Is it a nice venue? Yup! Not super cozy, but surprisingly intimate when the music starts. I found the interactions with the performers one of the highlights. And you will definitely have a seat. Will it be a good seat? That's another matter altogether. Frankly, I found the way The Birchmere's ticketing system works super confusing and not all that intuitive. If you're in-the-know, you'll get a great seat. If you're coming from out-of-town without any familiarity of the system or show up late, you may be hosed. And the staff, frankly, aren't very helpful in illuminating what all you need to do, even when pressed. I guess that's because just about anyone new won't know, and so will likely pester them with the same questions. And this happens over and over, day after day. I get their impatience. So, why not just print up a flyer, posted to their website, that says what the steps are? Barring that, let me help you be in-the-know. Here's what you need to do: 1. Buy your ticket, preferably in advance. You can pick up the ticket at will-call day of. That won't be a problem. 2. Arrive before 5 to get your chit. This established your place in line. It's open seating, so the lower your number, the better your potential seat will be. 3. Come back promptly at 6 (or just hang out and have a drink until 6). They'll start calling numbers at 6. 4. Grab seats at a table which you think will give you the best vantage if the stage. 5. Since you have 1.5 hours to kill, grab some food. (Clearly, they expect you to have dinner here.) Or grab a drink and nurse it for a while. Order another before the show. There. It may lead to a better experience at the venue. I would've given The Birchmere 5 stars if it weren't for the confusing ticketing system. I really did like the venue, and now that I'm familiar with their arcane ticketing and entry process, my next visit (and there *will* be a next visit, since I already have the tickets!) will be oh so much better. I hope that yours is too. :) read more

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The parking is free here. Don't let third party vendors convince you otherwise. The first come first serve means get here before the doors open. Other reviews explained this very clearly. Obtain your table number by getting there super early, so that you can be near the stage for better eye view, otherwise there is a strain to see. While I like this venue and that there are seats with tables, It was a bit tight, which is to be expected for a concert type venue trying to squeeze everyone in. Although I wasn't close to the stage I had a few decent views of the artist. Raheem was extremely entertaining and he walked around the venue towards our table. Overall a decent first time experience. The quality of the live performance was really nice and his mic was on! I say, stick with the dry red wines! The processco I was given tasted flat. Perhaps it was expired. read more

Birchmere - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I had a lovely time at the Birchmere. It's such a quaint venue. I love that they have a lounge that includes a bar area outside the main theater for those that arrive early. I don't mind the community seating, but I do prefer assigned seats. It would be nice if they sold seats based on the location of the table. A lot of people don't have time to get there 2 hours before a show to get a ticket number. Especially for a show on a weekday. The parking was full when I arrived at 7:15 for a 7:30 show. However, they conveniently provided extra parking across the street at St. Rita's. The sound was great. Jeffrey Osborne sounded amazing. He even walked through the theater a couple of times. It was a good time. I didn't try the food, but people seemed to enjoy it. My table had chicken fingers and the wing baskets. They said it was good. Overall, I would recommend this venue for an intimate experience. It's a bit dated but that adds to the charm. read more

Birchmere - Marquee - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I love the performers that they have here. I just wish they had assigned seating. Getting tickets doesn't necessarily mean you will sit wherever you like. You need to arrive at least two hours before show time to select a good seat. Parking is free and it's plenty of it available. When you arrive early you get a ticket and they call it out so you can enter the hall. Otherwise they do have a waiting area where you can order drinks if you like and wait for your ticket to be called. Who's Bad Band (Tribute to Michael Jackson) is the ony band we travel this far to see. We live a good distance away. So we make a night of it. Plenty of nearby hotels available. Also while the drinks are nice and strong. I love the chicken wings basket. The wings are fried nicely and it comes with fries and a delicious tangy BBQ sauce. We will return again when our favorite band is performing. Our wait staff was nice and efficient as well. That's always a plus! read more

