Just moved to Phoenix from Denver and Planet of the Drums was our first show experience in the area. Drums killed it, but the venue was a bummer. Let's start with THE LINE. We purchased our tix in adv and waited in line close to 40 minutes - the line stretched more than a block. And yet, when I went up front to investigate the bouncer was not admitting anyone. He was holding the gate. When we asked if the show was oversold he asked if we had tix and when we said yes, "Then not for you." So not only were they using up our precious party time, they were being jerks about it. Note to self: if I ever come here again, arrive super early. And first thing, I used THE RESTROOM. Don't get me wrong - venues are dirty places, but I'm talking beginning of the night and the floor was already super sticky. And then we got past that BIG RAIL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE VENUE. Over 21ers have to consume all alcohol before being able to use the restroom or get to the patio. It felt like a disservice to those people paying forthose OUTRAGEOUSLY PRICED DRINKS. I was thinking, maybe it's just this show, but it's mentioned in multiple reviews. Is this an AZ thing? When you have an 18+ crowd, there has to be a partition? The under 21 side was not full by any means, though. We ended up going over there to escape the heat/crowd on the other side. There were a few things they did right. Kudos to the bar staff for being quick, and security was quick to respond to our request for help when a racist jerk in the crowd started bugging us... Overall, though, there are a lot of areas of opportunity at Monarch. Please hear what we're all saying! So many of the same things are being said over and over again. read more

One of the WORST venues I've been to from coast to coast. I don't know what sort of sexual or monetary favors Monarch gave Relentless beats but there is absolutely NO reason they should be hosting all the amazing djs and musicians that come into town. The venue is small and cramped and very awkwardly divided down the middle by rails to separate 21+ and everybody else. The sound system is supposedly an excellent one but half the time blows out or sounds blown out. There's not an act out there that could make me want to come back to this crap venue. read more

I'm a big techno fan but had not actually been to a live show since Kandiland back in 2009 at the Marquee Theater. I've now been to two shows at the Monarch and have had nothing but great experiences. I found out Infected Mushroom was playing there and had to go see them live. The tickets were incredibly reasonable at $25 a piece total, which was the same price for tickets to see The Crystal Method a couple months later. I had never been to a somewhat smaller venue quite like it before but I actually prefer it now. If you wanna see some top notch artists up close and personal in a comfortable but hard-hitting bass cave, then you've found your home. read more

Monarch Theatre - Infected Mushroom - Dance Clubs Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Been to monarch theatre a couple of times. Crowded? Yes it can be crowded but that's the same for many other night clubs. Asides from that the club is in decent shape, has great prices, a constant and wide variety of music and an amazing sound system. Definitely worth checking out if you are considering it! - Jarod of Absolutely Aesthetic Apparel (www.3Aesthetic.com) read more

Well I will add to the negative reviews. This place is a "club" in the strictest sense, it is not a music venue. They do not know how, or care to host actual bands, music groups. It is a DJ place, which is fine, but then don't have anything else besides DJs. The security was way over bearing, probably one of the hardest pat downs I have had in years , meanwhile I saw people sneaking into the event rather easily, so what are the priorities? The show was in the Scarlet Room (upstairs), somehow they made the space even smaller than it is, bottlenecks everywhere especially around the bar and merch area. The drink line was long all night long, so pretty difficult to get anywhere else. Staff seemed to hate the alternative crowd even being there, from the ridiculous security check to the very slow bartenders to the clueless ticket checker, just a bad experience overall. "Night Wave Radio" was the promoter, made us wait an extra hour outside for really no reason other than, "that door time is what the old flyer said", what a joke, I will steer away from the venue and anymore "shows" hosted by that promoter. read more

Very disappointed. This past Sunday, stopped for an after party. I asked if place was happening. We paid $30 for not even 2 min. Place was a dump. There was about 5 people. There was water all over floor. Very concerned for our safety considering there was 2 bouncers outside. Asked for a refund and bouncer.. ( very rude..and doesn't understand math and how to keep a customer) said no..he would be at loss $60. Place being dead.. I wouldn't of charged cover charge..you would of kept some great customers. After that sour not losing $30 who wants to buy drinks there. And to my disappointment I had to see bouncer on the news for his weightloss journey..maybe he needs a different journey.. read more

One of the best sound systems in Phoenix. If you're into house music this is the spot to be. Sometimes it gets a little crowded but that's expected in a warehouse type venue. The staff is always cool, super friendly, just good vibes all around. read more

