The Birchmere is considered one of America's legendary music halls. This venue has hosted some of the biggest acts in the business and has a lot of personality. I recently visited to support singer/songwriter and Howard University alumnus Eric Roberson. Despite arriving early, early birds arrived even earlier to obtain line numbers and grab the best general admission seats. Unfortunately, we landed near the back of the music hall. To pass the time, we ordered food and drinks. It took a while to receive them and even longer to get the server's attention to bring a few items that she forgot. Don't waste your time with the big plate of bread pudding. It's just not worth the calories. The food and wine were average at best, but the mood changed when Erro started to perform. He started off with one of my favorites Picture Perfect. His acoustic sounds were lovely and got everyone engaged. I was having a good time until a tall man changed places with his date and I could no longer see the stage. No Surprise: The room layout and seating arrangement are my biggest problems with this facility. The open dinner style seating closes the audience in and makes it difficult to enter and exit without impacting others. The aisles basically disappeared when people started shifting their chairs. I pondered what would happen if we had to quickly evacuate. +Tips: Arrive really early, use restrooms before the show begins to avoid the hassle, and pray the people sitting right next to you showered. read more

See all

The Birchmere is Virginia's best kept concert venue secret. While it's well known in the music community, I think a lot of fans of music are unaware of it's existence. The doors to the Birchmere Box Office open at 5:00 pm. You can then pick up your pre-purchased tickets and you are issued a number stub - this determines how quickly you get to enter the Music Hall and select a place to sit - there is no assigned seating at the Birchmere. I will usually arrive at the Birchmere around 4:15 - 4:30 pm to get in line for the box office to insure I get a low number and thus get a good seat in the Music Hall. Once past the Box Office - folks hang out in the Bar for an hour and socialize over a beer or drink. The doors to the Music Hall open at 6:00 pm and they begin to call off the number stubs to admit folks. The Birchmere is divided into two music performance areas - The Bandstand and the Music Hall. The Bandstand hosts performances with very little seating available. This area appears to be used for performances where the expectation is that a lot of folks will want to stand up and dance. The Music Hall is the venue for sitting down, having dinner, and watching a performance. This is by far my favorite part of The Birchmere. After a long day at work, I'm usually not interested in being on my feet for 2-3 hours for a performance. No dancing is allowed in the Music Hall. There really aren't any bad seats in the Music Hall. And the acoustics are excellent. The food menu is not the best quality - but there are a couple of solid, consistent culinary performers - the chili and the cajun gumbo are tasty and filling, the portion size could be a tad smaller - they give you way to much food! The beer selection is decent - and the bar carries a couple good brands of single malt scotch - including The MacAllan. You will note in the hallway just outside of the Music Hall that every last inch of the walls are covered with autographed, framed photos of the legions of musicians that have performed at the Birchmere over the years. Take some time to browse through the photos. There is also a nice gift shop - this is where the artist(s) performing that evening will have their CDs and other gear available for purchase. The Birchmere also has a varied selection of a wide variety of CDs for sale - from artists that have previously performed there - as well as t-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, and various other music swag. After the performance - some tables are generally set aside in the Bandstand area for fans to get in line and meet the performers and get their CDs autographed. I've been to the Birchmere more times that I can count since the year I first started attending - 2000. Bands I've seen here include: Steeleye Span, Fairport Convention, Seven Nations, Wolfstone, Gaelic Storm, Natalie MacMaster, Nanci Griffith, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Altan, Moya Brennan, Flook, Lunasa, Liz Carroll, and many more! It's my favorite concert venue in the Washington DC area! read more