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I came here for After Datk with Angie Potani and The Brian Newman band. It was such a great show! The audience was engaged, there was plenty of room to sit and enjoy. Advise getting here early as parking around the building is a bit tricky. Also seating is tables (because this place has a full menu!) and if you want a great spot, they fill up quickly. Definitely would come here for a show again read more

Birchmere - Brian Newman playing the trumpet - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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The Birchmere: Great music. Intimate setting. Comfortable room. Gross overcooked uninspired food. read more

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Awesome is the only words that can describe the venue, the music, the food and the staff. If planning to attend an event here, I would encourage an early arrival. The parking is a challenge, and when leaving pack your patience. Seating is intimate and community seating. Meaning if at tablenof four you may be seated with persons you do not know...we have made many friends outnof strangers read more

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The Birchmere is a fun historic music hall with a lot of character. You definitely feel like you are stepping back in time when you first walk in. The history on the walls is just so cool. Visited to attend a holiday comedy show. John Waters is such a multidimensional talent and has been around Hollywood for decades. I did not realize he is actually from the DMV...Baltimore to be specific. Anyway, my husband and I had a great time. We didn't try any of the food, but they do have a full menu. We did enjoy some Port City Porter during the show. Parking is available on site and we did not have any issues getting in or out of the parking lot. There are security personnel as well, which adds to the safety of your vehicle and helps with traffic flow. The staff were all friendly and helpful. We will definitely be back. Thank you for a great experience. read more

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This is a great venue. We saw Pink Martini here and I don't think there's a bad seat in the place but you should arrive early to be sure your whole party gets seats together. We arrived :45 before the show, parked in the lot and sat to the left of the stage near the front. It was busy and filled up quick. The show was really good, sound, lights and pretty intimate space wise. Our server was very honest and we were glad about that. Food is marginal, prices reasonable. Definitely will return for other shows. read more

Birchmere - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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I have been going to the Birchmere for decades. The food is much improved. Really decent portions of house made comfort foods. The service is usually excellent. Look around at the core of servers, food runners and happy people. The beer list is outstanding. The entertainment is always good-sometimes AMAZING. Robert Cray, Trombone Shorty, Keb Mo, Taj Mahal et Al. Get there early, get a number and you may very well be literally Front Row! Only buy tickets at the venue. Ticketmaster is the only safe option. But I believe in supporting venues not thieving mega corporate bandits. read more

A local staple that should not be missed. We've been here twice in a year and will miss it sooo much when we move out of town. This is place is like none other. Come early to get a good seat. Socialize at shared tables or find one of the tables for two. All of our food was superior to any bar food and fresh... steak sandwich, fish and chips, homemade desserts. First we heard country then jazz. Both acts were national acts. To be that close, with no video screens was amazing. Since 1966. Rock on read more

Birchmere - Stage - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Bought tickets to see Pete Yorn play for his album's 25th anniversary! Doors open at 5, but you can show up and wait outside earlier, you get a ticket handed to you and they call your number at 6pm so that you can pick your seat for inside the actual stage area. Only drinks and light snacks are served when you are waiting for your ticket to be called, but bartenders are kind and drinks are strong :) The interior is very eclectic: there is a mural outside, almost a rodeo bluegrass hall vibe on the inside of the building with a stuffed bear, and a mannequin of a guy playing harmonica! Once your ticket is called, you pick your seat in front of the stage. There are levels to the seating area so anywhere you sit, you will get a decent view! No phone use and limited camera use with no flash photography, and the stage is extremely close, which makes the setting extremely intimate and memorable. There is a large menu with lots to choose from, waiters are very kind and food came out surprisingly fast considering most of the orders went to the kitchen at the same time. The sound is amazing, we got very good seats. Highly recommend! read more

