I worked next door for 6 years and never went in. They must be under new management or ownership or something because the security outside was nice, helpful, and efficient. The inside was actually beautiful. It was spacious and clean upstairs in the 21+ area. The bar staff was quick and friendly. Even the floor of the venue was clean and well managed. They were on top on checking wristbands and bags too. I would definitely see a show here again! read more

Showbox SoDo - 21+ area - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Been going to this venue for decades and have experienced some positive changes. Staff is friendly and efficient. From the doors, the bar or security, all were customer focused. Much appreciated! Bar service was good. Not much wait time and good selection. I have never tried the food here so no input. Sound quality was great. Place was packed for a Wednesday night (AFI). Appreciate the positive change! read more

Showbox SoDo - AFI - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Actually, a very underrated venue in Seattle. We've been lucky enough to see a couple shows here and always have a great time. There's plenty of room and actually a couple reserve seats for those who are eating or have accessibilities issues and I really appreciate that. They have free water on tap for you during the shows. The area around here is not that great so we generally take an Uber or public transport, but there are a few few bus lines that stop nearby so it's pretty convenient Security is reasonable and there are a few food trucks nearby before and after the show so it's pretty nice as far as venues go read more

I've very much enjoyed a variety of shows here :) The sound is great, the venue is large enough but not too large to not feel intimate, and didn't ever feel over-sold when I was there. If you stick to the walls you can have space to dance, if you're on the floor in the pit you're obviously shoulder to shoulder. Has a grungy vibe. It's surrounded by tables and a few bars. I've actually never bought drinks here so I can't speak for the prices. I suppose the only downside is I've witnessed a few fights break out, but the venue has security which is nice. read more

Showbox SoDo - doesn't show the venue much but it's the only photo I have - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

We watched Dashboard Confessionals at this venue and enjoyed the set up. The bar is in the back and the only issue was that it was not large enough for the venue size. I think we had one, checked out merchandise and spent the rest of the time at the stage. Lights and audio was all good, bathrooms were clean enough and staff was friendly. We were also able to find free parking about 15 min walk from the venue which wasn't too bad for the city. read more

My girlfriend and I went to see Franz Ferdinand last night, but I've been too Showbox SODO a couple of other times in the past. It's one of my least favorite venues in the Seattle area. It's pretty much standing room only throughout the venue, unless you're lucky enough to get a spot near an overhang or barrier (or paid for a reserved table). It can get really crowded, and there'll be lots of jostling. It's unavoidable. Sightlines are also terrible, since everyone's at the same level, and you can't control if you get 8 ft. giants in front of you. It gets really old standing for a couple of hours. They've also carved up the space weirdly with random barriers delineating drinking vs. non-drinking, and the soundbooth is in the middle of everything. We bought a couple of beers, which were $13 each. Not all that unreasonable for a concert venue, especially for tall cans (I've certainly paid a lot more at other venues). When the place empties out it can be really crowded near the entrance. If you need to catch an Uber (mass transit is virtually non-existent, outside of the sporadic 21 bus to downtown), go a block or two north and grab your ride there. Oh, one other thing: we paid for jump the line privileges, but we ended up waiting in two lines anyway. Lot of good that did us. read more

Showbox SoDo - The band playing on stage. - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Showbox SoDo gets some great concerts, but the set up and sound system are not great. The ticket line moves at glacial pace, and thankfully it was not raining when I was here recently to see Underworld. Inside, the restrooms are way up front by the stage, so it can be a fight to get to. The ceiling seems low too, and at a recent show, the fog machine seemed to be a bit overpowering and I could not see the artists. The stage also seems low, so for shorter folks like myself, it's really hard to see (for some reason, I recall that WAMU theater had a higher stage). The view is better from the bar but the sound quality is even worse. I'll still see shows here, but it's not one of the better concert experiences. read more

Showbox SoDo - Underworld on stage...somewhere - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Bad place to spend time, kiss your hearing goodbye. Cement floors, low ceilings, terrible visibility unless you're very tall. You get the idea. Hardly any chairs, most of it is just one level. Just a big warehouse that no one cares about. They should be charging much less per ticket than they do at their downtown location. read more

I really don't understand all the negative reviews. Went and saw a show here last night and had a great time! Clean open space, great sound, clean bathrooms with no line, bar lines almost non existent, friendly staff. Showbox Market is my favorite venue so this place had a lot to live up to for me. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is the drink prices/weak pours. Still a great venue tho! All I can figure is that the bad reviews are from soft millennials and Gen Zers. read more

Showbox SoDo - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

We attended a Bi-2 concert on January 10th. We enjoyed it very much, but it was stuffy inside, and the ventilation wasn't working properly.

