I came here for a Movement after party and really enjoyed myself. The people working here seemed a little stern, but perhaps it was out of crowd control. Furthermore, any negative feelings I had were diminished after we entered the main area, with awesome, minimal lights and a very impressive sound system. The wooden floor was great for dancing. The venue overall is pretty divey, which you can see in the beer selection alone. Bartenders were chill, though we didn't really understand why one bar area closed down before the end of the night and wasn't selling beer anymore. Whatever. Great spot for dancing and good ol' techno. read more

Magic Stick - Kevin Saunderson and KiNK b2b - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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I went to an electronica show here around 1997-98 I liked the atmosphere but hated the parking lot situation here and everywhere in Detroit because there isn't anywhere for a car read more

Saw a show here a while ago, great venue. Good food, and cheap faygo. And I saw Babytron smoking crack on a screened in porch across the street from the outdoor eating section. read more

First time going to this venue! What used to be a bowling alley is now a 2nd floor room for concerts with a mesmerizing LED ceiling and pool tables. They have a few bars inside and another on their outdoor patio. I had a wonderful time here. Make sure to bring earplugs because it is LOUD. read more

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Good venue but they charge you for a cup of water. If you ask for water they hand you a cup of ice and say fill it up in the disgusting bathrooms. Pretty sure that's illegal. read more

Best place for live music events. Multiple stages, reasonably priced, the best place to go for (preferably) electronic music shows. read more

Magic Stick - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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This place is tucked away above the Majestic on Woodward and what a great find! They have good drinks, live DJ playing good dance tunes, club music, so you can dance if you want on the dance floor or in your seat like I did! Street tacos were fab-u-lous: shrimp, chicken, pork, shredded beef or vegetarian. They were Hot which helped the side of cheese and sour cream meld well. They also have eloté corn which was wonderful. Mixed ages and crowd. Great place to meet friends for drinks and fun. Check it out! I hope you like it. read more

I finally got the chance to check out a really cool band playing at The Magic Stick! I've always heard about how it's such a cool venue and all the amazing bands that people would see here so I was beyond excited when I found out one of my faves (Destroyer) would be having their show here as well. It's located above the Garden Bowl bowling alley which I think is the coolest part about this venue. It's so very laid back, complete with a bar and there's pizza on deck... So I have literally 0 complaints haha! The venue is basically all standing room, with a section on the side where you could sit if you wanted/needed to. The bar is located in the back, opposite of the stage and stocked with beers, wines and a few other liquors for quick cocktails. I really love these local smaller, more intimate venues where you can be up close and personal with the band. It really helps to create the best memories and even better pics! Now I'm just wondering who should I go and see next?! read more

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The Magic Stick is a small venue which is great for intimate shows where the band really connects with and engages the audience. The Magic Stick is right next to the Majestic, another great small concert venue and is located upstairs from the Garden Bowl. I recently visited the Magic Stick for the K. Flay show. I noticed people were bowling downstairs on the first floor and there was a full bar with jukebox and tables and chairs in front of the bowling. I believe they served food and also have pool tables. They're open until 2 am and I noticed people were still bowling after the concert. It looked really fun, and I'd definitely return to check out Garden Bowl. There was some street parking nearby the venue. We didn't wait in line too long. There were two separate lines for will call and paper/e-tickets. I'd probably suggest getting paper or e-tickets, as it seemed to move faster. There was a large coat check and two full bars, and merch area all before the stage and pit area. I never had to wait too long to get a drink and the bar seemed to be pretty well stocked and the bartender could make almost any drink. The bartender was friendly and offered recommendations. We got there early and were thus pretty close to the stage. K. Flay and Yungblud put on a great show. The lighting and acoustics were good. The venue is small and great for intimate shows similar to El Club but seemed to have a lot less wait time for cocktails at the bar than El Club. They might need better security as one middle aged woman started becoming belligerent and was causing a raucous in the middle of the show and K. Flay, herself actually had to stop the show and say something. Other than that I really loved this venue. It provides a great concert experience and I will definitely return soon. read more

