Grosse Freiheit 36 isn't my favourite concert venue in Hamburg, or even my 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or even…read more5th choice, but it still gets 5 stars!
Grosse Freiheit 36 is where the mid-level to big bands often play in Hamburg. I was last here a few weeks ago to see Bon Iver, who were originally meant to be playing Knust (but I guess it sold out), they were then moved to Uebel & Garfarlich, and then finally to Grosse Freiheit 36 - this should give you an idea of the pecking order of some of the venues in Hamburg :)
The place is pretty huge and on two levels - almost certainly an old theatre. There are bars everywhere, and while the alcohol choice isn't great, the prices are not so terrible (still expensive compared to a normal bar though).
My only slight annoyance is that the toilets are annoyingly located just to one side of the stage, which if you're at the other side can mean quite a lot of pushing and "sorry" to get to.