They don't allow you to go outside after entering, and at some shows they close off the balcony. I tried sitting in the closed off area during a show, and refused to leave when asked, as when I paid for the ticket I thought the whole place would be open. The security took me out of there, and one of them twisted my arm, which hurt me. They restrained me by the stairs for a while too. Furthermore, the lines for drinks were long since they closed off all but 1 bar. I would never support such a place again. read more

Best concert venue in Vancouver. Period. No other venue has that personal, reach-out-and-bottle-your-favorite-musician feeling that the Commodore evokes. Went to see Les Claypool here the other night, and was reminded why I was so relieved he wasn't playing at the Colosseum or (shudder) GM Place. No in-out privileges is kind of harsh, except that I don't give a shit because I don't smoke.... Having 4 different bars to be ignored at is pretty sweet... Their menu looks pretty good too, although I didn't order anything... (I can just see the Usefuls on this review now.. :p) The floor always transforms into a deathly, yet entertaining combo of sticky and slippery by the middle of the opening band, the security guards are kind of retarded (yelling at people for dragging extra chairs to tables, while in the meantime there's about a hundred people smoking on the floor...), and someone had the brilliant insight last time of giving everyone actual glassware for their beers and mixed drinks. During a concert. Brilliant. I don't know how many glasses they lost, but it can't be cheap. Not to mention I'm glad I didn't get smoked in the head by a flying glass during the show. But yes, there's nowhere else I'd rather watch a band. Extra star for me being able to watch a metal show and walk out of there without getting stabbed, puked on, or smelling like an ashtray splashed with beer (unlike the 'Balt). read more

I used to think this was the best place to see big acts in Vancouver, but over the years I've grown to absolutely hate this place. Here are my reasons: -My friend works here and says they are cheap, untrusting of their OWN employees, and they've bulked up security to a ridiculous level. -There are no in's and outs. I don't smoke but sometimes you want to go outside for some fresh air, "too bad." they say, "once your out, your out." Umm, why did I pay so much money to have you keep me couped up, it's my money I should be able to go out and in as I please. -the drink prices are stupidly expensive and most of the bar tenders are unfriendly (except Scott Lyon). I don't mean to be a hater but i'd rather not see these acts then go to the Commodore. read more

Best live music venue in Vancouver! There really isn't much more to say. If there is a band you like and they're playing here, you owe it to yourself to see them here! read more

One of the best sound systems and dance floors in Vancouver (although we can't enjoy dancing anymore) it's still well staffed since being bought by Live Nation a few years ago but the drinks menu is as bad as at a hockey game now. The beer list is embarrassingly small and bland with two boring IPAs, Stella, Corona and Budweiser (no joke they're 'proud' to serve Bud) and that's literally all. I was so disappointed as this place used to have such an impressive bar. I tried to order RedBull and vodka and the bartender nodded and gave me Monster energy drink with no check if that was an acceptable substitution. The giant screens showing ads for mobile gambling apps and Jim Beam really killed the vibe, and the EQ for the supporting band was so tinny I was shocked the house sound hadn't made any effort. With how few good venues of any size the city has, and what a wonderful place this has been for generations, I can't express my disappointment at how bad a job Live Nation is doing running it. read more

Commodore Ballroom - One of the most disappointing beer lists in the city - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Turkey Club is absolutely freaking awesooooome! Also, this is the best sounding venue in the city! There's nothing better than great sound, great staff and amazing shows. This place is consistently bringing choice acts to Vancouver and I'm yet to see a bad show here! Their selection of drinks is great, and more importantly the food is incredible. Looking forward to my next visit! read more

Tremendous history and all, the Commodore really needs to be at capacity to show off it's value as a great venue. Whole Foods/ Capers held their Christmas Party there last night and while the lower space was full and vibrant the empty balconies loomed over all. Service really was impressive, particularly at the coat check and the food, leading edge 10 years ago, was still working January 13, 2011. It was tasty, attractive and plentiful. We should all so hold up so well. read more

Having lived and seeing gigs around the world - I think the Commodore is one of the best places to see an act. The acoustics - o wow - it doesnt get any better than in here. The sight lines are brilliant from pretty much anywhere. Yes I hear you about the no "in n out" privilege, but with drinks prices lower than any neighbourhood bar on Granville Street I am not in any hurry to get out of here. Havent tasted the food in here but it looks and seems to priced right. Kudos to Live Nation for keeping this place going. read more

