I came here for 80s night. The ballroom is quite large and can accommodate a lot of people. When you first walk in there's a bar and there's also a bar towards the middle. At the bar, you can get different things to include beer, cider, mixed drinks, and even food. The bathrooms are located on the second level, which is kind of odd. However, it worked out since I also had access to Lola's room for 2000s night. This place definitely gets warm. So if you're trying to look cute, go for it on a cold night. The dance floors are bouncy, which was a lot of fun. read more

I am writing this review not regarding to the performers, but rather to the absurd policies and unwilling to accommodate concert goers who do not have a personal vehicle to store items. I traveled from Seattle to Portland by train and bus on a day trip, in order to attend the Cultura event on May 10, 2026. I bought a to-go vermicelli entree at Van Nien Temple ( https://vannienvegan.com/ ) earlier in the day. It was a Sunday and Van Nien Cafe closes down at 4pm (hours 10 - 4pm) so I planned to save the entree for my late dinner after the concert, because I did not feel hungry before going to the event. The security rejected me, telling me that 'outside food could not be brought in, you can either discard it or finish it outside' (it was not listed on your policy, and I am not the type of person that would bring outside entree to eat in a music venue). Not wanting to waste the food, I was forced to eat the entree on the street while I was not hungry. I personally feel it is quite insulting, and the venue and their security staff could have done a better job to accommodate event goers who don't have a vehicle to store the food. read more

I've given Crystal Ballroom multiple chances, and every time I leave wondering why I keep coming back. (I've only come back for my favorite bands) The layout of the main performance area is honestly baffling. The floor is completely flat and the stage is barely elevated, so unless you're tall or fighting your way to the very front, you're not actually seeing the show--you're just listening to it in a crowded room. At my first concert here, I genuinely couldn't even locate the stage from where I was standing. Then there's the temperature. At a recent show, the AC was kicked on a few songs in and was blasting so aggressively it felt like standing in front of an open freezer door--or just fully being outside in the 40° weather. People's hair was literally blowing around, and a good chunk of the crowd had to put their jackets back on... indoors. Not exactly the vibe. And the bar situation? Rough. Only serving their own beer might make sense at a brewery, but this is a music venue. Having any alternative--Rainier, PBR, literally anything--would be an improvement. Instead, you're stuck with their terrible, terrible beer (for context--I am a professional beer brewer of +10 years). I want to like this place because the building itself is iconic, but between the terrible sightlines, the chaotic climate control, and the lack of drink options, it's hard to justify coming back I'd recommend opting for another venue in town to see your favorite bands. read more

First time back to the amazing McMenamins Crystal Ballroom in at least 5+ years & the obvious changes for the better were definitely noticed! Less balcony space - only at the back of the ballroom now, but it really opened up the spaciousness of the area. There is also now a dedicated ADA seating with good views of the stage. The beverage list offerings were of good variety, including some CBD & NA. The food offerings are minimal: cheese or pepperoni pizza by the slice $6; Cajun or regular tater tots, a hot dog, a bag of chips & just a few more items of your choosing. Overall, it was an enjoyable time spent in an amazing venue- & yes, the floating dance floor was thumping with the moves & grooves!!! read more

Crystal Ballroom - Baraku Bump opening for Moontricks! - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

We didn't eat here but there is a bar food menu. The bar tenders were helpful and cheerful. The room is gorgeous! I am trying to envision it as it was 50 years ago. It's a very special place. read more

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I came back! Had a good time seeing MCH (again)! And then Kasablanca! I'm going to count my initial poor experience as a fluke - every other visit and staff interaction has been great. I like the venue, it's ease to get to, park near, and reasonable ticket price for shows. I'll be back. I'll put this as a 4 of 5 because of a crackly speaker set during the Kasablanca show that detracted from the experience, otherwise a great time! read more