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Other than the process of actually getting in, which you know ahead of time, everything was great. I had the prime rib sandwich which melted in my mouth - it was excellent. The wait staff were all great - they hustled and did a great job. The Three Dog Night were amazing. I am so glad there is a venue where they still play and they are still fabulous - what a great show!!!!! The place was sold out. So glad to have such a great venue where you can relax and enjoy! read more

A most enjoyable place to take in a good meal have drinks and take in a wonderful show all in one place. The atmosphere is very pleasant and friendly. I plan to return next year to see Jeffery Osborne again! read more

What a delightful venue! Stopped in last night for the first time- absolute gem of a venue. Very friendly and helpful staff. We were there for a 7:30 start (to see legend Marty Stuart). We got there around 6:45 so I can't comment on arrival/issuing if number process but we had no issue getting 2 good seats together (usher/staff helped us). Crowd was very friendly and we made new table friends. Took time to look around to see the posters of previous performers. Huge parking lot, we used Uber but good to know for future shows. Support Live Music! Birchmere makes that easy to do. read more

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Classy, upscale venue featuring dim lighting in the dining room facing the stage. Servers come to your table and bring you food and drinks as you take in a show. This is elegant and historic setting, you can feel reverence for the place by everyone under the roof. Tables are long and are the only seating for the concert so unless you come with a very large party yourself, you will likely be seated with other appreciators of the artist you've come to see and hear. It's a good way to break bread with new people over a shared experience. I loved having a nice date night here and look forward to returning. read more

Birchmere - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

We went to the Birchmere to see the Laurel Canyon show in February 2025. We enjoyed the evening very much & we're glad that such a venue for musicians exists. That being said, we had quite a bit of anxiety before going because of what I'll call the protocols the Birchmere has in place. To get the best seats in the house, people need to go at 5 & get a number. Then they need to go back at 6 when the doors open & show their ticket. People are then allowed to enter in order--the first person in line at 5 gets to enter first, the second person, etc. We live in DC & weren't keen on driving back & forth, thereby turning the evening into a 5-hour event. So we got to the Birchmere at 6. Our seats weren't the best in the house, but we could hear the music very well & see the stage. We weren't able to find a space in the main parking lot when we first arrived. But shortly after we arrived, they opened an auxiliary parking lot very close to Mount Vernon Avenue. We backed into a space in that lot & walked to the theater. It was a fairly short walk & it meant that after the show we were among the first cars to be on our way home. The food is a solid mediocre. We had fried catfish & ate every morsel. I left most of my fries. read more

Birchmere - French fries - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I've been here several times throughout the years and it's one of my favorite venues in the dmv to catch a show and have some dinner. The food isn't exactly gourmet but it gets the job done. I recently saw After 7 there, most seats are good but if you want to be close you should be there 60-90 minutes before showtime read more

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Our first visit to the venue. We arrived early and there was plenty of parking. We waited for the box office to give out seat numbers and we were able to get a table right at center stage to see Don McLean. The bar opened at 5 and we were able to get coffee !! That was a plus. We had some nice conversation at our table while waiting to go in. They call your seating number when the hall opens. Our waitress was fast, efficient, and checked on us throughout the show. Food was like bar food, but it was not the food that matters. The crowd was polite and created a very different atmosphere. We certainly want to see another show in this venue. read more

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Attended a show here. It wasn't reserved seat. And the seats were at tables. You can line up outside until the box office opens. Once the box office (which is inside) opens, you grab a line number (just like at the deli counter). You then continue on inside to a large area with some seating, a bar, and a gift shop. The bar has a decent beer, wine, and cocktail list. You can also order chips and salsa. Once the doors for the show open, they call out each number and you enter according to your number. And then you sit anywhere. There are servers who come around throughout the show and take food and drink orders. Our server was super nice and attentive. I had the King Kobb salad and it was pretty tasty. Similar to a wedge salad, but topped BBQ-sauced chicken tenders. It was yum. The sound quality was good and a great time was had. read more