DON'T COME TO ANY CONCERT HERE, IT'S A SCAM. My friends and I bought VIP tickets for the SAYMYNAME CONCERT on 12/09, which individually were $30 more each than general admission tickets. Arrived and were told by security there was NO VIP that night and would have to stand in gen admission if we wanted to watch the show. We asked a few other staff members if there was a mix up, but no one had any answers, and we were just told to email management the following day. I have sent TWO emails to Monarch's management with NO response. Save your money and don't let them rip you off too. read more

I had never been to this club before and let me tell you it was the most disappointing club I had ever been to. The music was extremely dated and the whole club looked like a dirty shit hole. Not to mention the bartenders didn't know about multiple different drinks we had tried to order! Drinks are over priced and under poured (bartender poured more grenadine than alcohol in our drinks) VIP booths are disgusting and raggedy, bathrooms are trashed, cleanliness doesn't seem to be a point of interest here. I DEFINITELY will never go back here to party! read more

This place is a dump. I am not into the EDM scene and have never seen a show here, but have been here twice for the RAWards. First of all, they were charging $10 a head to get in, which I'm sure a portion goes to support the artists, but still. Once inside, the drink prices are way too high. If I remember correctly, a 12oz bottle of Bud Light was $6, and a teeny tiny shot of Fireball was $9. Sorry, but you don't get to charge Vegas prices at a dilapidated building in Phoenix. The lower level is OK I guess, and it worked to set up the runway and jewelry stands and stuff. The patio was nice. I could have done without the vendor making frybread, resulting in everyone smelling heavily like fried food, but the heaters they had set up did make it a little more comfortable. The restroom situation was appalling. They had a BATHROOM ATTENDANT, and half the toilet stalls were either missing a toilet SEAT, or a stall lock, or something. How can they charge so much for drinks and cover, and not be able to take care of very basic maintenance like this? And then expect me to pay someone to wash my hands? The upper level was cool, once I found it and got up there. I liked the additional bar upstairs. The floor in the hall to the stairwell was missing tiles and was very uneven which they decided to just cover with a rug. Pretty dangerous, especially when you have women wearing heels. Also, the elevator permit expired in like...1997. Whoa. read more

This is the worst place do not go, we waited an hour in line for them to tell us they couldn't let us in, anywhere else is better than this, this is not like like they do not deserve your money, no matter attendance their security was also a joke and didn't take us serious so go somewhere else and enjoy it read more

Thank goodness you guys have Relentless Beats to bring in good artists- if it wasn't for them, no one would even come here. If you're going to charge people to come into the venue for events- atleast clean the venue before the event and try to keep it clean during the event... the Scarlet room needs some attention...the floors are ridiculously sticky even upon arrival...and the girls bathroom is so disgusting you might as well just literally take a piss on the floor. Wet toilet paper rolls everywhere and none to actually use. Looks like you guys have gotten a ton of one star reviews on Facebook, listen to your guests...Let's get it together people. read more

This venue is dying, dirty, high drink prices. Only thing that saves it is the location.

One of the worst venues. Security was wack and very rude. Especially Ray and the guy he was with. If you hate your job that much, look for a new one. I understand people are drunk and fights sometimes happen, but even Mill and Old town can handle it better than that. They said it was $10 cover charge and my card didn't work so I paid in cash, but my card was later charged $14. The girl taking the cash absolutely lies. It is over packed and crowded. Some of the music is great, but overall one of the worst places I've been to in all of AZ read more

DRINKS/SERVICE I was satisfied with my drinks. The bartenders have been in the game for while now and know their stuff. If you ask them for a drink - they KNOW how to make it. Some people may feel cheated due to the fact they use small plastic cups instead of tall glassware, but you still get an ounce and half of liquor to 2. You don't need so much filler. MUSIC/SOUND: By far the most intense sound system at ANY night club/bar venue in Phoenix. Those speakers were knocking down bottles of call liquors off of the shelf - spilling everywhere. Beers were rattling in the display fridge. The music is eargasmic - I'm a big fan of UK Thursdays - that dubstep through those speakers makes you forget you came out of a woman. Your brain starts to micromanage itself to an element of robotic tendencies. The DJ and music talent is top notch. DJ's that actually mix and know how to find music and produce. J PAUL is a beast during UK Thursdays and FOUL PLAY Fridays next door at Barsmith. They bring in EDM greats ranging from DILLON FRANCIS, MARK FARINA, NETSKY, and many more. Stay Tuned. ATMOSPHERE/SPACE: 2 stories of club space! they don't use both floors on every night, but when they do - it gets PACKED. Along with the club nights, they have fashion shows/artist showcases/and the space can be inquired for private parties or events. I've even caught some professional urban/hip hop dancers practicing upstairs during one of the Wednesday night club nights (a non functional club night now), and you can train and get free lessons from them if you show up to the club from 8 to 11pm. Monarch is CRAZY! read more