Crystal Ballroom - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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This is a super cool, historic venue, and I wanted to enjoy the experience more than I did. I'd call it a mid-size concert venue, with the actual music hall located on the third floor. You'll make your way up through lounges, merch areas, etc. to get to the top, where the jams actually happen. There are bulb lights like an old theater or amusement park, huge murals on the walls, and a couple of giant crystal chandeliers. The floor is bouncy, which is cool. Supposedly there's no re-entry, but if you want to step outside to smoke between sets you can check with the security guy at the door and if you stay within eyesight he'll let you back in. They had three coolers water with paper cups set up for free to keep people hydrated, which is always appreciated. Now here's the stuff that made it not so cool. For starters, they set up a weird barricade runway through the middle of the floor, dividing the crowd into two separate sections. Every band commented on how weird it was, and they definitely had trouble getting the crowd going with a big divide down the middle. Why was there this weird runway divide, you ask? So that staff could cart gear through the middle of the floor during the sets. Not the breaks in between sets, but while bands were on stage trying to perform. That must have made the breaks between sets way shorter, you must be thinking. But no, unfortunately it did not. It didn't run any faster, and it definitely wasn't smoother to have staff carting stuff all over the place during the performances. It just took up a bunch of room the crowd could have been standing in on the floor. A bunch of people were standing back by the bar and top of the stairs, and I can't help but think if there wasn't so much space taken up by a big runway through the crowd, everyone would have actually fit on the floor. Plus, the staff was kind of not chill. We bought VIP tickets for the show we went to, which was the only ticket option left because the show eventually sold out. No worries. I asked one of the staff members if there was any seating for VIP tickets, and he said yeah and gestured us to the guy guarding the entrance to the runway divide. When I repeated the question to him, he laughed and said that those are just "feel good" tickets -- no actual perks, just to make people feel special. Which... why sell them then? Or why call them VIP? I'm not even mad there wasn't seating, but I do think they could have been a little cooler about explaining their own policy? So overall... meh. Venue was cool, but I'm super unimpressed by the way it's run. read more

My wife and I attended our first event at the infamous Crystal Ballroom and had a pretty fun time. We saw Super Diamond ( A Neil Diamond cover band) and had a few drinks. There was an opening band called SOS (A Police cover band) as well. The dance floor is amazing as it is bouncy. As the crowds dance to the popular songs, the floor really moves and can make things a bit unsteady when tipsy. Otherwise it's a pretty cool feature. Now, if they clean/wash the floor more often it would be even better. The inside ceiling and chandeliers in the ballroom are beautiful and amazing as is the architecture. I am happy to have gone and seen it finally. I recommend a new coat of paint inside and to clean the dance floor and hire nicer staff. read more

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This is really amazing venue! The building is over a century old and has an old-world charm to it. I was surprised how large it is for an old building in downtown Portland. I saw Meute here with a couple of friends and the show did not disappoint! The audio was very well engineered for a room with a relatively short hard surface ceiling. The main bar was a little small, but the main focus is the music venue. Overall, it was a fantastic experience. read more

Absolute shit hole people got weird with me and when I went to complain to the bouncers, they just refused to do anything probably won't go there again and would probably avoid the spot in the future read more

The one star is for the security who made us throw out my medication at the door because I didn't have my medical card on me even though I am paralyzed in a wheelchair. The they tried to trick my partner by one security person tell him he could put it in our car, when we stated we didn't have a car but we could leave it with a friend one of the other guards stepped in and said he wouldn't be allowed back in after that.....what's the difference between a car and a friends house for my medical marijuana is what I'm wondering. Then they called head of security who stood behind my partner and was menacing with his arms folded and staring down my partner while the security guy I've dealt with on many occasions ( small fella, backwards baseball cap...Limp Bizkit stuck era ) kept telling my partner he couldn't leave and come back while another security person said it would be fine if it was a car. Mind you I'm disabled, that was my medication and I'm in a wheelchair barely able to navigate without my partners help. At the end of the interaction we had to throw out $100 worth of my medication and they were so concerned about some medical marijuana they didn't even bother patting my partner down after the whole ordeal. Also in the past I have attended shows there and with much ignorance been asked to stand up from my wheelchair so they can check my seat...well I can't plain and simple and I deserve as much rights as anyone else. Hey Crystal Ballroom, in case anyone hasn't told you there is such a thing as disability discrimination, also marijuana has been legal here for years....did you not get the memo. Yeah this is a long rant but they deserve to be exposed. Also not to mention when we were exiting at the end of the show my wheelchair got stuck on a rug they have in the entrance / exit and the rude wanna be Fred Durst security guard and the girl he was chatting with both just laughed at my partner and I...offered absolutely no help...just pointed and laughed. I hope you guys had a good time enjoying my much needed medication while intimidating us to throw it out and totally confusing us on what our choices were. But the restaurant area is very cool with very sweet kind people working and I definitely suggest going there for some good eats and drinks, they have an amazing new drink menu!! But yeah...hope you all enjoyed doing whatever you did with my medication. Next time you ask me to stand up from my chair you may wanna think twice because seriously how ignorant and stupid are these security people ? Oh yeah...maybe look thru everyone's purses and bags and not let half dressed women get thru with just a quick view while others have a full dig thru.... read more

