The Showbox

Love this venue, so intimate and the sound is good. Way better than showbox solo IMO

Best venue to see medium size live show in Seattle hands down. Been going to the Showbox for 20 years. You really can’t do any better in Seattle. I love it when my favorite bands play the Showbox. Multiple bars, good sound, get up close or hang back — it’s up to you. Any negatives? Almost no seating and bathrooms situation not great. Parking not easy Small price to pay for a great live venue for me.

Best venue for music– fairly clean. It’s unfortunate that it’s broken apart in 21and above and below areas.

Great place to see a show. The food is good and the drinks are reasonable and strong. All in all i really enjoyed this bar. Try it

This is one of my favorite places to see live music. The dance floor is big but you can see the stage from almost anywhere. I’m usually not a fan of all ages show, but they are bearable at this venue because there’s so much room in the bar areas (and great spots to stand to view the stage act too). The staff is efficient. They are also pretty good at responding to social media questions in a timely fashion (for a venue of their size). I love this venue so much.

For a concert venue this place is great. Just the right size — not too small that you can’t move, and not too big that you can’t see the band. The location is super — good access to parking and public transit.

I really liked this venue. It’s set up in a somewhat circular shape with two bars on each side that are raised up so you can see the stage. The show I went to was a sold out concert, but it didn’t feel too crowded w/​room to move around still. Sound system was great, service from the waitress was great. Solid venue.

Worst venue I’ve been to in Seattle. We spent $ 50 to go see Greensky Bluegrass a couple weeks ago and were looking forward to the show for months. We stepped outside about 30 minutes into the first set and the ‘roid raging bouncer would not less us back in. He claimed we were supposed to get a stamp, but the door we walked out did not have anyone giving out stamps or any signs indicating where we were supposed to get stamped for re-​entry. We tried to explain this to the bouncer, but he would not listen to us and then started accusing my fiancée of being too drunk, which was not the case at all. We left sad and confused as to why Seattle is the worst. Absolutely fuck this place.

I came here for a show, and loved this place! It reminded me of a lot of the little venues in Los Angeles that I used to love to go to cheap concerts at. I’d love to go back for an actual concert some time.
Security was spot-​on at this venue; there was a guy being a bit of a creeper and they took care of him quickly and without there being a big scene about it. The bartenders were impressive, they got through drinks pretty quickly even though they were busy all night long!

Had fun playing here on tour opening for Tenacious-​D back in 2002… The place has a cool vibe and sounds great!
I’m glad to see its still got the same charm… Perfect size venue for a rock show!

i saw cocorosie a long time ago while i was in high school. it was lit inside and i had one of the front row views. the sound quality was good.
last summer i saw death grips, this time i was standing at the bar rather than mingling with all the high school kids down there; too bad it wasn’t 21+. i wish i could’ve squeezed in front row, maybe get drenched in mc ride’s sweat.
the line for death grips went around the block but it went pretty quickly once doors opened.
mostly a neutral experience, if whomever i like comes here then i’ll go.

I go to a lot of shows and this is my favorite venue. I love that they have multiple bars and I especially love that three of them have a full view of the show. There literally isn’t a bad seat in the entire place! And since then entire venue is GA, you can sit anywhere or stand anywhere you want! Also, the décor is gorgeous! The venue is small and intimate so your never too far away. I love that they let you get in and out with a bar stamp at every show. I have been to venues that ban that for rock shows and they dont! Which is super awesome!
I have been many times before but last night we seen Cradle of Filth and I had a great time! 5 stars for sure!

I like this venue a lot. The view and sound from the bar area is good and the chandeliers are so pretty! Only four stars because I always dread parking when I come here.

This review is for the bar at the entrance, the green room. I will update when I go to a show.
The bar is small but they have a nice selection of drinks and enough seating for a small group. The bartender was very friendly and happy to help us out with drink recommendations. I’ll definitely come here to chill out before a show.

Cool décor, great history, plenty of seating if you arrive early for shows.
No long waits at bar or ladies room for me!

My friends and I went to go see a concert last night and it was a decent place to go to a show. The sound was good. But the staff was horrible. It seems that we aren’t the only ones who have had this experience there. They were hassling my friend and me about everything. Standing in the wrong spot, she couldn’t put her head on my shoulder when we were sitting down, someone tried to buy me a bottle of water and the staff wouldn’t let him give it to me. The list goes on. I watched them time after time hassle other people too about petty stuff; holding their drink in the wrong place, dancing too much, and kicking people out for god knows what. They were rude and frankly, they ruined the show for me and for my group of friends.