This place was awful i went there last night for and experienced the worst bottle service ever. The promoter kept promising things and wouldn't pull through until i chased him down 2 of my friends ended up paying for cover after being told they didn't have to because we were getting a bottle, and when i addressed the situation he said they couldn't refund them their money so he said he would get them a free drink which i had to later chase him down to get however on a brighter note the DJ was good and the place wasnt to packed but customer service was horrid read more

Not a pleasant experience. My friends and I had never been here before and we got in what seemed to be the line to the entrance. We stood there several minutes chatting, as was their staff. Then a man came over and told us that this line was for vip only. I tried to tell him there should be signage for future clients but he blew me off. So we found the other line, assuming the same way we started and I asked the women who handled the cover when they were planning on opening because it was almost 10:30. She was so busy hanging out with her friends, the staff, that she didn't hear me or bother to. I voiced my grievances with their lack of courtesy and she did not care. I told her we were leaving and going to tell people of our experience and she responded that the DJ would play my favorite song. I certainly won't be going back and hope no one else receives the service we had. read more

By far on of the best places I've been to, enjoyed the live music they had. Also lost my phone there and the owner went out of his way to meet me there when they were closed and looked for my phone before I flew back to California. They gave us amazing service while in the VIP section! Highly recommend anyone to go here!! Again thank you to the owner for finding my phone ! read more

Monarch is a horrible place. This women who I believed was a bartender sat and watched my friend and I (who is under 21) stand at the bar. My friend took a tiny sip and before we knew it the security was in our face to throw us out. I know you may ask "weren't we in the wrong?" and the answer is yes but did we deserve to be kicked out and yelled at by this lame ass woman and security guard for the amount my friend drank? The answer is no. I've heard lots about how ain't shit monarch is and I thought I'd see for myself and this situation proved everyone who said something negative right. Y'all can take y'all boring ass club and lame ass bartenders and ain't shit ass security guards and move around. I'll make sure everyone I know doesn't come here and trust me, I know a lot of people. Fuck monarch. Period. read more

This venue was disappointing. They had no clear signs as to what line was what, and no one seemed to give a shit about their customers. Of course paid for an insanely overpriced, watered down mixed drink. Not coming back again read more

Terrible sound system. Interior needs sprucing up. Prices for events seem to be high especially consider poor quality of sound system. Doubt I would go back. read more

I just saw What So Not at the Monarch last night, and I'm sorry to say that all the negative comments I see on Yelp about this place are true. The show was totally oversold. The line to get in was huge, because they only let in a few people every ten minutes or so, and it was so packed that you couldn't dance or even move without getting stepped on and spilled on. Of course, this made the vibe way more hostile than it should have been. The worst thing was the sound -- a combination of bad acoustics and a badly engineered system. It was deafeningly loud, but so distorted that everything sounded like crap. The drunk, underage douchelings seemed to be having a blast, and they made up like 80 percent of the crowd, but this is not a good place for grown-ups who like EDM. Why two stars? Tickets were pretty cheap, the (dirty) restrooms were not too crowded, and the few security staff who were around were pretty friendly, even when it was obvious that they were too understaffed to be able to do their job. Notice how the positive reviews on here seem to be about the acts that performed here, not the actual venue? Yeah, there's a reason for that. The Monarch is NOT GOOD. read more