I hate going to concerts at large venues. They're so impersonal and one is left to view the artist they came to see on some kind of Jumbotron. In that case, I could have stayed home and watch the artist's music videos and saved my money. I'm into a lot of lesser-known artists and musicians, and to me there is nothing like going to see a performance at a small intimate venue surrounded by other people who are also in on the 'secret'. And being so close to the audience gives the artist the opportunity to interact more person that leads with the audience. The exchange of energy is electric, and you never know what might happen. That said, this has become one of my new favorite places to see a concert. It checked so many of the boxes for me. Free, and ample, parking. Friendly staff. A beautiful, intimate venue. Fantastic sound system. No waiting in long ass lines in the cold to get in. I really couldn't ask for much more. I wasn't thrilled about the open/community table seating, but I had the luck of the draw and sat at a table with a lovely couple who was more than happy to have me join them. For my birthday, I bought myself a ticket to see my favorite pianist, Robert Glasper. The show was unreal! Robert, and the artists/musicians that accompanied him, are all insanely talented. And Robert is funny as hell! At one point I wasn't sure from the concert or comedy show. The band/DJ were clearly in sync, and after one or two songs, it was clear that everything else they were doing was strictly improvisational. To me, that's the tell-tale sign of a musical genius. At one point he brought the audience to tears as he played a beautifully haunting meditation, as the DJ played the voices of young kids reciting the names of people who were murdered in police-involved shootings in recent years. The DJ then wove in audio clips of Philando Castile's girlfriend heartbreaking commentary as her boyfriend lay dying in the seat beside her. The performance was uncharacteristically heavy in contrast to the rest of the concert, but it was so powerful and so eerily beautiful. As the meditation drew to a close, a young lyrical artist (Javier something) came out and blessed the audience with a thoughtfully crafted rhyme about the state of our nation. I normally bristle at the hip-hop end of Glasper's broad musical spectrum (I tend to cozy up at the contemporary jazz and jazz standard end), but it was poignant, purposeful, powerful, and passionate. Extremely well done. Because the show was on a weeknight, I had a feeling that the concert wouldn't be as long as I'd like. Robert has at least a dozen albums between himself, the Robert Glasper Trio, and all the other projects he's involved in. That's not even to mention the one all that he's done with so many other artists. To be fair, I could listen to him play Forever, and it probably still wouldn't be enough. Nevertheless, it was the best hour and a half that I've spent in a very long time. He's been on tour all over the world and I didn't even think he was going to make it back to the States this year, much less make it to my backyard. I was so pleased with the show and if I didn't have a prior engagement this evening, I would definitely go back and see it again. Enough about the show. As for the venue, I was disappointed that they stop serving food so early in the evening(I think the kitchen closes at 8:30). I had my mouth set on some catfish. After I ordered my bottle of wine, our server never came back around to see if I wanted anything to eat. And by the time I was able to flag him down, not long after the show had started, he had informed me that the kitchen is just closed. Thank goodness I had eaten a heavy lunch. The few times I saw him, our server was really nice. I'm not sure how many tables he was handling though, because he only checked on us once and as he was making his rounds I saw him make his way practically to the back corner of the restaurant. That's a lot of people that manage, a lot of orders to take, and a lot of drinks to refill, so it's no wonder we didn't see him that often. Pro-Tips: 1. If you're an introvert/antisocial/don't do well with strangers. A.) Get there early to get a good seat B.) Go to a show with friends, to avoid being stuck at a table with a stranger, or; C.) brace yourself, because you're probably going to end up making a new friend. 2. Order food before the show starts because you might not be able to later. If you know you're going to be late, you might want to eat before you get there 3. Get there early: not only to get a good seat because traffic on 395 fucking sucks. If you're leaving from DC and the show you're going to see is during the week, make sure you leave a half an hour earlier than you think you need to. I left a little over an hour before the show was scheduled to start and got caught in rush-hour traffic. I made it to the venue was less than 15 minutes before showtimes. All this for what is normally a 20-minute trip. read more

See all

I attended a show here that was being held in the Flex Stage area. This was my second time attending a show here, but it was my first time seeing one in the Flex Stage area. The show I saw was Scott Bradlee and the Postmodern Jukebox in January 2015. It was held during the weekday, but luckily for me, it was on a holiday. It was not hard to find the venue from the street as they have a big sign so that you know it is there. I arrived at the show about 45 minutes before the show started and so parking within the Birchmere Parking lot was full - there were cops on the main road directing folks to parking and so I was directed to the lot across from the Birchmere, which did not have a lot of spaces available, but I found one, luckily. It is about a 5 minute walk from this lot to the venue. As I entered the venue, they had a few employees at the main entrance. They were checking your ticket and if you wanted to drink, you had to show your ID as well. Once you entered the second set of doors, the Flex Stage was to your right in the open area. It is General Admission, so Standing Room only. There might have been 1 or 2 spots for folks to sit, but that would have been it. In the middle of the Flex Stage Area, I noticed there was a pole (if anyone were behind it, it could obstruct their view just a little). At this show, we could take as many pictures as we would like, but with a Scott Bradlee performance, I spent more time enjoying the show than taking pictures and so did most folks. I was closer to the front of the stage and so you get an up close and personal view of the show itself - much better than a seated show as I could dance if I wanted to. Well worth attending. read more

