people from the front for a great band the second time. The quality of the sound is great WHEN YOU KNOW THE LYRICS, but when I was here for Royal Blood (whose lyrics I know most of), I was 10 people from the front and had absolutely no idea what the singer for the opening band was saying. It's good when you know what the lyrics are, but I could not figure out what the lyrics were for the opening band. I just kind of nodded along with to the music. Maybe my hearing is bad and I can only tell what they're singing because of the actual music (for bands I know), but I feel like the sound quality isn't that great when you're up close. I only could tell what they were saying because I know the lyrics that go with the music. The sound quality of the music is good, but you can't really hear the vocals. Usually I like to hangout in the back by the bar, but both times I've been here, I've been front row or 10 people from the barricade. Seeing my favorite band in the front row is obviously the best concert experience ever, but seeing a band I know 10 people from the barricade was still pretty great. I just couldn't hear what the opening band was singing. I don't think it's great for bands you don't know when you're close (because the vocals are not very clear), but I think I'll keep coming back to see bands I know. It's really easy to get up close. We were in the "back of the line" for Royal Blood but we were able to be 10 people from the barricade (which was pretty close if you ask me). And they actually give you 16oz beers here (I was just at another venue that only gives you 12oz cups for drafts). read more

Union Transfer - Beer menu - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Union Transfer is a great-and VERY welcome-new addition to Philly's music scene. The building is very minimalist, but the decor they do have is pretty cool...think old time movie theater. The show area is not too heavily adorned, but it doesn't matter. The acoustics are great. I especially love their bar section. It is roomy enough that you aren't bumping into fellow concert-goers, and also elevated so you can look down amongst the sober youngsters. Great beer selection too...I love that they have Yards on tap. Also, if you were worried about the parking situation, fear not. There is plenty of free street parking close by. All in all, I can't wait to see another UT show! read more

Union Transfer quickly became my favorite Philly venue! I've seen a few shows here and have had a great experience at every concert. The place is clean and inviting, always a great time! Every staff member has been very friendly, from the bar tenders to the ID checkers. They get bonus points for their COAT CHECK! Yes, a coat check! That is an amazing addition to have, especially when you see shows in the winter months! What I love most about this venue is the space. You can watch the show on the floor, at the bar in the rear of the floor area, or from the balcony. If you need to get away from the crowd for a bit, you can go into the separate bar area where you can still hear the music and watch the stage on TV screens behind the bar. The bar also has a great selection of craft beers. I love seeing my favorite bands pop up on their event calendar and hope to get there more often in the future. read more

Have to say, this place is pretty great. Now, we all know Philadelphia has many different music venues, all with something different to offer. After seeing Boris and Asobi Seksu here, I feel Union Transfer deserves to join my other favorite music venues in Philadelphia: Johnny Brenda's and Kung Fu Necktie. I should mention the sound is awesome, and Boris was the perfect band to see for my first trip here. I saw Boris last year at the Starlight, and clearly, this show was much more enjoyable, probably one of my favorites ever. Also, I commend the management for being punctual about the set times. Most places you go to a show and it's unorganized and you're waiting an age for a band to come on. Great location, 3 blocks from the Spring Garden BSL stop, and in a fine part of the city. Walkable from Center City, if you like walking. The venue is a perfect size, large--not huge--still feels like an important space. The bouncers are all very polite, I don't think I've ever met a polite bouncer until now. If you are 21+, there is a whole separate bar area, which is nice if you want to settle in or aren't that into the openers. There is another bar in the actual show area, flanked by two other areas for 21+ folks. The beer offerings are satisfactory. I feel like a show is the perfect place to have Philly Pale Ale ($5.50) anyway. 21+ers also get re-entry. There are two balconies, but they weren't open that night. The bathrooms are quite nice, too. Union Transfer is a nice representative piece of our music scene in Philadelphia. Something we're proud to have. read more

I wasn't impressed with the event but I did like the space and think that this venue would be the perfect place to see a show Was invited as a +1 for Beer fest the best part about this fest was seeing fellow yelpers and people watching. The execution of this event was LAME and I would have been really mad if I actually paid the 33.00. There were no reps from actual breweries on hand to discuss the beers or answer questions. The "volunteers" many of who were clearly drunk SUCKED even at pouring beer and that's not hard. There were some delish options my favorite being the Weyerbacher Merry Monks that unfortunately was gone by 7:30. The staff was ok for the most part and I ended up finding some new brews. I'd come back here to see a show... maybe read more

Great space, classily dark atmosphere, and so many incredible shows at cheap prices. I love the layout, and the sound system is incredible! I was here opening night and a few times since, and it just keeps getting better. Union Transfer has easily upset the Troc's 10 year reign as my favorite Philly venue. Well done! read more