The Commodore Ballroom is easily one of it not the best Live Music Venue in Vancouver. I've attending many shows there and just this past week had the pleasure of producing a show in their space. The Commodore possesses a sort of understated elegance that is somewhat foreign to Vancouver. It's been around since 1929, with a couple of shut down hiatus' along the way and has somehow managed to gracefully maintain it's Art Deco inspired theme even as Granville progresses into... well we all know what Granville Street is! I'd highly recommend taking in a show here if you get the chance. There's a large dance floor, and multiple level seating that all work together to offer great views of the stage. Another positive for the venue is their door and security staff. In working with them this week I found them to be extremely competent and efficient. They are well versed in large crowds and certainly know how to get a ton of people through their doors as seamlessly as possible. Check it out if you have the chance! read more

This is my favourite place for live music in Vancouver. If you want to dance, you can go dance. If you want to sit and have drinks, you can do that too! The acoustics are great, it looks very nice esp after the renos, and the atmosphere is just very comfortable & fun. The one downside is the last time I went the drink "special" was Budweiser for $6, haha... I don't remember ever finding cheap drinks here, but maybe I'm going on the wrong nights. read more

I love this venue. I love that you can sit if you want to, you can stand right at the front, you can lounge on a sofas, or watch everyone from upstairs. Oh and the of course the music and sound are amazing. So pick and band and you won't be disappointed. The bar is ok and drinks are reasonably priced. One thing that it looses a big star on are prices.. they have seriously spiked in the last couple of years. You can go down to Seattle and see the same bands in equally or better venues for more then 1/2 the price. read more

Oh our beloved Commodore! It still continues to be a winner for Vancouver's best music venue. Killer sound system, venue layout and service operations from getting in, coat check to drink service. Been numerous times for special events, including Kaskade x2, Moby, Regina Spektor, Ames Tile and Stone Runway event, Morgan Page on Saturday and Axwell next week! Wowed time and time again by my experiences! read more

Wicked venue for music, dancing, people and a an overall good time. The space is vast, open and intimate at the same time. Lounges surround the main space with bars on every side. You can see the main act at every angle and you can always move...sardines aren't welcome here! Drink line-ups are always on the move and so are the bathroom and ATM line-ups! Coat check isn't even that bad at the end...try to cut out a lil' early to avoid waiting. I've never had a disappointing moment at the Ballroom. The sound is sweet and the people are just awesome because they're just feeling the positive energy of the place. Get there. Dance the night away. read more

I can't believe I didn't think to review this place sooner! The Commodore was one of the highlights of my most recent trip to Vancouver. Maybe it was the fact that I was there to see Apocalyptica (if you aren't aware of them, look them up on youtube, they're a unique act not to be missed), maybe it's the fact that I met the girl I'm now hopelessly in love with within it's walls... but hell, there was something just MAGICAL about this place. Here in Calgary, it seems like most concert venues (save for the odd one done at a standard bar or night club) are essencially the same thing - four dark, non-attention grabbing walls, a stage, a removable barricade, and maybe a counter for bar service. Nothing special. This is probably a big part of why the Commodore blew me away. It's so original, has so much personality, and frankly is just a BEAUTIFUL room. Furthermore, the fact that it's located so conveniently in the downtown area (my friend and I walked there in 2 minutes from our hotel which was located in an area I can only describe as 'hotel central', so it's easy to find accomidations nearby, for those attending events from out of town). Really, I can't say enough about this place. If you haven't been, I'd suggest checking out their upcoming events calendar, finding something you're even just REMOTELY interested in going to, and heading down if for no other reason, than to see one of the greatest venues in (at least) western canada. read more

The Commodore provides a beautiful harmony of current music with an edge of 1920s style. Despite extensive renovations in 1999, the venue can't escape the grandeur of its pre-Depression high ceilings and balconies. The dance floor here is worth the admission alone. It's large and directly in front of the stage. In my experience, it's never been overly filled. So you can dance freely, listen to the music, and still see the stage: what a great combo. The black out curtains are excellent too. If a summer show starts at 9pm, you won't see a speck of daylight in the ballroom. And perhaps best of all is how attractive the Commodore is to great musicians. Throughout the year you can snag tickets at a reasonable price to sell-out acts. But be warned: buy your tickets early or you'll be trolling Craigslist the day of the show. read more