See all

We were at the Birchmere to see Peter White. We got in the queue about 4:30, waiting for the doors to open at 5. People in the queue were friendly and were chatting about past experiences at the Birchmere and who'd seen who there in the past. At 5 the doors opened, we got our number to be seated and ordered a couple of libations from the bar. The drinks were fantastic. The barkeep was generous with the alcohol. The doors to the hall opened at 6. We waited for our number to be called and located a table we were happy with. Once seated our server introduced herself and took our beverage orders. We ordered the artichoke dip, catfish dinner w/beans and rice and the fish and chips. Our dinner was promptly served. The service was great, the food was flavorful and hot. Peter White put on an excellent show and the ambiance was great from the time in the queue until we left the building. We can't wait for our next visit. read more

This place is outstanding. I came here recently to see America ("A Horse with No Name") in concert. The format is very interesting in that it is like a giant restaurant with a stage for the band playing. People order and eat their meals while the concert is going on. This is the only concert venue I've been to that is like this. The acoustics are very good. I got catfish and rice ($22.50) and two root beers ($5.00 each). The food was very good and the service was polite and friendly. Anybody who is anybody has played at this place. I saw Creedence Clearwater revisited here many years ago. If you go to one place in Alexandria, come here. read more

Dinner Theater show...with our one of our fav artist..GARY TAYLOR...yeah..old heads here

Today, June 12th, 2024, I came to see Eric Benet. The show, food and service in the hall was great! The only thing I didn't like was that when we arrived at 6:15pm mind you, the show was scheduled start at 7:30pm so we were looking forward to getting great seats. We had to wait almost 10 minutes to go in because now you have to get a ticket and wait for them to call your number to go to the hall. The lady was at 8 and we were #77!!!! I don't like unnecessarily waiting. It should be first come first served, now have people wait in the lobby. It will be a while before I come back. read more

Overpriced. Everything is overpriced. Tickets, food, drinks.... Concert venue was fine. Paid $120 for two tickets for a show I paid $50 for every time before. $8 for a bottle of beer?? $23 for a pitcher?!? Cheaper at a Braves game! And then there was $20 for per entrée for glorified bar food. The food is edible not great. Just a disappointment. And after paying double what I normally would to see the artist, he only played for an hour and a half without an opening act. Maybe it's COVID....I dunno. But when you also factor in I had to also pay for a babysitter....$200 + for overpriced bar food and an hour and a half show ain't worth it. Won't be back and I'm actually kinda pissed at the artist I've seen 7+ times. 2 stars bc...at least they're open. read more

The Birchmere is a smaller scale venue, where big name (and little name) artist come to perform in a dinner theater setting. Tables of 4, 6, 8 and 10ish are available to sit and enjoy the performance. No assigned seating, no tables to yourself, just you and the artist of your choice in an intimate setting. Low lights, candles at the table, and a rather nice sound system for the celebs belting out some of their greatest hits. I've seen Mint Condition, Ledisi, and just recently, Melanie Fiona, at The Birchmere and each time, I've never been disappointed. I've sat in different sections in the room each time and in all actuality, there isn't a bad seat in the house. I would suggest arriving early as possible, so you can get choice picking of seats. Free parking is located onsite...which is a Blessing this day and time. Since the venue gives off a dinner theater vibe, food and beverages (alcoholic and non) are available to order. The menu is pretty lengthy and the options are endless. You don't have to necessarily order anything to sit at the table, but what the heck, you'll be there for a while, indulge. Beware, EVERYTHING listed is rather pricey. Remember I said this venue doesn't assign seats? Well, that can be a gift and a curse. If you can't arrive early for whatever reason, you may be stuck at a table that's awkward to view the performer. On the other hand, if you're able to arrive early, you may be able to get so close to the performer that you can reach out and touch him/her. How exciting! On my way to the restroom I saw numerous autographed pictures of performers that have visited The Birchmere and they boast a wide variety of them. This is one of the lesser known concert venues in the area since it's a smaller venue. Perfect for a date night, ladies only night, or just an evening to see your favorite performer without all of the hassle of some of the bigger and well known venues around town. It's very low-key and intimate, but it's clearly worth trying out. read more

good venue for a show. no bad seats, really. food options are very limited. Lasagna is new addition and it was pretty tasty. Good option if you want to avoid fried food. They should offer option of meatless lasagna as vegetarian options are limited on an already simple menu. read more