I saw Novo Amor last night at Showbox SoDo, and it reminded me I haven't written a review for it yet. I've been here a few times and each time has been just meh. It's basically a huge warehouse with mostly standing room only for shows. They have maybe 10 tables on a raised platform in the bar area but it fills up really quickly. They have a HUGE space for ADA seating with TONSSS of tables and they always have security guarding it. In my few times here, I have literally seen maybe one group sitting in the ADA seating. I definitely think they should assess the size of it or consider opening it part way through the show after they've determined how much is needed for ADA guests who actually need it. Just a thought! My other gripe is the bar prices. I understand it's Seattle and it's a show so it's to be expected, but for two shots and two beers we paid $75 which is CRIMINALLL. Absolutely wild. Bathrooms are always clean and there's usually never a line which is a bonus. Overall, not my favorite venue we've visited but I guess it's not the worst. read more

I saw Zara Larrson here and she was absolutely amazing, especially when you could SEE HER. This venue is a giant flat box with NO monitors so unless you're front row don't expect to see the artist you're seeing. The best view you may get is through someone else phone. PUT IN FREAKING MONITORS. in summary, if seeing the artist you're paying for is important to you, do not go here read more

This venue was terrible. After they pack you in like sardines, they don't have any airflow or cool air. We had someone pass out during the show and someone else vomiting and there wasn't a staff person in sight to help. read more

Let's start with the important part: Harry Mack was absolutely mind-blowing. The man freestyles like his brain runs on WiFi straight from the Matrix. Pure talent. No complaints there. The venue, on the other hand? Well... it's a vibe, and that vibe is "sweaty sardine can." It's standing-room only, which means unless you're 6'5" or have mastered the art of levitation, good luck seeing the stage. I caught occasional glimpses of Harry between bobbing heads and a guy in front of me who apparently thought he was at the gym doing shoulder shrugs all night. We did get lucky halfway through and nabbed a table on the side. Bigger bar and not as packed. The humidity? Somewhere between "Seattle drizzle" and "a packed sauna with no exit." And let's just say that when you mix that with hundreds of hyped-up fans, it's not exactly a fragrance you'd bottle and sell. Positives? The sound is solid, and while drinks are crazy expensive, at least you don't have to wait in a long line to spend your life savings on a beer. Would I go back? For Harry Mack? Absolutely. For the Showbox SODO experience itself? Only if I bring stilts, a gas mask, and a hazmat suit for the bathroom. read more

We paid for a meet-n-greet tonight for Johnnyswim and their staff BLOCKED US from it after multiple pleads by us and showing of our tickets. We finally got a manager of sorts and she apologized profusely, tried to just give us candy and drinks, but thats not what I want or what I paid for, all I asked for was to meet the band for just a minute. Even after we paid for so much more, that's still all I asked for! In the end, THEY DID NOTHING! I've been seeing this band for 11 years and this was my one chance to meet them and the Showbox blocked me! I am so hurt. read more

Good idea and location but not the best executed. Too many people allowed into that small of a space