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I had never been to a concert here and didn't know what to expect. It's pretty cool the way it's set up. Bowling and concession on first floor. Family friendly. Upstairs and after 9pm it's 21 and up Concert area was perfect. It was general admission standing but there was some seating on a mezzanine off to the side with cushioned benches. We ended up being able to see from there and danced the whole concert long. Crowd is definitely younger but that didn't bother us. Nice mixed diverse group. Two bars upstairs. Area to go smoke. Loved this venue and would definitely come back. Excellent venue for up and coming bands. Parking was in lots and on street. Loved it read more

I've liked seeing shows at the Magic Stick. The stairs to get up there are a little scary looking, but so far I've made the trip successfully many times. Once upstairs, you can always get where you need to in order to enjoy the show. It's an intimate feeling venue, and either I have odd taste in shows, or it never gets super crowded. Either way, it makes me happy. The last star I held back because the bathroom was lacking in....everything. Usually one door will lock, but it doesn't even matter because the stall is too small for someone to actually open the door into you. Unfortunately I've been here when I was pregnant, which meant I was using the bathroom a lot. The tables to the left of the stage up on the little platform thing were a little crowded for me to cram my very pregnant belly to as well, and I certainly wouldn't have made it standing through the whole show. Luckily the people were nice about it when I squeezed through, and I didn't get too many mean looks for being quite pregnant and hanging out at the bar (no, I wasn't drinking!). read more

Disappointed Went for tunes at 1030 Start time 10 Got there, music done and pretty dead scene. I think the space has great potential but... read more

Saw Johnny Marr here this past weekend and it was a great show. I expected the place to get a lot hotter than it did, so that was nice. I wish the stage was a little higher because if you aren't up front, you can only see the heads of the people on stage. There are some chairs on a raised side area and bar height chair on the floor level available if you are early. We didn't order drinks or use the bathroom, so I can't comment on that. Overall it was a nice intimate venue. read more

IF YOU ARE visiting Detroit or want to take your friends out for a night on the town DO. NOT. GO. HERE. I've lived here my whole life and never had anything happen like this before!! TRIED to attend a show here but got DRAGGED out by the LARGE security guard Q who should be FIRED I'm a young female and he grabbed me by my NECK - I told him to stop but he proceeded to strangle and push me to the ground. I volunteered to leave and kept walking- then he threatened to BEAT ME UP ?!? Who does that??? I was walking out when he pushed me down the hallway and onto the ground. I AM DISGUSTED ! And the whole time he was yelling in my face his breath was HOT and his odor was musty. I have NEVER had such a horrible experience at any other club. Don't go here unless you want to be physically ASSAULTED by a large man. HOPE YOURE SATISFIED YOU LEFT MARKS ON A YOUNG WOMAN! THIS CESS PIT BRINGS SHAME UPON DETROIT!!!!!!!! DONT GO HERE. UPDATE :) - when I went back the next weekend to get my PURSE and coat (which they didn't let me get on the night I was assaulted) they could only retrieve my purse. My big sherpa coat was gone and it was one of my favorites. The guards HOT breath and stank ass still haunts me. Also STAFF- Maybe if you read and responded to all these bad reviews you could actually learn how to run an ethical business!! DO BETTER read more

It'd been a few years since I'd been to the The Stick and I went a few days ago on a whim to see Kurt Vile. And realized that it is an AWESOME place not only to see a show, but to just hang out! I am huge a fan of decks and patios and theirs is just stellar. Absolutely stellar. A great view, beautiful lights and I love that there's a bar outside. I also love that there's a big TV, mostly as the idea of watching a Tigers game sitting outside on a beautiful night in Detroit is kind of my idea of heaven (short of actually being at the park, of course!). Also--the patio chairs are some of the most comfortable outdoor furniture I've ever sat in. Kind of random, I know, but true! Anyway, the show was great--the sound was excellent and I feel like there's not really a bad spot in the house. Very much appreciate the existence of tables and chairs in a raised area on the side and that they have a ton of pool tables adjoining the stage area. Gives it a more laid-back vibe. The drink prices are venue drink prices. I think I had three High Lifes and my bill was 11 bucks. The bartenders were nice dudes. All in all--highly recommended! read more

Magic Stick - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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My fiance and I came in for Movement Festival weekend and they serve alcohol until 4 a.m., Which we like since we're used to LA's 2am cutoffs. The lighting is cool and the sound system is pretty good, although a bit dated in look and sound. The outside patio has a stage too and is a nice break from the inside. There's a second bar outside as well. read more