I like to preface my reviews with I am not a foodie, but a customer service snob, but OKGo isn't a food (yet) so this is about service. First we ate in the McMenamins below the venue. Service there was good, and would be a different review. The salient point is, if you eat there, spend $15 per person, you get 'VIP entrance." Which mean in first. This is where the amateur hour starts. I have to assume these two entities owned by the same parent company and have an arraignment by where if you eat at the bar, you get seated early that this is a regular thing. Seems like the even staff don't know how to execute this aspect. By the time we were scoped out by "security", they were already letting in non VIPs. It just gets worse from there. If you can survive the poor event staff service, the venue is pretty alright. First come first serve seating in the balcony (they call a mezzanine), which outside a large chandelier has a good view of the stage. To get there you will need to conquer stairs. In fact there are many stairs. An elevator will get you to the floor of the venue, but there are stairs at the entrance. What you can bring is act dependent. OkGo was cool with empty water bottles, so we brought those. You'll want to bring something like that, water is free, and the venue can get stuffy. Most acts are just general admission. Standing room only. So if you want a seat, you will need to go up to the balcony. Things can get tight. They did have a space for folks in mobility devices, and many acts are all ages. A wrist band for our event indicated you could be served alcohol. Beer, soda, and I think wine can be served. Again this is depending on the act. My suggestion is go early, eat at the McMenamins bar and restaurant below, get VIP entrance and take it as it comes. They can't always suck. read more

Crystal Ballroom - OkGo performing their bells song - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I've been meaning to catch a show here and finally grabbed tickets. Was not expecting how slow and long the line was to get inside. I guess they haven't figured a way out to get people in faster. Once inside, the chandeliers and paintings are cool. One side of the venue is no alcohol and the other side had a rope and a wrist band to get an alcoholic drink. Headed to that side and grabbed one of the signature vodka cocktails of the evening. I only had the one; wasn't very good. No chairs and standing room only. Ok, except it seemed the crowd was exceptionally tall that evening. I was with 3 men over 6 feet and they also commented how tall the crowd was. So, I had a peek-a-boo view between people. Also, the floor boards were very creaky. And had to hope that it was supporting everyone's weight. Not sure I'll come back if standing room only. read more

Crystal Ballroom - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Nice, floor bounces when the music starts popping which is pretty cool. But their drinks is stingy since they measure. I watch bartenders when they be making their drinks and notice it. Taste like a waste of $. Chandelier makes the place feel nice. read more

I'm normally a big fan of Mc Menamins but I rarely go to the Crystal Ballroom because it's always a miserable experience. They oversell their tickets so you are packed in like a sardine. The stage is in the corner so there is very little real estate for viewing. Unless you are the most tenacious of fans, you simply can't get up there. Then they divide the room into under and over ages causing bottlenecks, if you can call them that, you have to excuse me, pardon me to get anywhere in the venue. It's exhausting! My partner who is an amputee wanted to go but it's always a nightmare. The elevator doesn't go up to the balcony where the only seating is. The ADA section was in front of a whole crowd of shoulder to shoulder people so it was impossible to get to and also, I guess you have to reserve seating if you want to sit at all. There is no where to dance unless you are way in back. Walking around to mingle and find your friends is impossible. I don't know why the fire marshal hasn't busted them. This venue is gorgeous and historic but it was a dance hall back in the day and was not built for large crowds like that. They should really expand the stage to the full length of the back wall, put in more seating, make it simpler for differently abled people to get around and stop selling so many tickets. They have two stairwells in there but if there was a fire, people would surely parish. People were having hard enough of a time getting out of the building after the opening act. I could only imagine if there was a fire and people were rushing. It just doesn't feel safe so I'm not going there anymore. read more