God, who knew the Commodore had food? Well, I found out when I went to see a show there - possibly the 15th show I'd seen at this popular venue. They don't really have anything vegan-friendly, but those in my group who did order food enjoyed it. The fries were alright. Of course, more importantly, as a music venue the Commodore is much more well-known. The sound in this place is pretty good, but there are definitely some bad places to watch a show from, and the layout of the venue encourages conversation at the back, which can be really irritating when you're into a band. There are also no ins-and-outs, which results in people smoking INSIDE the venue - gross. I'll keep going, though. The Commodore is pretty much the only decent 1000-person venue in town, after all. read more

The Commodore used to be like any other venue, dark, dingy, smokey, stinky, and not fun. I used to hate going to concerts simply because I'm there to watch a show, but I end up having to deal with drunken idiots and chain smokers. the cig smoke used to be down to my ankles and I stopped going to shows. Then they banned smoking. GREAT, I started going back, just to find out that those smokers were still there, but wait till the lights go out to light up. Damn! Now, they've cracked down on those morons and I can finally go to a show that is full of decent people, yeah Commodore! Really, get rid of the smokers, and somehow the crowds just got 99% better, no more rowdy drunks blow'n smoke all over the place ruining the show for everyone. Awesome! And, now the place looks clean (no, I didn't get down on my hands knees to check the place out, but at least is looks nice now!). I love the fact that the place has WINDOWS. Why are so many clubs totally void of daylight? It seems bizarre to me. The window shades go down when the shows start and go backup during intermissions - very cool. I don't want to feel like I'm in some dungeon when I'm at a show (especially when there are not in/out privileges). There are FOUR bars with one on the upper level, and there is some food served too. What I'd like to see is a nice organic juice bar -- not all of us drink alcohol you know!! I also like that there's plenty of elbow room -- I used to be crammed like a sardine in the crowd at the shows, but now it's comfortable, plus, you have options of sitting at a table, or standing back somewhere against the wall on on the upper level -- plenty of options for everyone. The sound is pretty good, but seems to depend a lot on which band is playing and how they've set up their sound, but for the most part I've stopped standing at the front of the stage since all I can hear up there is heavy base and little or no vocals; I found that moving back to at least halfway on the dance-floor offers better sound. Not too big; not too small; just right. Can get a good view of the stage from just about anywhere in the place. Don't try to walk in with your water-bottle or bag or anything -- they have a forced bag-check and basically won't allow any outside foods or drinks inside. I did take in my empty bottle and had it filled up inside though. read more

Great venue! The time I was here and from what I can remember, the sound carried through great! Pretty damn old and historical. Glad it hasnt been torn down like many other parts of Vancouver. read more

Easily my favorite venue. Great food drinks, seating if that's what you want. Clean bathrooms.

I love a place with some history. The Commodore has that, and boy I hope it sticks around. The 3 shows I've been to imply that others feel the same. You can stuff a large amount of people in here and still have room to move around. Between sets- there's seating! You have to act fast to grab it- but still- SEATING! The bars are easy to get to, and you don't have to wait long to be helped. read more

La la la. One of my all-time favorite venues. Great size, I think. I was able to run into everyone I knew that was going to the show in the packed-out place with no actual plans to meet up! Locating friends = 5 stars read more

The Commodore Ballroom is a Vancouver mainstay. Oft the site of first kisses, underage drinking and wonderful music. It's where seventeen-year-olds sought asylum in the warm embrace of then new-emerging-artist Coldplay or forgotten Glaswegian wonder, Travis. This is where people are real musicians and not glorified back-up-dancers-cum-"artists". It's a wonderful venue to lose yourself in the music. read more

What: Echo & The Bunnymen Where: Commodore Ballroom When: August 6, 2014 Status: undersold Rating: 2 out of 5 I was mildly disappointed in the show. This is why I didn't jump on the $45 ticket the minute they went on sale. It had nothing to do with Echo and The Bunnymen not being one of my favorite acts but more to do with the fact that there was no magic in the set. Their songs still hold up for me, however, you can't teach someone a feeling. It was two original guys and the rest were hired hands. They played the notes as instructed, however, you either have a style or you don't. It's like having a Smith's reunion without Johnny Marr. The stage lighting was very simple. They took a lamp from their hotel room and placed it in the corner. That was the extent of their attempt at adding any sort of element to the show. Ian for the most part sang really well and was into the show, everyone else just punched in the clock. There was 0 chemistry between each other on stage. The lack of chemistry was very obvious during the major hits. The audience were into it to some degree, however, most looked bored while other's tried way too hard to get into it to either justify the ticket cost or to convince themselves that this was a great show. I found myself clock watching more than I normally do. It didn't help that the sound mix was way off. Bass was too high, guitar wasn't balanced and the keyboards were washed away in the background, which for most of the hits, are the backbone of the melody. I knew this coming into the show which is why I was very adamant on scoring a ticket for cheap. I don't feel that it was a waste of time but I did walk out with a sense of confirmation that some bands are just better in the studio than live. read more