Went to see Tori Kelly on a Saturday night and she was amazing! Sounds and lights were great according to her set. They cooled the place since it gets super hot with so many people crowded around each other. My only problem is how disorganized it is. There were two lines. Understandably the ones on the left side of the building are for VIP as it was a smaller line and was up front. Hence, right should be for general admission. However, when there, there was 2 separate lines. We asked people, they said they dont even know, so others around us asked security. They were ignored until about 15 minutes later, another security guard came out and started stating what line should be what. We were all scrambled. Then about 10 minutes later they asked 21+ to go to the lounge if we chose to. We asked where and just kept saying anyone "anyone 21+ want to go to the lounge?". We said whatever and went with others. We go and enjoy then join the ones up front because we were told to go through. Us and others stood around, thinking we had the front row with VIPs. However, about 30 minutes later, we were told to go back to the lounge so a bunch of us had to go back in line at the lounge. Wasnt too detrimental as we were only a couple rows behind where we orginally were and could see her throughout the show. Overall, they still put on great shows, but they need to organize the lines better and communicate. read more

I was invited by a friend to come here for a lovely show by a group named Wild Rivers. A country/folk band. This venue is standing room only unless you pay extra for a VIP chair/table farther from the stage. I didn't eat food here but smelled it. From other reviews I was glad I didn't eat here. It's a concert venue, not a restaurant. The bar was open and of course highly priced drinks. I had a margarita. Keeping the vibes going from an earlier cocktail. It was good. Not great. The lighting here is really pretty. A light glow covered the entire room. And a nice light show during the concert. Employees were polite and friendly. There is a pay parking lot right next door. And street parking. Also, this theater is walking distance to TMobile park and downtown. I always recommend public transportation and a or a Lyft. Why risk your car getting broken into? Clean bathrooms too. I would go here again for a show. But pay for the extra VIP spot to have a guaranteed seat. SYOY. read more

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Visited for the Geekwire Christmas party and this was a great venue. It's a little close to T-Mobile Park and that meant parking was going to be pricey, but what are you gonna do? We found a lot for $20 a short walk away, so can't complain. We checked in and left our jackets with the coat check staff (always remember to bring a few ones for them and the staff) and then checked the different food options. It was a little annoying at first because they barely had any seating or cocktail tables, so we had to eat standing up. Luckily we came early enough so when we needed the restroom, one of the security people pointed us to another party area and this place had it's own bar so we didn't have to stand in line and a few more cocktail tables and a lounge area. Sis and I grabbed a couch and were set for the night. I know that the venue is probably not responsible for how many cocktail tables an event planner puts out, but thank you for that lounge area. It made us feel VIP. read more

Awful venue. Ticket window rarely open. Closed during scheduled open times. Employees are misinformed and rude.

This is a great venue to see a concert. I saw Bebe Rexha in concert. Most of the venue is standing, which makes the atmosphere fun. They serve very good and affordable drinks. The bar staff are extraordinary, they are very friendly and make an excellent drink. I really enjoyed this venue. read more

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One of my least preferred venues. It's convenient, but can feel a bit small, packed, and ventilation simply sucks. Sound quality is alright but nothing amazing. However, it's one of the cheaper options around and there are often some high quality visitors. Usually general line is insanely packed and can take an hour as it's super slow. The 21+ line is so convenient and when exiting, there's a 21+ exit too so I guess there are perks of being old. However, the venue's events are usually open to 16+ or so which means you'll get occasional big ego cool guys. It's not the venue's fault, but the audience that Showbox SoDo pulls isn't the best so that does add (or rather subtract from) the experience. You'll have immature people attempting to shove through unsuccessful and complain aloud as if it's everyone else's fault they showed up late and aren't in the front. Terrible venue for shorter folks who don't want to be in the front, I can empathize with them as the view already isn't that good when you are taller. Flat ground with variable heights mean you take a coin flip wherever you stand. Would be nice to have levels and platforms. Bar area is decent where you can chill and just listen because quite frankly, the views are unimpressive and not worth it. read more

Showbox SoDo - keshi ! - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This review is for the door staff last weekend at the Clozee show on 12/9. You were super dope. We showed up late and everyone working the door/security had great vibes and good energy. I can only imagine what it was like herding the well enthused patrons earlier. Just wanted to say thank you and that I appreciate you. As far as the venue... Im short so I dont go to that venue unless tagging along. But the market location is my favorite place to see a show... Cause I can actually see it~ read more

Showbox SoDo - View from the back lower bar. - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