Crystal Ballroom - On the left is the ADA section. As is the small stage. Miserable experience! - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The opening act exceeded 107 dB, which was painful and is enough to cause permanent hearing damage. I would have brought protection if I had known, but somehow I never considered the possibility that a business venue that serves thousands of people would have such brazen disregard for public safety. The main act was also supposed to be a music act. Although they were less loud, they stopped the show several times to go on antisemitic rants, which the crowd greeted with thunderous applause. No one should have to be subjected to this. I feel I was grossly misled regarding what I was buying a ticket for. read more

I'm mad about my experience. The guy at the door said I was to drunk and proceeded to let other people in that definitely were more intoxicated than me. Plus they sell alcohol inside. I'm am adult. I don't feel like me having 3 drinks before at dinner is grounds for no admission. I felt like I was singled out at the door. Ended up going home without even watching the show that I had paid $57 for the ticket. Thanks for stealing my money. I will not be going back to this venue in the future. Actually I will not be going to any Mcmenamins ever again. read more

We flew to Portland to see the Red clay Stray at the Crystal Ballroom and the show was epic! The venue packed us all in which energized the crowd. The bars had strong control and moved quickly to get drinks made. There is an elevator and stairs, balcony seating and heavy velvet curtains to keep the light out as the night settles in. The sound was incredible. read more

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Fun experience! We were there for Paul Cauthen. He put on one hell of a show. It's so beautifully restored in there. I was so mesmerized by all of the intricate wood carved trim in there. read more

Crystal Ballroom - Front of the crystal ballroom - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I recently went to the Set It Off concert at the Crystal ballroom with my wife and teenage daughter and we had a BLAST! We did the VIP Meet and Greet and the thing that really stood out to me was how fantastic literally every staff member was that I talked to. From the people coming down the line to check tickets, to the security check inside, to the people working the food stands in the venue, the Crystal Ballroom's employees made it a smooth and very pleasant experience. ALSO, about halfway through the show, they started handing out free water bottles to the people in the front part of GA that couldn't leave to get water from the station in the back. They really just wanted to make sure everyone was staying hydrated and was ok and that was really cool. (The band, of course, put on one of the best shows I think I've ever been to. Highly recommended.) The architecture of the place is very atmospheric and emanates a vibe of "this is cool", and bouncy floor is fun. All in all, great experience. 10/10 would go again. read more

Crystal Ballroom - Set It Off - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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No seating except the balcony for about 45 people. Durand Jones was advertised at 8pm. Some other band played for 40 minutes. It's now 9:15 and still no Durand. Lousy execution read more

Just a terrible listening experience. Pros: The venue isn't as crowded as in the past, and every single staff member with whom I interacted was genuinely great. HOWEVER, the sound in the room is just awful. I'm no audio engineer, but I THINK I'm supposed to be able to hear the guitar solo over the drums!?! My buddy made a joking comment to the poor guy running the sounds board. His response? "No joke, I've got the drums down all the way already. This room freaking sucks!" Agree. 100% agree. read more

I've been to two concerts at the Crystal Ballroom and both times had not so great experiences. The first was a metal concert, where of course, people are rough and like to crowd surf. One of the bands had to stop the show because security let a younger person fall over the barrier and refused to help them. The second time, was to see Matt Maeson. People were belligerently drunk, and I saw with my own eyes, one of the bartenders serving someone more alcohol, even though the person couldn't walk in a straight line and was slurring their words. There were people screaming and talking while the concert was going and staff just walked right past without asking for them to leave the venue or move to the common area. Be aware, the balcony is reserved seating but there are no signs warning of this unless you go to the bar. I've always loved McMenamins, but this venue is absolute trash, and I really hope this either changes drastically or more bands realize this as stop booking there. read more