Best venue in Philadelphia. Hands down. I have been to literally hundreds of concerts at several different venues and this is the only one that impresses me every single time. The sound is flawless. All spots on the floor and up top have perfect view lines. The entire place is very clean. Somehow, even during a sold out show, the place never gets hot. I can't stand a place that feels like you are bathing in everyone else's breath and sweat. The staff is very nice and knows what they are doing. I work at few different venues in the city, and I'm always really jealous that this isn't one of the places every time I come here. Everything is run so well organized, and everything is always on time. I have to laugh at any review that is under 4 stars on here. If you didn't have a good time, I can assure anyone that it is because of them and not the venue. You should probably just stay the hell home next time you decide to go out and be a buzzkill to everyone else having fun. read more

I saw Washed Out here recently. Upon entrance, I thought it slightly confusing. I was not entirely sure where will-call was, however, easy problem, easier fixed. About 20 feet to the right of the entrance. Got my ticket, got inside. 21+ check! Moved through there awesomely large bar, with quite a decent draft selection, at very reasonable prices! Then I discovered that my drink could not come with me onto the dance floor. For about one second, I was bummed. Then I realized, the people on the floor want alcoholic beverages spilled on them, as much as I want to spill my plastic delicious $3 drink. So then I changed my mind. I loved it, a section for me and all my drinky drunky pals. There are three sorta-zones if you like to drink and watch music at the Union Transfer: first floor back, second floor balcony, and first floor, right side of the stage. Regardless. I watched the entire show from the back, with a drink always in my hand, and an amazing little waitress bopping around making sure my cup was always full. The sound was terrific, and because the back bar area is elevated ever about three feet, I could see the performance just fine. Leaving was a breeze as well. Lots of exits! No jammed up scary-emergency-die-like-feelings here! I love you Union Transfer! Thanks for making my first real show in Philly excellent! Cheers! read more

I really like staff, whom all have a professional attitude. They know how to do their job without treating people as if they are a criminal. (where I grew up, the door people treat the patrons at show as thought they are vermin) I also enjoyed the fact that there is so much exposed wood in the venue, the lighting is effective and fun, the sound was pretty good and there is wine at a reasonable price. My only complaint is that there is no seating for people with physical handicaps. Yes, there are stools at the bar, but were all taken. My husband and I had to leave early due to our pain levels. We both have bad backs. read more

Great boutique venue with great acoustic. Super easy parking lot $15.00 behind union transfer. Will call window & security was smooth and fast . Bar inside is fully stocked. The area around U.T is lacking . 2 blocks away is a nice bar & eatery called Prohibition. The performance of Imelda May was awesome , definitely looking forward to coming back . read more

Union Transfer - Imelda May Rocks Union Transfer - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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The best venue in Philly. Period. Maybe my favorite mid-sized venue anywhere. You can actually see the band playing, thanks to an elevated stage, as well as a pit area which is lower than the rest of the floor... If you like to drink, there are multiple bars that are easily accessible without having to leave the viewing area... not to mention a pretty darn good selection of craft beer (especially considering this is a music venue first, bar second). The building is really cool, kind of an old [oversized] tavern feeling... without the cramped, overcrowded part. Don't know why I'm writing this review... if a good band is playing here, you're going to buy a ticket and go anyway. If you're thinking about it and just haven't heard of this place, I've got two words for you -- just go. read more

I had a good time seeing Man Man here. It took me back to the Knitting Factory, site of my first concert in New York. The Man Man show wasn't as good or as intimate as Knitting Factory, but I was feeling the vibe. I wrote that ^ in 2012, after seeing a show with Bill McThrill. Since then, I've seen several shows here. It is still one of my favorite venues in Philly. I like the seating upstairs, the woodwork throughout the building, and I dig both the up and downstairs bars. The bathrooms are pretty tidy, and there is a lady selling snacks (right? am I making that up?) and handing out paper towel a la Webster Hall. The variety of performers that appears here is eclectic and suits me. read more

I have to agree with Aaliyah P. and Abbie D. when it comes to the beer fest. I'm definitely glad I won tickets, and didn't pay for them. The lack of brewery employees and the number of people there were a disappointment. The space is really cool though, and I would definitely like to see a show there sometime. It seems like a great concert venue, and its nice that Philly has another option besides the Electric Factory and the TLA. read more

Union Transfer is a great concert venue. It's spacious and airy with high ceilings, so it doesn't get stuffy even when lots of people are there. A gorgeous space. read more

I like Union Transfer because the drinks are priced normally (which in and of itself is incredibly surprising and exciting), they have an awesome tiered balcony so I can get a good view of the stage without having to be shoved into the middle of the crowd on the floor (I'm short so I'm always stuck behind some tall person), and it's spacious. The sound is pretty good. The interior is nice and has yet to be sullied. There are several bars so I don't have to wait a billion years for my drinks (and miss the artists in the meantime). They also pretty much only book solid artists. It's a much needed addition to the music scene here in Philadelphia. Union Transfer definitely took us to the next level. read more