This place is conveniently located in center city Phoenix and they have a lot of big name artists for the person who is really into electronic dance music, but that is just about everything this venue has going for it. You'll pull up to a street in front of the US Airways Center in Phoenix and drive back and forth a few times before you find this hole in the wall, placed discreetly between two other buildings that are rarely, if ever, occupied. After you pay an arm and a leg for your parking spot you'll show up at the front doors to stare at a bunch of staff who come off as serious, but are really just a collection of jokesters. Then, they'll do their sound checks and just about everyone with the capability to feel a bass note through an amplifier will know that it is equalized horrendously, and the fears are confirmed as you enter the room. Half of the room is dedicated to 21+ where just about everyone is too old or just turned 21, and the other half is 18+ (which they glance over ID's so fast that it's hard to justify putting an age restriction on the events at all). The over 21 section gets intoxicated very quickly and then the staff fail to recognize the whole host of newly-legal drinkers grabbing drinks, bringing them back over for their friends. Not to mention all of the weed that gets lit up in the faces of security guards, but if something as small as a bottle cap crosses into the middle section of the venue, that person gets ejected. As far as the music is concerned, I've only seen one coherent opener for this venue and that was the other day, 2TONEDISCO I believe it was. The rest of the openers are clearly buddies with the owner/staff or just bought their first mixer and pair of headphones 20 minutes before their set was supposed to start. The openers will run over a little each time and then they start cutting into the time for the artist people flocked to this venue to see. If you've read this far and skimmed through the other reviews, I'm going to reiterate how poor this equalization job is at this venue. You can barely hear any note that isn't a thump when you walk in and then some man goes behind the bass racks directly in front of the crowd and turns it up so high that any and every note is just a deep sub that never ends, which gets irritating after the openers play the same songs over and over. The visuals, well they're projected on a piece of drywall and two parts of a wall painted white on either side of "entrance" (a black curtain meant for a window); sad for the fact that they charge too much for drinks and tickets at this place (seriously, LED screens are cheap). Wanna get a kick out of something, facing the stage on the right is a fire alarm that was so cleverly placed in the center of the screen. Also, none of the visualizing software is licensed, so every now and again you'll see a watermark from the company they ripped it from. Finally, the timing is horrible. I drove from Tucson to see Pegboard Nerds and had to drive back right after because they chose thursday nights for the really big artists from the UK. It's a shame when myself and all of my friends have to miss a concert for an artist we have supported since we were in freshman year of high school because the management decided that Thursdays were the best nights for students (a large portion of their customer base) to stay out until 2am. read more

Cool place, cool vibes! The staff was very rude though! Waited in line awhile for a drink only to be overseen within seconds.. also, was waiting in a bathroom line for at least 10 minutes (only two communal bathrooms) and all would have been fine however the FIVE people in front of me went into the first open stall so my boyfriend and I went into the other (no running water, no locked door) because by that time we both agreed it be smart to both use the bathroom. About 1 minute into our bathroom break we got a knock on the door; and again and again.. 3 times! I replied each time that someone was obviously using the bathroom. Once I came out of the bathroom I questioned the dude who was furiously knocking.. cause really? What was the point.. he replied, "well there was two of you in there" and in shock I mentioned that there were literally five people in the other bathroom, and all he could say was "I'll kick you out".. literally NO ONE else had been questioned about using the bathroom.. and what.. sorry, but really?? Rude! No reason for any of this and really ruined my night. Security's name was Isaac. Usually wouldn't write a review unless I felt utterly disrespected. read more

If I could give zero stars I would . The promoter intentionally gave out more free tables then he could handle to fill up the club . This was very insensitive, as I thought I actually won something until the waitress made me wait , forgetting about me , and returning to inform me there was no table. Next time say that at the door and there would be no issue . Block this number 6025186263 read more

I paid DOUBLE for VIP tickets, only to arrive and learn that you cannot have alcohol in the VIP section?? Why did I pay 40$ a ticket to not be allowed to drink on my birthday? Absolutely ridiculous. VIP section was on the "under 21" side of the club, and nobody checked it, so anyone who wanted to go back there could. We ended up staying in the general admission area so we could drink during the show. VIP is a COMPLETE waste of money, all they did was toss me a lanyard and let me skip the line. I am so upset that i paid double for tickets only to not be allowed to drink in VIP. It makes no logical sense and I will never come here for a show again. Oh, and i guess in the mens bathroom a security guard pokes his head into your stall to watch you poop every 30 seconds. Overkill. read more

Great shows and decent atmosphere. I recommend some ear plugs so you're not deaf by 30

Worst place ever to go party and have fun . Since the beginning with the security in the entrance asking $20 to let you in and still pay $10 more with the girls that's a big rip off . I just payed it cause they recommended me this place. No wonder is so empty and the music was terrible upstairs no wonder no one was dancing. It'll be the last time I go there and I will not recommend this place to any of my friends or family . read more