I love the Commodore as a concert venue. There are very few places that are designed well for heavy traffic but the Commodore does it well. With 4 bars located on the 3 outside walls (and one upstairs) lines and wait times are held to a minimum for drinks. Though the room is usually dimly lit when I'm there, I am impressed with the interior decor and lofty ceilings, the air quality is usually pretty good (not hot and stuffy like other places). Lights, sound and service are all top notch, you can choose to sit along the sides or get right up on the dance floor as you see fit. The only point I have to take away is no smoking section. Though I understand the need to keep from door flow one-directional at peak hours, it would be nice if the smokers could get a little balcony or something of the sort to get their fix. read more

Great venue! Main thing for me... the toilets were SPOTLESS!! Very impressive for a club. Very impressive indeed.

Great venue for all kind of music. I saw Ice-T and the Vansterdam Crew here in 2006 and it was stunning. The staff is very kind and in opposition to Germany and Europe drinks and beverages are allowd in bottles and glas. read more

First time here in 20 years. Came for FoxSeeds event. Nice venue. Well organized. For an OLD venue, the latest renovations keep it up to date, clean and very comfortable. It's amazing when you see the list of performers that have played here over the last 50+ years and now I can add my son to the list. When you play here your a somebody! Keep up the good work Live Nation, the Commodore still rocks! read more

Commodore Ballroom - Fox Seeds Aug 21st 2014 - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

My friend and I went to see Echo and the Bunnymen It was the final stop in a series of beverage adventures and it was most excellent Great crowd, and of course the show was awesome Bouncers could have used a little more tact in shutting it all down for the night But otherwise, had a great time Going back with my friend to see Johnny Marr, and can't wait read more

Went there for the Super Bowl yesterday. Brutal. Left after the first quarter. Why? Freezing cold, A/C, no service from the burnt-out overwhelmed waitress, ear splitting volume, terrible attitudes from the service crew. I will never give this place a dime or my time ever in the future based on this horrible experience. read more

Best Live Music Venue in Vancouver This place has by far the best vibe, the best staff and the coolest dancefloor in Vancouver. I wish there were other venues like this in Vancouver, just slightly bigger, so that every good band didn't have to compete for this one room. Best show I saw here was LCD soundsystem - this was back when MIA was still relatively unknown and she was opening for them...she ended up being such a highlight that they brought her back as a headliner a few months later.. read more

By far the best place in the city to experience a live show. The sound quality is great, and no matter where you're standing or seated you'll have a great concert experience. Drinks are overpriced so definitely plan for that, or go for drinks somewhere before. read more

The BEST Vancouver Live Venue Since the New York Theatre on Commercial Dr. in 1980,1990s!!! Awesome Venue but could use some More Seats @ Commodore... Some Killer Shows there I saw were DANZIG in 2013, MINISTRY 2004 & 2006, GWAR (many times), L7 & Melvins in 1994, DAYGLO ABORTIONS & Dead Kennedys 2013 etc etc... Could have More Drink specials (CHEAPER BEER BOTTLES) but Overall its been a staple of the Vancouver scene for over 80 Years or so. Some groups I would have loved to have seen that played there but wasnt old enough to get in would have been, KISSin jAN.9.1975, NIRVANA IN 1991 (twice), The RAMONES... read more

Rude bartenders and staff. Forced coat check...I never feel welcome here. I always dread when I have to attend events here :(

It is sad that one of the most storied and possibly best live music venues in the Pacific Northwest and the best in Vancouver is ruined by it's unholy union with Live Nation / Ticketmaster. I get that they charge an extra $10 bucks on a ticket out of convenience. Hell who wants to wait in line for a hot show when you can order online. Thus ten bucks is not a bad deal. iut when you walk up to the box office on the eve of the show and they still charge the $10 so Live Nation/Ticketmaster can get their cut, stop telling us the ticket is $25 when it is really $35. I understand now why so many artists will not play in this town. The Commodore is a wholly owned entity of Live Nation/Ticketmaster. It is no longer the venue that you see cool smaller acts. It is a money grab..... And if I pay that extra friggin charge and want to go outside for a smoke. Let me back in.. I did not get to see my show because of this policy. So I will not give a dime to the Commodore any more. I will seek out shows in venues not controlled by professional ticket scalpers. read more