I grew up in the area, and can remember when this building was the Spaghetti Warehouse - my family used to eat there once or twice a year. Before going to a concert here, I couldn't have imagined how it could be transformed from a kid-friendly restaurant to a popular concert setting, but I was pleasantly surprised. The venue itself is small, which makes it best for less-known bands (fewer crowds to fight!) The 21+ area is a HUGE plus, especially because it includes the balcony. Hands down my favorite place to stand during a show - you can't get a better view, plus I enjoying the thinner crowd up there. Beers are cheap (start around $4 or $5), plus there's unique foods like Baby's ice cream available as well. I went from never seeing a show here to going three times in just a few weeks, which I think speaks for itself. Sign up for their email newsletter (not annoyingly frequent) to keep up to date with upcoming concerts. read more

Great venue! Plenty of space even with a ginormous crowd, accessible bathrooms & bars. Not once did I have to wait in line for the bathroom when I was here to see Ben Howard. Staff are good natured and polite. Overall good experience and I would come back to see other shows here! read more

This venue is the best thing to happen to the Philly music scene. I can't believe they occupy the same space that used to be Spaghetti Warehouse. So easy to get to off the Broad Street Line! The venue looks like a baby version of the Bowery's Terminal 5, it's perfectly petite for Philly. Everything is well appointed, very organized, tons of places to perch and well staffed bars everywhere. The acoustics from the few places we stood around the stage were perfect. Check out the lineup and spend your $15-$20 to see a live show rather than going to another terrible movie. read more

This weekend was my first time at Union Transfer and I can't wait to return. There are many live music opportunities each month. We paid $20 a piece for tickets which seemed like nothing for the night we had. Great acoustics, lighting and environment. The building has old Philadelphia architecture which is so unique. The set up has a sunken floor (where you can't bring your drinks into), a regular floor (where the bars, with great beer selections are located) and a balcony that surrounds the stage allowing for so many viewpoints. Try something new with your friends and go see some live music in a unique venue! read more

Union Transfer - Griswolds - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I think they sell food. The water was excellent. Parking on site was $10, and reasonable considering you don't have to hunt for it and then risk being on Parking Wars. The show was...incomparable. H. Rollins, an absolute master of the spoken word. The only issue? The metal folding chairs made my ass go numb... I guess I'll just have to buy some obesity just like the rest of this country. read more

The overwhelming praise for Union Transfer is well deserved. This is an amazing addition to the local live music scene, perfect for its niche, and an instant favorite. Spacious interior with excellent sound and aesthetics. Good sightlines from almost any vantage point, especially in the wide balcony areas where the sound is just as good. Very reasonable bar prices and even more reasonable ticket prices, usually $15-18 with no Ticketmaster gouging, plus a fine email newsletter to keep fans in the know (the R5 emails also help). The recent We Were Promised Jetpacks show was my first (overdue) taste of UT, but definitely not the last. read more

Oh Union Transfer, I love you so much more now than when you were the Spaghetti Warehouse...or was it Spaghetti Factory? I've been here a handful of times now and have had a good experience every time. I love the fact that there are several bars, and love the balcony on the third floor (when it's open). Tickets are reasonably priced and I've never paid more than $20 to see a show, with the exception of the New Years open bar that was only $40 (pretty good deal if you ask me). There are two bars on the main floor with an additional bar upstairs on the balcony. Drink prices are pretty reasonable, as well, and the bartenders do a great job at making sure everyone is served. And I guess I should mention that the bathrooms are clean and larger than the size of a tiny, center city apartment closet - major bonus points! Go here! The venue is awesome and there isn't a bad seat in the house. I will definitely be back! read more

The first time I came here was for the Yelp event a few months ago... Just recently I came for a concert with a few friends. I was really impressed on how organized they are, the security, the bar scene. I'm definitely a fan of Union Transfer as a music venue. Thumbs Up! read more

This venue is wonderful. They are probably more deserving of a 4 star review, but I've had to dock them 1 star because of the fact that you cannot bring your adult beverages onto the dance floor. Sorry, Pennsylvania residents, but I just do not understand these fun-restricting laws. I am from New York, so: A) I am very used to drinking drinks all over venues, B) I cannot help but love Bowery Presents venues and attend them regularly. The Bowery Presents just do things proper: exciting and eclectic programming, great drinks, great staff, great sound, great sight lines, happy hours. Union Transfer is no exception. Overall, on-point. I will just never be able to wrap my head around these laws that make it hard for drinkers to let it all hang out. read more

Come on man, who messed up the five star average? Don't knock the bar for the state's liquor laws...it's not their fault. At least the staff is super nice in explaining it instead of being jerks... This venue is out of this world. I've been around my fair share of music venues nationwide and this is right up there with the best. The sight lines are great, the sound is phenomenal, atmosphere has a great vibe, the venue is able to accommodate different size shows, there's a back bar where you can "get away" if you need to, they have an "after show" happy hour, a spacious balcony....I mean, what can get better? Oh yeah, the beer selection is actually really great which is a sure departure from most music venues. I can get down with PBR too, but sometimes a show calls for something a little different.... This is one of those venues you'll WANT to see a show at. It can make that "I'm not sure I want to see that band (again)" to a "I will drive to see that band play Union Transfer." Love it and such a welcome sight to a much needed scene in Philadelphia. read more