Recently experienced the Crystal Ballroom for the first time. Overall had a great time and thought the venue and staff were great! It seems to me that every city has their version of the Crystal Ballroom. Tucson, AZ has the Rialto Theater which both seem very similar. The venue strikes me as a workhorse when it comes to hosting concerts. While I was there I had very positive interactions with the staff and was very impressed at the number of iced water stations that were available. I noticed one individual who seemed to pass out from overheating and the staff seemed like they took pretty good care of them. Also, it wasn't that hot. It was warm, as expected, but nothing uncomfortable. Downstairs they had TVs showing the stage upstairs and were pumping the audio down there too. A nice spot to stop relax and mid-show. I'll definitely be returning because the whole experience was a blast! read more

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Fun place to see a show! I've been here a few times and overall enjoyed it. It is the only venue I can think of that the stage is tucked in the corner of the room rather than front and center, which sometimes makes for not the best views. Also note that the balcony section in the room is FAR back away, so don't expect any sort of close up view. Pro tip, their is a bar and bathrooms up in balcony that are way more private! read more

Bait and switch concerts! They sold me and my family tickets for one show, but then canceled it and replaced it with a totally different act. Even though it's still a week away, they won't give a refund and say it's "out of our hands." They said to take it up with ticketing agent. That agent claims they sent an email, but none of us received it. The last date to ask for a refund was January 25. The concert isn't until February 14, and I'm writing this on February 7. What a scam! McMenamins should be ashamed. They suck; don't come here, they really don't deserve your business. read more

Be ware for their is a strict Covid procedure to follow at this venue. The information is all over their website. The process starts with standing in line for at least an hour, showing your vaccination card and identification card and having your hand stamped. The staff at the entrance were friendlier then I expected - they looked super intense and unapproachable before speaking to them. The folks checking purses vary in their approach - my purse was completely violated while my daughters purse was barely glanced at with a flashlight. Inside, the venue is impressive to look at with its vaulted ceiling's, grand chandelier, floor to ceiling windows and impressive balcony seating. The "famous" floating dance floor was intense, especially since I was standing on a bench for the headliner Remi Wolf - kinda felt like a mini earthquake. I had to cling to the drapes for dear life when everyone was jumping up and down. One thing that I found odd and a bit annoying was that the opening performer was late by over 30 minutes. I wasn't annoyed at the performer, but I would've appreciated some communication from management regarding this delay. Luckily, my annoyance quickly faded because Grace Ives was fantastically talented and so much fun!! I heard people complaining about the acoustic's and how chatty everyone was, but I enjoyed the music immensely (Remi Wolf was so upbeat, funky and so much fun), I and would return in the future. read more

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Great venue, but DO NOT park on the streets anywhere near this place. We were parked a block from the concert hall and within minutes of walking away from our car, the front passenger-side window was smashed in and my wife's purse was stolen. That theft resulted in over $1,000 damages and losses when adding the show tickets we were forced to give away and return home (couldn't leave my car and all the other contents open to yet more theft!). Had we paid the measly $8.00 for the nearby parking garage, we'd have saved a lot of money and enjoyed a great concert in a very nice venue. Don't make the same mistake we made. Too much theft around this venue. My first concert at the C.B. saw the warm up band for 311, Tropadelic(?), had their bus/truck/vehicle with all their gear, broken into and stolen while they were inside playing! Thousands of dollars in equipment stolen during their show. They were great! I was so disappointed in Portland on that night back in early 2020 as COVID was just taking off. Please beware and enjoy the C.B. It's a great venue for a small concert. read more

No a/c. Just went to a they might be giants concert there and there was absolutely no a/c. It was disgusting - people with hand fans in the bathroom because it was cooler in there. I'm so tired of these PNW businesses being all "we didn't need air conditioning 10 years ago so..." well you do now and you are a business, not somebody's grandma's house. It's unconscionable you would sell tickets to a concert in such horrendous conditions. It was in the 90s outside probably hotter inside in that totally airless torture chamber. And don't give me the historical building excuse when every other ancient concert hall has managed to upgrade but not you? Please. read more