Always a good time and great concert at the Birchmere Tonight Chanté Moore gave us everything. My first time seeing her and her voice never disappoints Food and alcoholic beverages available along with convenient parking. read more

As I had tickets for a Layla Hathaway show on Feb 28th. We were rudely turned away from the venue because the parking lot to the event was closed. Because of this very bad experienceI will never return to or recommend this venue to anyone. read more

I went to support a friend that was singing at this venue last month. I never knew this big ol' venue was in Alexandria Virginia. I must have driven past this place 1500 times in the last few years and I would have never known it was there. There aren't big signs and I honestly had a hard time finding it. Once inside it was definitely nice and the music was great. The food prices were exorbitant and the drink prices were Highway robbery. It was packed like sardines inside and I just decided to eat when it was all over. I can't tell you how the food is because I refuse to pay 29 for chicken finders and French fries. I may be exaggerating but not my much. read more

See all

Context: I delayed in writing this because I really didn't wanna do based on the good music I heard that night. But after revisiting my draft I couldn't add on the injustice of what I was served that night. Hence my late but thorough critique and totally honest review of the eats. He's back!!! Outta town and back on my BHA -VEgan'ish and they know not whom they are serving is in their presence. First let me say I'm not an avid concert attendee but watching Ms. Sylenna Johnson rip the damn roof off the venue tonight whilst celebrating my baby sister's vanglorious 55th born day was the "what got me here". Having their Vegan offerings meet my obtainable standards following "betta be better than what a brother can we whip up" aka the de facto BHAVE (Big Hungry A$$ Vegan Eat'in) mantra, would've been that proverbial icing on the birthday cake!! Let's just say we won't be blowing out no candles for their Vegan menu items this night. I'll be the first in the guest book at the Vegan menu's "ROASTED VEGETABLE STACK" (RVS) re-pass and gladly pay all burial expenses. From what I was served I'd be remiss not speculate that the party solely responsible for my order surely missed their calling as a crematory tech!! Shall we begin? Let me give credit albeit taunting a salad as Vegan is the lowest hanging fruit and no feat. The "CALIFORNIA VEGAN CHEESEBURGER"--being I'm from Cali I'm not being biased--hit the mark as the wife ordered it. Aside from the heavy handed lettuce the burger passed the BHAVE criteria and should be the only Vegan offering on the menu!! Now to the star--no not the aforementioned Sylenna Johnson stage ripping show--that "RSV" aka crematory escapee with a statewide BOLO (be on the lookout) for a menu item impersonating a palatable dish. I must've "grilled" the very attentive and polite waitress on the validity of it being Vegan and what would I be receiving a lil too much? Apparently her reassurances didn't reach special FX tech in training aka "The Torch" or whomever wants to be held in contempt of the Supreme Vegan Food Court for actually plating and sending that seemingly misplaced stage prop from the recently wrapped filming of the forth coming soon to be cult classic "The Vegan Menu Cemetery" to my table in the guise of my order!! Had I not been in a club venue I may have broke out in an ear piercing scream and gripped my wife's arm with my eyes closed. What I saw can't be unseen--and from what I attempted to fork to mouth, eaten. Being a savvy and Level 9 Board Certified BHAVE Founder and President, I purposely requested the balsamic reduction drizzle on the side so I could see what it really do in here on the Vegan side? Had I not the aforementioned balsamic reduction would've surely been looking at doing 15yrs. via mando sentencing guidelines for premeditated aggravated veggie assault and assisting and knowingly covering up the 1st Degree Veg assault the took place in the kitchen!!! Ever attempt to consume the eggplant, pepper strips, zucchini and/or squash had me reenacting Denzil's Oscar winning scene reciting those now infamous lines: " Aww, you motherf***ers. Okay. Alright. I'm putting cases on all you overcooked veggies..." I digress. Every attempt to consume anything but the portobello mushroom caps and couscous had me eyeing my wife's order!! Notice I didn't mention the caramelized onions. Why you may ask? Cuz caramelizing onions entails cooking them for nearly an eternity to get 'em correct. Following that logic the dish should've be named "Caramelized RVS" and then maybe I could've kept my expectations along the line of "you bout to get some overcooked veggies that won't resemble their pre-cooked form." And this is me being kind!! Again giving my credentials I pivoted and focused on what survived the abusive treatment and ordered only a side of portobello caps because I knew the covert and secret "VATF" (Veggie Abduction Task Force) had been notified via the Vegan Amber Alert system went off when my order hit my table and were en route to rescue the abducted parties being held against their will in the kitchen's fridge or pantry. And to ensure those responsible would be at the least legally forced to register in the "National Veggie Offender" database. I will be pushing for the VATF to send in vegan and non-vegan informants to order the "RSV" and see if atrocities in the kitchen has changed anything? In closing, I hope and pray anyone who has control of the menu really look beyond my BHAVE prose and actually run some blind taste test to see if they can differentiate their RSV from an acceptable, palatable and properly cooked Vegan offering? If they do and can, please give them my blessings and I'll gladly testify on their behalf when the case reaches the Supreme Vegan Food Court as long as they don't take the 5th!! I'm outta this piece. Go Vegan--unless the RSV converted you then I can feel you. read more