Birchmere - King Kobb Salad - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I have been several times over the past few years and it's always a good experience. The parking seems to have gotten easier, both getting in & out. Also, the food seems to have improved. The red beans & rice meal is hubby's regular and he felt it had improved. A friend and I ordered two items from the specials menu. The bourbon chicken was pretty good and the mac & cheese wasn't bad. Sheila E was great but I feels like that's a given however the venue makes a difference. I hold my previous assessment there are no bad seats as long as you are facing the stage (& you can always turn a chair around to face the stage). This time we found three seats together facing forward in the rear of the center. But as I said their are no bad seats, especially when the guests will often leave the stage. Great venue, if your interested in a show a Birchmere my advice is get your tickets & enjoy the show (but be sure to show up early enough to get your seats, especially if there are multiple folks in you party). read more

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Second time attending a show at the legendary Birchmere (we live out of the area). Rodney Crowell, one of the finest songwriter from Nashiville brought Mary Karr, Rob Icks & Trey Hensley as supporting musicians for a two hour set of his career spanning songs (and a Townes Van Zandt "No Place To Fall"). Great show,glad it was rescheduled The venue is well managed with a unique entry and seating procedure handled by a friendly and professional staff. Get there early for less-stress parking. Looking forward to returning. read more

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This is an amazing venue that offers great concerts at reasonable ticket prices, easy parking and access to seating. We were amazed at the food options and drinks. Quite honestly this place is one of the best kept secrets in Alexandria. If you haven't been to a show there, you're missing out. read more

Had an amazing night at The Birchmere. Truly enjoyed listening to Gerald Albright! It was worth the cost. The service was great. Our waitress was very friendly. Every employee was courteous and professional. The food was hot and good. Love the atmosphere. You can see the stage from any seat. I will definitely visit again!! read more

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Venue where every seat is a great seat. My drink was strong, my food was bland (prime rib sandwich) but fantastic venue nonetheless. The show I attended was awesome and started on time! read more

The event was terrific. I liked the honesty of our server to guide us on what to order. We ordered lasagna dinner. Food was not bad. Parking easy but definitely get there early. It was our first experience at Birchmere and we will certainly return. read more

Birchmere - Pink Martini did not disappoint!! Great venue! - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Attended the concert on November 2 by Keiko Matsui. While posing for photos in front of the iconic mural in front, we were greeted by the owner, Mrs. Susan.Oelze who snapped the photos for us, and escorted us to the bar for a round of drinks! The atmosphere was sociable, the food tasty, and the music uplifting and inspiring. Thanks to the owner, staff, and the artist for creating a memorable experience. read more

Birchmere - November 2 by Keiko Matsui, While posing for a photo in front of the iconic mural out front, we were greeted by the owner,Ms Susan - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Surprising as I never heard of this place before after living in the area for over 10 years. It's like a supper club with pretty legit live acts. Depending on what type of activity, I recommend arriving at 5pm. Also surprising for DC area, there is a lot of parking available. Line up at the door and get your number. it is first come first serve. Grab (buy) a beverage / snack at the bar and have a sit in the lounge. They will later open the main doors and start calling #s. When your number is called, hand them a ticket for your party and make your way into the dining/stage area. Tables close to the stage will fill up. Be prepared to meet new people at your table. Food was good. Menu pretty varied but quick. I had the flatbread. it was huge. I tore it up. We saw the Cowboy Junkies. Very good. Good food, good vibe, good service, good acts. Highly recommended. read more

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This is a great old venue, with two performance areas. Most shows are in the seated area, capacity 500. Wait staff delivers drinks and a full dinner menu to your table. There are minimal vegetarian options and not much for vegans- check the menu before you come. Important to know; tables seat 2-6, you may end up sharing a table with people you don't know. It's best to get to the venue ahead of doors opening time - people line up outside, and as you enter, each group is given a number for order of entry. You will have some time to get a drink, then the numbers are called in order. No seats are assigned, so you'll quickly see why getting there early helps assure a good view. The sound is great here - generally not too loud, good lighting, and nice staff. Most shows I have seen here have been very special and intimate. The place has a reputation among artists, and many acts return regularly. There's also a good variety of shows, from folksy singer-songwriters to metal, blues, and comedy. read more