How many concerts have I attended at the Crystal Ballroom over the last two decades? More than a dozen, for sure, maybe close to 20. Out of all the event venues in Portland, this one is probably my favorite, but that condition comes with a caveat, but one that has little to do with the actual venue itself, so I don't it against them. I'm a huge metalhead, and when I see a band or artist live, I *have* to be in the front row, or damned close to it. If not, the experience is just not the same for me. I despise lawn concerts and amphitheaters. I'm envious of the photographers behind the partitions separating the crowd and the stage. Heck, the ONLY reason I really like the Hawthorne Theater is that there is almost never any buffer between you and the band. If I can't crowd surf, get thrown on stage, and then stage dive back into the crowd, I won't like your venue much. The Crystal Ballroom falls into the above category for those same reasons, but since most of my favorite bands don't come to the Crystal, I haven't held it against them...yet. Still, when I come here for a concert, I get here early, and make a bee-line for the front row after climbing a labyrinth of stairs and cramming/queueing up in claustrophobic hallways. Hesitate, and you'll be among the masses ordering craft beers and settling for seats or standing room at the back. Fortunately, since this is a McMenamins, you're going to be in good company, both with regards to food, beverages and fellow patrons. People (attendees AND staff) tend to be more polite and respectful here, and you won't be overcharged just because you're a captive audience: prices are the same here as in any of their restaurants of hotels. Best of both worlds. Everyone comments on the bouncy floor. Yep, it bounces! Good for headbangers, thrashers and mosh-pitters, too! The interior, wedge-shaped space is a little awkward due to the form factor of the building and the streets that cradle it, but once you're in the mix, you stop noticing. Speaking of the mix, this is one venue that gets the sound levels right, all the time. Probably at least partially due to the acoustics of the building's unusual shape, but I've never had vocals or solos drowned out by bass saturation; the volume is loud but never offensively so, and lyrics can usually be understood clear enough to follow along. That's hard to do in any arena. Everything else about the Crystal, with regards to concerts, is fairly industry standard: no re-entry, tiny bathrooms with long queues, etc. The unavoidables of cramming several hundred people in a confined space for several hours. If your complaint revolves around any of these things, stick to Edgefield or Sunlight Amphitheater, and leave the Crystal and other intimate (aka "meat grinder") venues for us metalheads. We're used to the blood, sweat and tears! read more

Came here for a live music show. The interior was super cool, just as most McMenamins are. There were several bars to choose from (however limited the offerings were) and the ciders/beers were tasty as usual although I can't speak to the food since we don't not order anything. The service was alright, nothing to write home about. I do love the Lola Room on the second floor, there were plenty of seating areas and tables/chairs to sit down at, and enjoy the show on a big flatscreen (if going to a concert but not really going is your thing. I mean, suit yourself). The main area was pretty sweet, a couple of bars to choose from (almost the same offerings as the others), and the dance floor was huge. The stage was off to the corner, which is a little strange but whatevs (not like I have a better ballroom at home). I thought the staff were friendly enough, the venue was great, the drinks were not priced outrageously (although you should mind the card readers as they suggest high tip percentages, I believe I saw 25 which was like, whaaaaaaat, for pouring me a beer? No maam. You do not get 25%.) and the sound system was sweet! I'll be back for sure! read more

I've been to 200+ concerts and this is by far the worse venue in Portland. Even if it's sold out it feels empty.

This is the WORST venue in Portland. They shove everyone buying alcohol, I.E. supporting the venue and keeping it open, in a weird tiny section in the back of the venue. They do this even during 21+ shows.....Why can't I walk around the venue with a beer if every other person is 21+? This place sucks. read more

This was our first concert at Crystal Ballroom and it will be one of many. We couldn't believe how intimate and close we were to the stage!! There was no air conditioning, and even though it was a SUPER hot day outside, it wasn't at all uncomfortable. The music was great and I couldn't believe how close we were!! We sat in Lola's Bar until after the first act, because you can watch everything on the multiple TV's in the bar, then went up to the ballroom. We got two PBR's which were $9 for 24oz. Seriously not a bad price! The staff were all kind and friendly, the bartender was great, it was clean, bathrooms were easily accessible, a 5 star Mcmenamins concert event! read more