How are people not more annoyed by the way this place is run?? Regardless of how early you buy your ticket, you need to show up AT LEAST 2 hours prior to show time to have a chance at getting a decent seat. And then you have to wait around and drink overpriced beer and snacks ($7 for chips and nachos) until your number is called and you have to rush inside to get a good seat. The setup was fine and we had a good view of the band since we arrived at 5 PM for a 7:30 show, but the lighting was weird and we frequently had bright lights shined directly into our eyes. The food inside the venue was decent but again, extremely overpriced. This was my first time at the Birchmere and will likely be my last. read more

i found myself coming here through the years i had a good time and really liked some of the people that were booked the staff are tight and professional i also had a good time with some of the merch i got also i thought it was cool that some of this stuff was 'limited edition' or it wouldn't be around forever um read more

I absolutely looooove this venue. It's small, and the area is interesting, but it so intimate and cozy inside. You're able to enjoy a show, very close to the band or artist you came to see, while enjoying pretty good, reasonably priced food. On this evening we came to see Anthony Hamilton. His performance was beyond amazing. His back-up singers are his sons. The are all phenomenal! Truly a talented family. I ordered the Hand Breaded Fried Shrimp. The entree is served with French Fries, Cocktail Sauce, and Coleslaw. It was served hot and tasted very fresh. Wait staff was pleasant, despite the insane crowd, she was attentive and our food came out timely. I've been here several times and will continue enjoy all the wonderful shows and history here. read more

See all

I have been going to the Birchmere in its various incarnations since the 1970s. It is a real gem of a place--great music, good atmosphere, terrific sound system. I give it 5 stars despite its one glaring flaw, finding a seat. The system they have created is old school. It badly needs updating. But I digress. The Birchmere has added so many good things to my life, I will forever stop complaining about the seating system and replace it in my mind with all the good times I have had at this venue. read more

Great concert. Good sound, great food. This place is expertly managed and the organization is superb. The process of seating, ordering are all very well done. I live in Richmond and would definitely take the 1.5 hour ride again to see another performance read more

Professional sound, professional lighting, professional music! It's a bit pricey but with all the money that we've all saved by not going out last year, it's a bargain! read more

Birchmere - Free Flowing Musical Experience! They'll be back 3/24/21. - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I saw Brian McKnight here on Tuesday, October 24th. I wish I would have gotten there earlier to get one of the early tickets, but I still had a great spot in the middle of the second area in the back! I had awesome videos from the event. The acoustics were fantastic, and I really liked the set-up of the place. I felt like the music was enveloping me. Also, the food was really good! I had the Southern Fried Chicken meal. The chicken and mashed potatoes were amazing, and the macaroni and cheese was so-so. I had a drink, and I liked that there was no minimum charge that other music venues usually charge. My stomach hurt the next day, so it seems as if it didn't set well with me (but it tasted good in the moment!). Tip: Come super early to get your ticket so that you can be right in the front! Doors opened at 5. You can always come back once the concert halls open (6pm). Tip: Park towards the edge of the lot so that you can get out quickly when the event ends! read more

The food was great!! A little over price but over all that was a very good experience. I would definitely recommended, the band was awesome, we will come back for sure!! read more