I like this venue, the acoustics are very good. It's more of an intimate venue. I was here to see Kevin Ross, he did not disappoint! The service was great, I didn't order food, but I ordered a Lemon Drop Martini and it was delicious. Free parking on sight but get there early or you will be in the back, like me :/ I'm all seriousness, I like this venue and I will return to see more shows. I love the artwork outside and all of the cool photos hanging up inside. read more

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We saw the band Toast (the Ultimate Bread experience). They sounded great. The songs selection took us back to the 70's. The venue has seating roughly 500 people. I believe all seatings can see and hear just fine. We brought tickets earlier. On the day of the concert we showed up at 4:00pm (for a 7:30pm concert).We were 26th in line. At 5:00pm the doors open and we would go to the box office and grab a number. Then we wait in a holding area where we can order drinks and food. At 6:00pm The actual concert hall opens up and we can select a seat on first come first serve. We ordered food and drinks. The concert started at 7:30pm sharp. The food is ok. The cost is $20 per dish and $5 for soda. We had front row seats. Next time I would show up 5 mins before show time. I am in my 50's and it is August 15,2025. If I can buy my ticket ans select the seat I would be happier. read more

The food, service and ambiance was impeccable. I love the everything about this place and more.

This place is a staple in the community and keep dope artist in rotation here. For the amount of patrons they serve service for me has never been a problem. Prompt and accurate, no issues. Spacious and the have tvs in the lobby like area by the bar to watch the show if you don't want to sit among the masses. Early arrival is highly suggested, I always sit toward the back it has more room for me and I can dart out to the bathroom without interrupting people. Eric Roberson puts on an AMAZING show!! Check him out if you haven't. He reminds me of Anthony Hamilton and Raheem DeVaughn smooth very creative. If you want to catch great artist for a fraction of the price this is the spot for it. The food wasn't horrible either. The catfish beans and rice was good. The southwest salad was good salmon was like woodpecker dust dry as cardboard. Our drinks were solid since it was nothing but alcohol for an old fashion and Jameson with ginger beer read more

Birchmere - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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First, let me say that Dave Koz is an incredible musician. However, this time I chose not to stay for his performance. I've been a loyal supporter of The Birchmere for nearly 20 years, but my recent experience left me disappointed. Over the years, I've arrived earlier and earlier to secure decent seating. Perhaps it's time to consider moving to an assigned seating model, where customers can pay for specific seats. When I arrived 85 minutes before showtime, the parking lot was already full, and seating was scarce. After struggling to find an acceptable spot--and noticing an unpleasant odor in the venue--I decided to leave and dine elsewhere instead. It's clear the venue is in need of a major overhaul. In recent years, I've noticed a steady decline in the overall conditions--from parking and seating to food and restrooms. It makes me wonder what the artists' dressing rooms must look like. While I appreciate that The Birchmere is conveniently located near my home, I'd rather travel farther to enjoy a performance at a venue that invests in the customer experience. If improvements aren't made, both loyal patrons and talented musicians may begin looking elsewhere. I'd strongly encourage The Birchmere to conduct a customer experience survey to hear directly from long-time supporters like myself. It could make a world of difference in restoring the venue's reputation and ensuring future success. read more