DO NOT GO HERE. The bartender will cushion his tip. The bartender added a "1" to my tip making it a $31 tip. If you do go here, make sure you take a picture of your receipt before you give it back to them!!! They have been no help in rectifying this situation!!! They also sold $75 VIP tickets which promoted an open bar from 9to 11pm, which was untrue. The venue and the promotor have failed to rectify this situation as well. THIS PLACE IS A RIP OFF read more

This was our first event at this place...and boy oh boy did Mirage Entertainment put on a great show! We were

A place that is truly its own. I've been to Monarch Theater numerous occasions each time a different band and crowd, but each time down to earth. Great place to hear some up and coming Djs, bands, and catch shows that cater to a different taste. read more

First time going to this place. Attended the Redbull Thre3 Dj event. It was free before 11 pm. I liked the diverse group attending, the bar was efficient, and the staff was unconventional nice. Typically club employees aren't very nice. ..but this place is different. Will check it out again. read more

Upgraded to 4 stars - I've been back a few times and the sound has been better!!

Was here for the March 11th Sharam show (in town because of spring training), and I agree with other reviewers who say the bass is too loud, but otherwise, the crowd was engaged, the music was great and the staff was helpful. EDM is apparently very hard to find in the Phoenix metro area unless it's a weekend, so if you're within distance of the light rail or just staying downtown, come by and check it out. read more

DONT GO TO SHOWS HERE. been here multiple times and i've been manhandled by security for accidentally going into the 21&up section and not knowing when i was just looking for water. got kicked out for head banging when EVERYONE else was doing the same thing. security lied and said he "warned" us when he didn't. it's super gross and musty inside. whole place is a shithole. read more

I was on vacation from out of state and I handed the bouncer my real ID (I'm over 21). For some reason he was extremely skeptical of it's authenticity and started handing it around to other bouncers until they decided to steal it. The guy who put it in his pocket was extremely rude and refused to humor the idea that it was actually real, and also refused to give it back. At that point I didn't even want to enter the establishment anymore, I just wanted my ID back. Finally I had to call the cops and they showed up and gave me my ID. Worst experince I've ever had entering a bar. Ruined my night. Bottom line: the bouncers are very uneducated and rude. read more

Been attending events here for over ten years and consistently there are long waits for drinks, overpriced drinks for the wait, rude security staff, dirty bathrooms, and allow promoters to uncomfortably pack this venue to the point of getting to know your neighbor a bit too well. read more

Not fun anymore. Sticky, disgusting floors. Overcrowded, musty, no space to dance or enjoy oneself. And yes OVERPRICED sugary, hardly any alcohol in it drinks. Not where I want to spend my Friday nights. read more

I went there with my family for my birthday and bought a table for us. We were enjoying our time hanging out. This bottle boy kept shoving me out of his way because there was a little sliver between the tables that he was getting through instead of going through the actual walk way. Idk why he was only picking the way that I was at since there were a few other, but oh well. After the 4th time of him shoving me out of the way, I legit politely asked him if he could choose another way instead of shoving me out of the way. Instantly, he cursed me out and started poking my chest while cursing me out. I pushed his hand out of the way and he shoved me very hard since I didn't want him poking me and cursing me out. I decided that arguing him wasn't the best idea so I turned my back to him. Next thing I see is him literally running to the security guards and telling them something. So I decided to be a grown up and speak with the security guard like a man and let him know that the bottle boy literally assaulted for nothing. The security guard said," nah my boy didn't touch you! I seen you push him and you were also talking down on him" instead of arguing with him, I decided to walk away because I didn't feel like being more disrespected or belittled by getting tossed out of the club in front of all my friends and family and lose money. I talked to the manager and let her know how uncomfortable I was and she understood and gave us a refund. I appreciate her a lot for that and she offered a free bottle for my troubles. I declined due to my comfort level there was insanely low there and my night was just ruined. She was nice, respectful and understanding. I will never come back due to how terrible and attacked I felt by just wanting to enjoy my birthday. read more

This place had an artist (j phlip) advertised that me and my boyfriend bought tickets for, day of the event (about 2 hours before). After being there for 10 minutes we were notified j phlip wasn't showing up. They refused to give us a refund or credit because we had been there (for 10 minutes). They were extremely rude and patronizing that we asked for a refund. But for a lot of people nowadays, we live paycheck to paycheck, and spending 40 dollars on a ticket was a splurge. They mocked us when I explained the situation to them. If we had known the artist wasn't showing up that was advertised, I wouldn't have bought tickets in the first place. read more