I've seen many shows at this music venue over there years and have always had a good time. There are a few things that make this place unique. Once, the parking situation can be challenging if you get there too early or too late. If you get there too early and don't know not to park closest to the building you are likely to get blocked in by another car because that area is a two row parking area with no designator. If you are too late then you may be SOL and have to find parking elsewhere. The venue is smaller but cozy, fun, romantic, low-key, "grown folk" vibe type of place. I am not a fan of one seating and this is one aspect that I do not particularly like. Upon arrival, now they do check for COVID vaccination cards (our event sent out a disclaimer ahead of time) to attend events, you are given a numbered pull tab that dictates the order in which you are entered and chose your table. I will say that every time I visited, we were lucky to get our preferred table so it may not be too much of an issue for some. The seating is weirdly set up. It seems as if by elevating the tables in certain areas would provide a better view of the stage in some areas, especially those to the left of the stage as seated. Nonetheless, there is no bad seat in the venue. Food.... well, the order of presedence here is music, drinks, and food if you absolutely must. The service is mediocre and hit or miss and the food is the same. Coincidently, during this concert and the previous concert, I ordered the same blackened catfish. It was not worth the $27 dollars. The cabbage was the star of the plate but overall it tasted like home cooked food brought to a potluck. Again, nice venue to chill, relax, and catch a good concert of an artist that's been around for a while and still out there entertaining fans! read more

See all

The food is good. The catfish dinner is cooked perfectly. I wanted to take pic but it was so dark, the picture would have disturbed the concert. Great date night spot. read more

I love the acts they bring so I'll go if I have to but I won't be happy it's at The Birchmere. The owners need to get a grip and not overcharge for dinner and actually have decent food! I went once ten years ago for Dar Williams (my girlfriend at the time wanted to go) and when we got there they were calling groups of people up for seating much like at an airport. We got our ticket and went elsewhere to eat then and came back just in time to sit so that worked out. But I was there last night for Melody Gardot and we got there at 7:30 PM and the place was already packed! Luckily there were two decent seats sort of by the back but for $90 a ticket the view sucked. Please update your policy like City Winery to allow for seating to be chosen in advance online!! I do like that they have free parking onsite and the concert itself was great plus we got to meet the band after. But the overpriced food and lack of assigned seating for the price really throws me off every time. I almost didn't even go but it was Melody Gardot so I splurged and luckily my friend was able to come too (and she paid for dinner)! read more

See all

Incredibly cozy iconic venue in an historic funky neighborhood. Free parking enhances the experience. We saw Tower Of Power in Nov '23. Arrive early to get a ticket for general admission seating. Grab a drink and chill until the doors open. Get to know the (hopefully) nice strangers you are seated with. We had chicken tenders and fries. They were good, not great but honestly the food exceeded expectations. Food and drink service excellent. read more

Excellent venue for a concert. Highly recommended. Free parking with plenty of spaces at the venue read more

Birchmere - Mac McAnally - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Been here for a few shows with the hubby and it's always a good time. Definitely get here a little earlier as it's first come first served with seating selections. You also may have to share a table with strangers based on how many people are in your party and how many seats are available at your table. Intimate setting and nice sound for the live bands/singers. Good line up, decent prices and food makes for a great date night. read more

There's no better place to see live music. Period. Sound is always great, service is awesome, diverse food and beer selection, and management and ownership go out of their way to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment. Can't wait to go back. read more

Birchmere - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I actually like the ticket and seating arrangement. It doesn't matter that you're on the Internet the second the tickets go on sale to get a good seat. You can buy them as long as they have them and just wait in line the day of the concert to get a good seat. The one point That most people leave out is there really is not a bad seat in the house. It's small enough and the sound system is good enough that all seats have a good view of the stage. I did almost drop it to four because of their water policy. That is silly and I agree archaic. Especially for two dollars. They can do better than that. The food is good but that is not the reason you go to the Birch mere. If you don't like the food just eat before you go and get an appetizer. The music is the reason for the Birch mere read more

Birchmere - Music Venues Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Covid requirements not followed. Unsafe, don't recommend. People are being seated shoulder to shoulder, no masks required while at tables, so people are screaming for hours while sitting on top of each other for three hours. They refuse to seat people at tables that are distanced from each other. People only wear masks when entering and walking to bathroom. I guess covid knows to stop transmitting at tables. read more

in the middle of a Tom Paxton concert. Fantastic as usual. The flatbread pizza was delicious and a major shout out to our server Jenene C. In all the time with coming to the Birchmire, she has been by far the best server with ever had. read more