Watch your credit cards at this place. Went to the Commodore Friday night, (13 JAN 2017) Paid for 2 beers with my Credit card, ($14.49) dropped tip in tip jar. Today , my credit card statement reads $17.39 for 2 beers. Guess the staff thinks its ok to write in their own tip??? read more

The Commodore always seems to have as many security guards as patrons on any given night. The mandatory bag check is sort of obnoxious, especially if youre sitting for the event and dont want to have to wait in the huge line of people at the end of the show. The drinks are ridiculously over priced and their mixed drinks are very weak. Since the commodore banned in and out "privileges" (it's not a privilege to be able to leave a show and come back when you've paid for it!) people have started smoking cigarettes and pot inside about halfway through any given show, and usually on the dance floor. The crowd always seems stressed about "having a good time" and wont dance to the bands, indeed even finding it obnoxious if you choose to. They'd prefer to have their cellphones and cameras out, documenting the show for a later part of their lives when they wont care about seeing said band. The music is often very loud, so meeting people during the concert becomes near impossible, and yet you cant go outside! The only redeeming qualities to this place are the bands they book, the balcony seating, the ventilation, bouncing dance floor, and ticket vending at the location. Otherwise, it's too expensive, intrusive, and confining. read more

Hands down the Best place to go to a concert in Vancouver! I've seen numerous concerts here throughout the years . The venue is intimate and the acoustics are perfect. I highly recommend anyone and everyone to experience a concert here. I only wish that every artist would play here! read more

It's a big room. It's even kind of a nice big room. But it's a very corporate big room, and it really turned me off. I have some problems with this Live Nation-owned venue. Maybe I'm supposed to be used to this by now and maybe complaining about it just makes me the Ghost of Hipsterdom Past, but, nonetheless, I don't like: - the smell. Nobody else has mentioned it that I see so maybe it was just the night I was there, but it smelled like frat-house basement couch the morning after -- resplendent with spilled beer and powdered cheese dust. - Budweiser prominently on tap. Really? They're your branding partner, huh? They also have Okanagan Spring taps so I guess I shouldn't hold this against them... but I do. - the cell-phone carrier logo being projected on the floor and on the TV sets on the walls. I know you're starving here, but I'm really not loving the attempt to monetize my captive eyeballs and all that implies about how much you respect me as a listener. - Speaking of captive: no in and out? Who does that? - Also, TVs on the walls! And the projected show calendar, too, with obnoxious trivia questions and everything. Feels like a cheap movie theater. - the massive service charge on tickets for the privilege of attending a show here. Just to add insult to injury, or what? If you can get over the mandatory soul check, it's a pretty nice space -- the exposed brickwork is nice; the windows are cool; the stage is pretty visible and there are lots of wide open spaces. But if my favorite band's coming to town, I'm really gonna hope they're playing at the Biltmore. read more

This is an absolutely stunning room and stunning venue. I was here last night seeing a show and my husband bought 2 rounds of drinks (each from different bars in the room- they have 2 separate bars on each end of the room). He tipped 20% for the simple beers the bartenders poured us- not even a complicated drink. The next day he was looking at his credit card statement and it looks like the bartenders CHANGED THE TIP AMOUNT and decided to give themselves a bit extra. What the heck??!!! Check your receipts and credit card statements, there are some pretty messed up people who work here. We are contacting the credit card company now. I can imagine that the bartenders here skim a few bucks here and there after each transaction they can to increase their earnings and hope nobody cares enough to double-check their credit card statements. My partner mentioned that he thought it was weird that he had to manually enter the tip amount- seemed unusual since most places will have gratuity added in the machine + PIN entered. Looks like they use that system to scam people. read more

They're winning an extra star! Forget going to Cafe Crepe for a cheap drink before the show. C.C's service is terrible!! We got to the show early, snagged a prime table and had prompt, friendly service. The drink prices aren't THAT outrageous and you can even eat (although I've never tried their food). Getting a good table really makes the experience top notch! read more