The Dirtbombs playing on Mick's birthday. Had to go. While crawling up the stairs from the Garden Bowl I hear "Down on the Street" from the Stooges blaring out of the juke box. I am not cool. This place makes me feel like I am. This is enough. You are my smoky, pungent friend - Magic Stick - and I love you. You raised me on cheap beer and destructive shows. Some of the happiest memories have been made here. Guitar Wolf, Link Wray, Dirtbombs. Hands down one of the best venues to see a show, anywhere. read more

I used to love this whole setup, but tonight, I lost all respect for The Magic Stick. Tonight was The Detroit Cobra's, Pangea, and a few others. The show was advertised $15. On the ticket that I was sold it says $15. -EVERYwHERE- it was advertised, it was a $15 cover. No big deal, right? Wrong. I go to the door to pay my way in, with $15 in hand. I hand the lady $15, she looks at me and says "It's $20." With a confused look on my face I ask "Huh? Since when? You guys have been advertising this show being $15 the whole time you've had it listed, you were even advertising it as $15 tonight?!" She replies with "Yeah, I know, but we just raised it to $20." Wtf?! Talk about bait and switch. I paid the $20, but not happily. I feel violated and taken advantage of. Come on, guys. That was a total dick move. Why would you do that to customers? You're just going to piss them off. I mean, for Christ's sake, you ruined two of my friends night. They turned around and left when they heard $20. They too were under the $15 impression. Isn't this move technically illegal? Aside from being illegal, it was a huge dick move. Respect lost, Magic Stick. Tsk, tsk, tsk . . . read more

The first time I came here, was before a flight out with some friends around 3 pm, for one last round before heading home. Of course we ended up getting so wasted, that missing our flight sounded like a brilliant idea. My last visit to Detroit, we frequented this place quite a few times.... It's amazing....you walk into the bar area, then behind that, is a bowling alley.....Or you can go upstairs where they have DJ's, Bands, a Dance floor, and pool tables.... Or you can go next door to the Majestic, which is a nice little restaurant attached. This place really does have everything! read more

Horns up, young bloods, this granny is joining you for a metal show. Or maybe you'll see me with my cane at Blonde Redhead... or Boris (since when did they get off the noise bandwagon and onto the j-pop bus? eep)... No matter what the show, the place is about half packed at best (I still can't get over the fact that shows don't sell out in Detroit). The sound is pretty on point (though the speaker set up is definitely weighted toward one side). The drinks could be a touch cheaper (as they are, 3.25 for a PBR and 6 bucks for a paltry shot of well whiskey). Street parking is remarkably plentiful. Crowd is generally without pretenses. If you're vertically challenged like me, good luck seeing anything if you're more than four rows back - the stage isn't near raised enough to compensate for the flat open floor. If memory serves, there's also a patio though I've never been out there - it's always been too cold, or I've been too late, anxious, or tossed to manage the exploration. Honestly the place doesn't have all that much atmosphere. The bartenders are nice and efficient but relatively disengaged - same goes for the door people. The space is just kinda... there. As opposed to, I dunno, feeling intimate or old and loved or utterly punk rock. That's ok. The venue brings in enough good acts to compensate. read more

Its hard to write a review for JUST the Magic Stick. I am usually there for the larger events, Fucking Awesome Fest, We are the Few anniversary party, Dubstep showcase, etc.. where I get to go to events in the Cafe, Stick, Theatre, etc all at once. However, I guess I will review them separately. And wait until I have tried the food at the Cafe to review them. This is my favorite venue in Detroit. Hands down, no questions asked. First off, they have Rickard's Red Ale on tap. Its delicious. I don't know where else to get it. Its like trying to find a pin in a giant stack of hay, also grass, also sand, oh and hornets too. Its impossible. Secondly, the crowds here are always good. I haven't been here when a crowd just outright sucked, unlike St. Andrews, Fillmore, etc. Thirdly, the sound is usually very good. Thats difficult enough to find in itself. Most recently, I was there for Fucking Awesome Fest, and the acoustics, set up, bartenders, $25 feel very well spent. It helped a lot that I was surrounded by my friends hot chick friends all weekend though. They had a really interesting two stage set up, with a merch booth against the wall thats against the Deck. It was a really good set up that allowed lots of music to be played constantly. And thats what you want out of a venue. Summary: Good beer at a good price. Reasonably priced shows. Great staff. Good sound. Gated parking. So just go. If you haven't been, just go. read more