I used to complain a lot about the Birchmere. There were (and still are) some things that bug me -- no reserve seating, charging for water, a less than stellar menu. But, everytime I go to see acts elsewhere, particularly away from the DMV, I realize I have been "Birchmere-ized." I really like that it's a nice, clean sound system; that the crowd isn't milling about the stage, talking loudly during the acts; clean restrooms; and really pleasant waitstaff. The Birchmere attracts a wide array of acts who probably would have to bypass DC if a venue of this size didn't exist. Many of the performers make themselves available after the show for an autograph or picture. And, if you can't afford a ticket, you can watch without guilt or hassle on the monitors in the main area. I have probably been to 50 Birchmere concerts through the years. I don't know what I'd do if it didn't exist. Long may you run! (But, maybe don't charge for water.) read more

Cancelled Iris DeMent with no notice. This happens. Rescheduled Iris DeMent with one day notice while we are travelling. No refunds. This should not happen. Cruddy way to run a business. Never trust them. Also, the food is mediocre at best. read more

Food here is amazingly delicious but what's even more spectacular is the sound quality of the venue. Unbelievable how well they have it set up here. Better than most venues in the DC metro area. So if you see an artist or band playing here then you should definitely go see them play live here. Your ears won't be disappointed. read more

Oh. Is it just me? Or did anyone -else- not realize that there's a gigantic huge back performance room with an ocean of seating at the Birchmere? I've only been here once before for another concert, and we were in the front room that you enter first, with a small stage right there. You're right up next to the band, with standing room only, and it was a vastly different experience from last night. We headed back toward the larger cavernous performance space and two staffers greeted us. One asked if we would like seats, then led us unerringly to two unoccupied chairs in a sea of other already-seated patrons. I'm not sure if they have some kind of obscure system on figuring out where there are unoccupied seats, or if they just have amazing memories, but he was like a human homing missile through the darkness of the concert hall. I love that they have two completely mismatched chandeliers on each side of the stage. There's something about them that gives me the warm fuzzies. Oh, and parking? Complete mess. If you arrive early, you might be fortunate enough to find some. Then the challenge becomes escaping when everyone else is leaving at the same time. It was a hidden blessing that by the time we arrived (just into the headlining performer's set) there was absolutely no room in the lot, so we parked on the street. Exiting was cake, without having to fight the Eden Center parking lot-esque hordes. Just note that the street parking is two hour parking until midnight. Seriously? Midnight? Meh. read more

The plus side - assuming you like the performers - close in seating, good views, and decent food. The minus side - very poor service, no management accountability for service, $19 plates and you pay for water, and the mgt. seals off much of the best parking. Birchmere has been a regional institution but the mgt. keeps maing it more unfriendly. read more

This was my first time at The Birchmere and I was truly blown away. I had amazing seats for Kenny G and he gave a phenomenal performance. The staff was very attentive, and friendly. The food (not pictured), was amazing too. I had the red beans and rice, and a few glasses of Chardonnay. Leaving after was a bit of a pain, it wasn't structured at all and took about 20 min to get out of the parking lot. Overall, it was a lovely experience and I will certainly be back. read more

The venue itself is small, but as a short person, I am thankful that this is a seated joint and I'm finally able to see everything. The Dan Band was here for their holiday show and they were hilarious. I saw them a couple of years ago at the 9:30 Club and this venue was far better because of the view and because Dan's improv was on point. He was able to cruise around and talk to, as well as make fun of people, very funny. We were lucky and didn't have to show up any earlier than 30 mins prior to the show, to get a decent seat in the middle of the room. Seating on the sides might have obstructed views due to various wires, but overall, pretty good views. The food and drinks are overpriced and I wouldn't necessarily order the food here. The quality is only ok, but we've only tried: chicken fingers (dry), nachos (smallish portion), and the potato skins (small potatoes, skimped on the toppings). Maybe other items on the menu are better, but I'm there more for the entertainment rather than the food. I know more musical acts may choose not to perform here due to the Birchmere's smaller size and how the audience is usually seated, but it's a great venue nonetheless. read more