Good venue, nice staff, and I enjoyed the show. The stage is a bit curved around, which is sort of cool as it gives more ‘rail’ room for people to stand at. The only thing was some feedback issues that I’m pretty sure had more to do with the sound board than the band. Lineup went smoothly for VIP and parking was okay about a block and a half away in a garage. Garage does close at midnight, so you have to be careful to get back on time if you choose to park there.

Great space. Saw the L7 show here. The design is much more conducive to music than the somewhat impersonal and sterile SODO location. The event staff is also friendlier. I really appreciate the kitschy 1960s lounge feel, the standing terraces, and the elevated bars. It’s 60s to the extent that you are a little afraid of asbestos being in the ceiling. There seems to be a pretty good view everywhere and you never feel too far from the stage. The General Admission floor is like a shallow crescent, rather than the typical rectangle. I can’t really think of what needs improvement, besides the crowd. Standing cross-​armed in designer clothing staring stoically at musicians with feet nailed to the floor is not the point of attending a concert.

I love this venue. I’ve seen shows in small intimate venues in nyc, Boston, DC, San Diego, Jersey, and Philly, and the Showbox is probably tied as my favorite. From rock bands, to hip-​hop, indie, and alternative shows, I have always enjoyed this space. The musicians can usually feel the warmth of the Seattle welcome here as well. The sound is fabulous and the ambiance of the Art Deco era is the perfect environment for a concert.
The restrooms (women left of stage, men right) are plentiful and clean, and the bars offer several microbrews as well as full service drinks. Food here is decent, and if you’re wanting a quieter space to eat and listen to music you can always eat in the Showbox restaurant/​bar right by the entrance.
In true old-​timey fashion they also have a photo booth in the back corner for documenting your night between acts! Love love love this space! Looking forward to many more shows here!

My husband and I went to The Church and Psychedelic Furs concert this week. Good show. BEST customer service from the Showbox staff. We were former VIP customers until the annual subscription priced us out of to the market. For the show we bought VIP seats to enjoy a table view. Those standing directly behind us were drunk, loud and rude. Several people kept sitting at the empty table next to us. As the evening progressed they became more obnoxious. Once i let the manager know, she immediately corrected the situation.
Thanks Showbox for great service and a fun show!

Showbox at the Market is an awesome venue to see your favourite band play. It’s deceptively big and open, considering the place looks pretty small on the outside; there’s a seating area and booths near the bar; the whole place is pretty clean; and no matter where you are, you feel close to the stage. Whether I was waiting for a drink at the bar or fighting off fellow vicious fans in the moshpit, I felt like I had a good view of the show.
On top of being a good venue in general, I was pretty impressed with the customer service. The band I went see (Dir en grey) couldn’t make their original show date because their bus broke down or something. I was extremely upset and worried that the show would be cancelled, or tickets would be non-​refundable, but the venue pushed the show to the same time next day. We didn’t have to get new tickets or anything!
When doors opened, they collected tickets fast and got everyone in in a timely manner, so it did not delay the show. Even though people were literally lined up around the block to get in, we were inside in a matter of 20 minutes.
It was because of my awesome experience at the Showbox that I had no problem shelling out to see Dir en grey play here again this year… and I fly in from Hawaii to see them.
Thanks for being so awesome, and bringing a variety of different performers to Seattle, Showbox!

Their hours for their ticket office is a JOKE!!! Open only Wednesday’s and Friday’s from 10am — 2pm. I can’t believe they are seriously only open twice a week for 4 hours. I’m flabbergasted.
Today I got off work at 1:30pm, shot over to Seattle and made it to Showbox by 1:55 only to be told they are incurring technical issues and they are unable to help at all and won’t be able to help me til next Wednesday, Unacceptable!!! So how long was the ticket office open this week? Less than 8 hours? SHOWBOX TICKET OFFICE IS SUCH TRASH!!!
I would recommend not attending anything hosted at either Showbox venues!!! Hope the business goes under.

Saw an old favorite band at this venue! I’ve been to smaller and bigger ones, this was on the hand of smallish-​big. There is a large floor you can stand on and listen to bands play, and then 4 – 5 various seating areas! THIS was nice, you’re not forced to stand the entire time waiting for the opening band, was great.
Although, I think the far right spot where I sat was great, but the sound bounced off the walls a weird way, may not have been the most ideal spot, but it was great because it was right by one of the bars, and on a ledge so people standing wouldn’t be in your direct eye line.
So all in all, if you love a band that will be performing here, you must see them. It’s a much more intimate experience! :)

Awesome venue for a show, the whole place is pretty close to the stage. There’s a lower floor and bars on both sides.
The whole place feels close to the stage. I came here for a Jurrasic 5 show and I will definitely be checking for more shows coming up.