So it was announced that the Magic Stick is going to focus on EDM 'concerts'. Even though I've moved away from Detroit, I still pouted like crazy reading the news. I guess they know what's best for the venue and the city. I haven't been to the Magic Stick since 2013, but I've been to over 50 concerts there. While working for record labels, magazines and even being on the street team for the venue, I frequented this place like crazy. My first flirtation happened here. My first drink as 21 year old. The first and only time my car got broken into, haha. So many wonderful memories. I've seen many great bands at the Magic Stick, and some not so great bands. The stage is one of my favorites since it's only three feet or so off the ground. The floor seems to bounce when people are dancing along; it's fun and scary at the same time. read more

As my first time visiting Detroit from Chicago, I didn't have high expectations for any of the places my friend planned on taking me out. When we arrived to magic stick around 10pm, I was surprised to see the first level was a bowling alley, but it was actually pretty packed and the music was great. We went upstairs to the club/venue part of it, and it was completely empty. I thought okay well this is a bust, but my friend reassured me it was going to pick up. So we got some drinks and went downstairs and got a slice of pizza (which is freakin amazing and every bar/club should have a food place inside it). Somehow in between us getting pizza and going back upstairs, the dance floor got packed! They were handing out glow sticks and everyone was dancing. The music was a mix of clubby hip hop and house music. The crowd was a very eclectic mix of people, who were all super friendly and open. The bathrooms are co ed, so don't be surprised if your tinkling and hear a man's voice in the stall next to you lol. There was some type special event going on that consisted of multiple singing/performing acts. I was blown away by the quality and perfection of all of them. The crowd was so hype and supportive of all of them, that it heightened the whole experience. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone visit Detroit or even locals. And make sure you get a slice of pizza! read more

Magic Stick - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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As a tourist I really shouldn't trash talk what seems to be a cool hang out for locals. BUT what the heck here it goes. So went to see a couple of bands...the venue itself is great. Small but not too stuffy, so it was a great place to see two of my favorite bands. The three stars are all based on the space itself. I'm so glad I live in So. Cal where indoor smoking is banned!! Cigarette smoke is never a good thing.....it's annoying and you end up smelling like an ashtray. That was the one thing that bothered me most about the Magic Stick. This place also made me glad to live in So. Cal and made me realize how spoiled we are out here. The beer selection was crappy...the only decent beer available was Newcastle. No Pyramid...or any other type of Heffeweisen, no Blue Moon, no Dos XX...had to settle for Newcastle :( read more

If i didn't know people who work at the magic stick, the chances of me wanting to see a show there are very small. i just must not be hip enough or something. i don't know. read more

The Stick is pretty much the place that comes to mind for me when I think of 'venue'. Most likely this is because I've been to so many shows there over the last few years. I highly recommend against parking on Alexandrine if you do go, unless you like your windows getting broken. Once was enough for me, and I'll pay the $4 to park every time now. What's really to say about the venue that hasn't been said. It's a 'staple' as far as Detroit music venues go and if you're taking the time to read this, you probably already know that. read more

A tried and true spot for shows in the D. Saturday night I worked the merch table for Negative Approach at the TescoFest, and had myself a grand old time. (Kind of funny I'd use a word my grandmother was all about to describe a hardcore show, but there ya go.) The sound was awesome. You could really hear the rhythm section which was cool, since a lot of times it seems to get buried in the mix a bit. I could really FEEL it, too, from my place on the platform that merchandise row was set up on. And the two stage arrangement worked out great, keeping the jams flowing out seamlessly almost all night long. (The one exception being Negative Approach. John Brannon, that goddamned prima donna!) The deck sure is nice, too, especially on a summer night. Caught a few fleeting moments of the Tigers game, which is about the only way I can watch baseball, and paid too much for a sugar-free Red Bull. The fridges behind the bar sure make their bottled beers look like a mighty army. They could have used more bouncers. There was only six for a sold-out hardcore show of 700 people. I say this because my fellow t-shirt hawker Frankie, who is a bouncer there but was not working in that capacity that night, got the crap beat out of him by some guy known as the Beast who does everything he can to live up to that name. Frankie said they should have had at least a dozen guys for that show, but the Zaineas are too cheap. But then I've been hearing that the Zaineas are cheap and a pain in the ass to work for for about fifteen years now. As mentioned in many previous reviews the bathrooms here are nasty and oh, wait, I'm a dude and don't really care too much. read more