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Worst place to see a concert! They pack so many people in, you can't move, breathe or see the stage. The divided room of over 21 vs all ages doesn't work. I will not return to see music there. The fact there is no where to sit, (unless you want to pay extra for it) makes it challenging for some of us that can't stand for long periods of time. If there was a fire it would be disastrous. read more

Terrible venue. I will never, ever return.People are crammed in there so tightly that you cannot see the performers and the sound is so awful you can't enjoy the music. It smells like barf and pee in there. The line wrapped around the building, in the rain to have ridiculous searches upon entry. I have never had my purse gone through so aggressively at ANY security checkpoint in my life. I'm sure the artists are relieved that y'all confiscated edibles. Shouldn't "security" be concentrating on weapons? They're so worried about going through an old lady's purse while people are smoking weed inside. Bravo security! Nothing says safety like not carding folks for booze and stacking humans on top of each other with one small exit. That place is a disaster waiting to happen. I've been to several general admission shows over the years and this was by far the worst overall experience. read more

The Crystal Ballroom continues to be one of the worst venues in town. The worst flow for attendees, terrible sound and a generally poor experience for people who pay for tickets. The security staff is painfully unprofessional, terrible at their job and did everything they could to make a bad night worse. I will never attend another show there. I hope they put more effort to think about the people who pay for these shows in the future read more

We came to the Crystal Ballroom to see Tennis! The ticket pricing for the Crystal Ballroom is really inexpensive which made it a great spot to go to with our friends when visiting Portland. The space is a lot bigger than I expected from the outside, but the staff did a great job of ensuring safety and making sure everyone was checked in timely. The line for drinks was fairly long, but it looked like the bartenders were on top of keeping everyone happy. I also liked how they had water dispensers for everyone else too. There are a lot of stairs in this location, so beware if that is a dealbreaker for you. It's not a lot of flights of stairs, but multiple-short, stairs that go upward. Overall, this location was a great size for the crowd who attended the Tennis show. It was divided by a runway, which was a lot of fun, but my biggest complaint is the sound at this location. I think the audio technology could be upgraded for a better experience from every corner of the room instead of the wall closer to the stage getting the best experience. Otherwise, if that could be changed in the future - this location is worth taking a visit to. I had an awesome time at the show and the performance was incredible. It was easily one of the best nights we had in Portland. read more

Asked the guy guarding the downstairs bar (which was closed not a big deal.) some basic questions. He told me I was "asking too many questions." You work here brother. Of course you're gunna have to answer questions. 21 and over section was lame. 0 moshpits. Overly crowded as usual at this place. Never have a problem working my way to close to the front at other venues but this one everyone is so packed together nobody moves the whole time. Sleeping with sirens was a great show tho hope they pick somewhere else next time they are in town. read more

Was in Portland and love going to concerts so the idea of seeing a band that I know outs on a good show at a historic venue sounded fun. It wasn't. Crystall Ballroom was built in 1914. They havent added air conditioning. When you cam 1500 people in a small space it gets styling fast. It's hard to get in a good spot for a view of the stage in the corner unless you arrive early. Still late comers were constantly pushing their way to the front. The staff dis nothing to control the crowd. Even the over 21 section was out of control. Sure weed is legal in Oregon but bring edibles. Multiple people were sparking up joints standing all around us. That's inconsiderate in a tight space. The crowd was wild and rude. I've been to over 300 concerts including to see th band we were there for. The people in the crowd didn't care about anyone else. When a big guy behind me shoved a 50 year old woman causing her beer to fly all over her and me and laughed that was bad enough. Then he shoved me and another woman in the back causing her to hit the floor and me to slam into my wife. The jerk was laughing. Inshoved him back and we left just 3 songs into the main act. Staff was just feet away and said nothing. They also didn't help a young woman who collapsed multiple times. Likely on something and dehydrated. If you're a local and like things out of control by all means go. If you aren't up for sweating your ass off and getting pushed around then don't go. No wonder bands always say when they play St Louis that they're amazed at how great the crowds are. read more

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