The Showbox gets really great bands from across the music spectra (rock, punk, hip hop, metal) and has great sound, great sight lines and great lights. Also easy access to nice big bar areas for the grown-​ups (most shows are all ages, which is GREAT for the music scene). Huge main floor area where you can stand back and watch or get up close and do that run-​into-​everybody «dance» thing that somehow is still popular after all of these decades. And the nice high ceiling usually means you’re not going to roast while you’re watching a show, even if it’s sold out.
Drinks are tasty and boozy and reasonably priced, and bartenders are friendly! Wow! That never happens at a rock club!
Only knocks: it’s right in the heart of downtown, which means parking is a pain in the butt, and ticket prices are generally pretty high. Not like Eagles Reunion Tour high, but certainly 2 or 3 times more than a show at the Sunset or the Crocodile.

This place has improved a lot from the last I remembered. It’s much cleaner and better lighting too. The Crew (especially) working this time are much attentive and friendly. The show last night was off the hook with Etana performing (Love her. hope to see her soon) and «Anuhea»? Great venue, tickets were very reasonable for several acts that went on prior and were also very entertaining. I didn’t mind the short intermissions, still got to dance here, and there, and bumped in to a lot of friends. Good times!
I can’t wait for my next venue…

This is my favorite music venue in Seattle! I would go to a show here without being familiar with the artist, just because I know the venue is that good. A small, intimate feel but with enough space to bring really solid acts. Tickets are reasonably price, the venue is centrally located. You don’t have to fight for room in the crowd and the view and sound is good from anywhere (I typically stand in the elevated bar sections located on either side of the venue; there are also seats and tables available to sit). The drinks are priced like a normal bar (instead of a concert/​stadium pricing scheme) which is great, and you can even get some food.

Kind of sucks that they make it hard to buy tickets from their ticket booth so you’ll have to buy it online and pay the $ 12 per ticket «continence» charge

The best club in Seattle! Great downtown location, great sound, plenty of bars, and ultimately an intimate spot to catch a show. The «get a drink and chill» bar areas are well separated from «go crazy and mosh» pit area in the middle, allowing for parents/​bored significant others a place to hang while you jam/​mash/​scream the lyrics as your favorite song is played. The staff is pretty friendly compared to other clubs in the area with this feel. Never a crazy line for the bathrooms but I’m a guy, so take that as you will.
Bottom line is this:
If an artist you like plays here, you’re a fool to not go.

There are places where you go for a show and it’s JUST A VENUE. And there are some places that give off this aura and you can just feel it as you walk into the venue. This spot definitely had that vibe coming out of its pores. Staff was well managed and definitely efficient. The bar was nothing spectacular but i have no complaints. I saw THE ROOTS here on a spontaneous night while I was visiting Seattle.

This venue is awesome! I’ve seen a few shows here (Fabolous in 2013, Anberlin last month) and both shows were great. Although the quality of shows have a lot to do with the group/​individual who is performing, this is one of the best venues to watch a concert at. I’ve also have never had any issues with the staff, any question I ask has always been very helpful. The bouncers are always at tentative and at their respective spots (front door, near the stage, etc.) so I have no issues with security.
I also recently went here on Friday (¹⁰⁄₃₁) for the Risqué Halloween party. To be honest, I didn’t have high hopes for this event because I wasn’t sure if the Showbox was an appropriate venue for throwing a party quite like this. I was wrong. The event was awesome and I highly recommend everyone to go next year when tickets go on sale (tickets were pretty cheap too!). DJ Mack Long was great, they had a nice photo booth to take pictures at and it helps to have two bars open so the lines were not very long. Overall, every time I have gone to the Showbox it has always been a blast.

My favorite place in Seattle, nay, anywhere, to see a concert.
Small yet big enough to hold a thousand or so, this venue goes after the popular or timeless bands that will fill it up but wouldn’t sell out a stadium. They also have bands come in that are new to the scene like 80’s cover bands.
The sound is great, and the lighting is always well done.
Crushed red velvet seating if you’re a few hours early to get it with painted black bars, concrete standing GA floor. All tix are GA. The place has character and has a great feel to it. It’s clean too.
Bouncers are chill, doing their job and don’t give you a hard time.
I saw a show here once when I was going through a medical treatment and wasn’t able to stand or arrive early enough to grab a seat. I contacted management ahead of time, and they reserved seats for me and my guest for the show.
Parking can be a pain in the butt, but that’s the life of downtown and walking before/​after from the lot will keep you pumped up or just take a cab.
Warning: There are a lot of vagrants that like to hang out in front of the venue. If you’re a lady, make sure you have some strong, beefy male companionship to walk with you or bring some mace or your karate skills.