The Stick is perhaps Detroit's finest live music venue. More? OK. Minus one star for the pool not being separated from the stage by much of anything and for the cheapest thing behind the bar being a $2.50 can of Strohs. But they get great bands for cheap prices, the sound is always great and the hipsters and rockers that populate the joint are my kind of people. Make it a point to see any band you are mildly interested in that plays here. You can usually park for free, right on the street! Talk about an underrated feature... read more

Great place to see musical acts of all genres. Been going here personally for about 15 years. They recently redid the bathrooms which is pretty awesome. Except it can be confusing since the men's room is now where the ladies room used to be and if you haven't been there in awhile you better watch out. Over all check it out for some great tunes and check out the rooftop patio for some nice atmosphere in the spring and summer time. read more

Amazing! I went to my first show here in April and I loved it. This is my boyfriend's old hangout, so I was excited to be able to go with him. We saw Fleet Foxes and Blitzen Trapper and the show was so great. I was actually surprised that the show brought out so few people. It was a Saturday night in Detroit and there were seriously like 50-60 people in the whole place. It was nice for my first time, though, since it wasn't packed and we weren't shoulder-to-shoulder with other people in the place. It was great to be able to get to the bar without waiting at all. The drinks were also cheap, which was a huge plus. The shows are cheap ($10 is common) and the acts are always great. When we saw Fleet Foxes and Blitzen Trapper after they show they told us that the show the following night in Chicago was sold out, which didn't surprise me. I was surprised, though, that it wasn't sold out in Detroit - it was such a good show! I loved the atmosphere and the small size of the venue. It definitely rivals some of the great small clubs in Chicago like Schuba's, Beat Kitchen or Hideout. Whenever we come to Detroit to visit we always see if there's a show we'd like to see. I had so much fun when we went and I can't wait to try the pizza and bowling facilities on the first floor. read more

The Stick is one of the best venues in the city. Always has good acts and fun people. Sometimes you can see the end of a show because the person at the top of the stairs who gives out stamps and takes tickets is done for the night. Keep that in mind if you aren't sure about a band. read more

A true Detroit original. I'll be sad to see it turned into an EDM venue by 2016--the owner has stated his plans for the joint. Drinks are expensive, of course--in Detroit Rock City, we pregame in the parking lot. Bathrooms suck--in Detroit Rock City, we hold it or give zero effs because, you know, music! Ambiance is unique and positive. Great group mentality during shows. Sound has never been an issue here for me. No place like it... And when the last intimate rock venue like this in our city dies, a piece of Detroit Rock City goes with it. We can all look forward to Molly-rolling suburban kids in their neon spandex pouring out into the streets now. You can keep that. As for me? I'll be nursing a drink at the last real music venue in the city...leave the EDM and come join. Drinks on me. read more

My concert going experience is very limited. I had no idea what to expect when I went to the Azure Ray show this past Monday night. I was pleasantly surprised. The closeness of the performers to the crowd gives the venue a very personal feel, almost like being at a house party. Of course, at house parties, the beer is usually free, and at Magic Stick they are a little overpriced. The concert was wonderful, though, and there is pizza and karaoke in the cafe right downstairs. So, basically, best concert ever. Parking in the lot was $4. read more

When I was a bit younger and way more into dating guys in bands (it had its perks), I loved this place. I still like to see a show here if it something interesting. I like the tables on the side so I can be lazy and sit down... I don't need to be up front and standing to enjoy the music (it doesn't make you cooler) Though I think I'm getting too old for the "scene" and I just don't care, but I'll go if my friends are going. Going to the "Stick" is truly a Detroit staple. read more