If you want to have a close and intimate musical experience then this is the place where you want to be. The Birchmere is unique in that it provides a way for you to experience music and artist up close and personal. There is not a bad seat in the house. Also, there is a full menu of New Orleans inspired and Soul Food Cuisine; including vegetarian options. So there's no reason to go somewhere else, when you can enjoy dinner and a show all in one. The food is good too. For me, the Fried Catfish w/ Red Beans n' Rice dish is one of my favorites and I do recommend. Doors open at 5pm and there is a bar with seating available before the concert hall opens. The sound system is incredible. The staff is very friendly and parking is free! This, plus good food and performances.....make for a great night and time spent out on the town. * YELP ELITE INSIDER TIPS: 1) Get there early! At least an hour before your show. Most of the seating is general admission and on a first-come, first-serve basis. 2) The Table seating in the center of the venue offer the best viewing experience in the house! Also, the tables alongside the railings within the venue. read more

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First time to a live performance here in many years. Was super excited to see Patrice Rushen and bought tickets months ahead as a gift to a family member. The entry and parking situation is annoying but livable. Met someone who said she got to the venue to get a number to enter at 4:30 pm for this show which started at 7:30. She had seats up front. I live 45 mins away and arrived at 6:30. We were able to park on the lot although it was far away from the actual venue. It was maybe about an 8 minute brisk walk and it was super cold out. We were meeting friends who had arrived at 5 and they were seated way in the back near the sound people in an effort to save 2 of us seats. I was annoyed at first cause the seats were jammed tightly at long tables. Fortunately no one sat immediately to my left so I could breathe. I would say there are too many seats at some of the tables (think Blues Alley). The staff person who served us was pleasant and easy-going. I could tell she's a pro server. Stuart at the box office was kind and generous. We ordered gingerales, waters, fish and chips and a pulled pork sandwich. Both were edible if not memorable. The show was amazing. The sound and acoustics and ability to see the performers is what makes this place great. read more

Birchmere - Patrice Rushen is an amazing performer. - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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The seating method is unconventional. Get there at 5 to get a good number. We got seats 3 feet from the stage and had a good dinner off of a very long menu. You sit at long community tables either your new best friends. The bacon grilled cheese and the chicken thighs were the stars. Excellent service from a well practiced staff. Dinner for 2 and 4 drinks was about $80 plus tip The show was Ricky Skaggs doing blue grass and the sound and lights were very good. Very well behaved crowd stayed seated for the entire show. Shockingly clean bathrooms. I ubered because getting out of the lot can be a challenge. read more

Birchmere - Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky thunder. - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

This is a great intimate venue to see a show. View of the stage is hard to beat and the sound is spectacular. It's worth showing up early to get excellent seats. Fill the time with a meal and drink. The food is nothing to write home about but it's "good enough." They have some great beers on draft and canned, but the wine leaves a lot to be desired. In short, eating and drinking here is nothing to write home about but the service is super friendly, fast and efficient. The staff are superbly choreographed to get a big job done in a short amount of time. Parking is easy and onsite. If you have experienced The Birchmere, it's a must do! read more

This was finally my first time visiting the Birchmere. I say finally, because I've been getting their emails since (checks email) 2015 - ten years ago. That's kind of embarrassing. It's not to say there haven't been acts that I wanted to see. But the act that finally got me out was Hank Azaria and EZ Street Band. He joked during the show that the people who work here will tell you about the history of the venue whether you ask or not. I laughed because I did ask an employee how to order food, as it is my first time here. I asked, ya'll got an app or something? lol. He said "we've been around since so and so and this and that" and long story short, no app. Why can't you have an app? I feel like it would make life so much easier to order. But alas. Speaking of food, it's kind of a pet peeve when people rate the food at places such as this. You're not going here for a Michelin star dining experience. You're going for the show. The food is secondary. Would it be nice if they had some sort of amazing cuisine? Sure. Is it really expected? No. Am I fine with mediocre bar food and good music? Sure. Adds to the experience. Now that I've been there and kind of know the lay of the land I'm going to try to get out there to see some more shows. They have some great acts lined up. read more

Seating and food are...difficult to describe positively. Service was okay, with a large room and a strained staff. We did get good seats for the show, but I can't say any seats are bad unless you're in the corners of the room. Don't expect lots of food options or beer choices. read more