I've seen so many shows here, it's bordering embarrassing. The good news is I have seen some really talented people and not spent my life savings doing it. (sorry livenation). I don't really have any complaints about the stick.. well maybe one.. the bathroom! come on people! Before a show, make sure you have tp and paper towel... I agree with Lisa on the boring beer.. stock some detroit brews. Sound's great, you can always be "as close as you want to be" here which is nice.. oh and very big bonus for the set-up... it's nice that there is always a place you can sit-- unlike some other venues that only have ONE table... it gets a little tiring when you've been singin' and dancin' your booty off! I have yet to fall down those stairs, and every time I leave I'm a little nervous since I walk like a four-year-old in heels. bartenders are always really cool- so tip 'em well folks. read more

Ah the Stick. What a crazy place. I can't give them less than four stars for two reasons: 1, it seems any band/artist I want to see performs there. 2, the shows are always cheap. The place used to be a hipster haven, but either the hipsters got real jobs or went somewhere else, because it seems to be a normal and fairly agreeable crowd in there now. I've seen a ton of shows here, and just showed up randomly to find it better than the last time. I can't complain! The bar is stocked well, but the prices are edging towards steep ($4 for some brews is unheard of in a dive!) and the fact that they don't stock Labatt Blue gets one star off. How could you run a bar in Detroit and not stock Labatt!? Next you'll tell me that the Canadians got bored with hockey, so they're just not going to play it anymore. But that really is just a minor gripe of mine (with the LB, not the Canadians. I still love our northern neighbors... sort of.) Really the Stick is a great place to see a band, and I'm more happy to come here than the Majestic or St. Andy's. One last thing: watch out for the cockroaches! read more

I have to give The Magic Stick five stars based solely on my own nostalgia for that place. Since I've moved to Toronto I compare all the venues I go to to either The Stick or to St. Andrews. But let's focus on The Stick. Talking solely music venue: The Stick is pretty basic (which, I think, is a good thing). It's a fairly decent sized room with a stage at one end and a bar at the side. The sound is good, as far as I can tell, and you can squeeze your way to the front fairly easily. It is not a seated venue, so, all the better! Downstairs there's a bowling alley (!!), great for before the show, and pizza (!!), great for after the show. One time they were selling vintage clothing on make shift racks, which was pretty cool, but I only saw it that one night. read more

UPDATE: they no longer allow smoking on the upstairs deck. Yeah! I never did report them, but i should have, but now it seems someone else may have. I saw a sign inside saying absolutely no smoking. This is great news for people who despise smoking. As a result I've updated my rating. I'm not sure why I said the sound was poor before, its usually really good...hmmm. the Majestic Theater next door is another story. Apparently, they no longer serve beer on tap which sucks, since drinks are expensive. Boo! The bathrooms are still shit pits with no locks on the stalls. At recent shows, I've seen a lot of people smoking pot and cigs, hopefully they will crack down on this with this new policy of no smoking I technically give it 3.5 stars, up from my previous 2 stars. It would get five stars if they put latches on the bathroom stalls and the bathrooms were decent. If drinks prices were lower and they still served draft beer OLD REVIEW: shit venue and sound. they always run out of beer on tap. THEY ALLOW SMOKING ON THE UPSTAIRS DECK AND ALSO OPEN THE WINDOWS AND DOORS, which allows smoke to come in to the venue, making this essentially a smoking venue, which is against the law. i have complained and nothing has changed. they will be reported to the wayne county health dept. the bathrooms are complete sh*tholes as well read more

The extreme use of fluorescent lighting during late night concerts make me sad... but I might be old.

Writing my annual review since I'm still traumatized from my experience here. I am sober (don't drink) so I didn't get x's on my hands for a show. I was holding a beer for my friend while he went to the bathroom and a bodyguard (Q) charged at me and told me I needed to leave, I asked him why, he wouldn't tell me. I needed to get my purse and coat from the managers office and he wouldn't let me. He grabbed my arms from behind and pushed me down the stairs. I told him to back off and I would leave and he yanked me off the ground to shove me down the hallway and then finally into the ground outside. I was crying and asking him why he would shove around a young woman and asked why he was so violent. He said I looked like a whore and he hoped I got AIDS. what the h€ll?? Customers from the bowling alley followed him and yelled at him, but he defended his actions. Weird, creepy place. Called the next day to get my stuff back and someone stole my coat. I hope you guys get shut down and the building rots. read more