First time at the Showbox SoDo. Was seeing a line up of 6 pop punk bands. The parking for the event was close by and very straight forward. They had people directing cars to keep it all straight. The line moved fairly quickly. Security was short and to the point. I think a lot of that process is mostly because the concert crowds know what they can and can't bring in. The had a rather large section for the 21+ bar area. As far as we could see the bar did not offer food. There was a concession stand that offered very basic simple snacks (chips, rice crispies, candy) and a decent amount of drink options. They accepted cash and card. The string lights are adorable. The air conditioning ducts did start to drip (just from condensation build up) so if you don't want Water dripping on you don't stand under the ducts. Didnt use restrooms. read more

If I could give no stars I would. I use to love this venue. Was told I couldn't wear my punk jacket in when I've worn it there before. I'm not sure if it's cause of the band that was playing but the guy at the front was very rude about it and made a whole scene about it. More than likely not ever going here again. read more

Venue itself is great--it's spacious, acoustics are fine, security checkpoints are efficient...but the drinks here are criminally overpriced. Two basic mixed drinks (jagerbomb, titos cran) came out to $40 after tips. Jagerbomb was literally the color of redbull, went back to bartender to make sure it had jagermeister in it and the bartender said they pour light at the showbox and did not offer to remake the drink. We were told that their shot sizes were 1.25 oz which is wild (dont believe we even had a full ounce in ours). I've seen 1.25 at restaurants but even the $1 applebee drinks have more alcohol in them. Showbox has always been a lil expensive but I have never had an issue with weak drinks until recent. So either stick to canned beer, pre-funk or pop on over to the bar across the street for drinks (still expensive there but at least their pour fairly). read more

Sound and view was good for Sturgill Simpson. Not a fan of a standing only venue but that is more of preference clean inside and ample parking everywhere. read more

Live music is dead. The people here immediately side with mob rule (got pushed into someone and thrown out because he started pointed at me and his 4 friend followed. I'm seriously so confused about what happened. Obviously didn't argue with security as they have a tough job, but they had zero interest in anything but doing what the mob asked for. What a shame, I've been here a few times in the past and used to be a cool place. Our Last Night, please never play here again. read more

The Shoebox is a turd. Yes I mean Shoebox... A long rectangle with vaulted ceilings and no floor gradient. This means a few things that will ruin your concert experience: 1. The sound quality is horrible. I can't imagine trying to mix front of house here. The unreasonably tall and angular ceiling creates terrible reverb and echo, muddying everything. 2. You will not be able to see much, especially at a sold out show. The floor is long and flat. The further you get from the stage the more heads stack up in front of you. Not to mention the sound gets worse and worse. Imagine shouting down a hall... This venue needs to be removed and completely rebuilt. I don't even bother coming here anymore no matter who plays. read more

Colleen was amazing for me, I have a disability and didn't "pre-buy" an ada accommodation. She was more than willing to help me and my party. One of the best customer service experiences I've had in a very long time. read more

Cool venue with tables by the bar and a big spacious dance floor! Nothing special but it's fun here! Bartenders are friendly. Drinks were around $25 each but idk if that's just because it was around the holidays... read more

Showbox SoDo - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I've been to showbox sodo twice. It's a flat room but enough space between you and the person in front you can still see the stage. I didn't love going here either times I've been. It seems like the configuration of space for the bar area depends on the artist. The first time I went, it felt like it was the entire back half and was an absolute pain to get to especially since the opener had started. It took up significantly less room the second time I went. Also they let people line up however it seems and this includes making it weird and going into the parking lot in a sort of spiral. The real reason I'm making this review is for anyone who needs ADA. I went as part of a group with a person having crutches. We weren't able to get ada tickets but I figured maybe if we went early we could potentially figure something out for my friend. The ADA seating area is in the bar area. They did allow my entire group to sit in this area designated for ada by asking staff. That being said it does mean I question how it would it work if someone is under 21 and needs ada accommodations. So if you absolutely need a seat for those types of reasons, it's possible but you need to ask for it. read more

went to a bbno$ concert with an old friend a few days ago. keep in mind that this was my first ever concert. during bag checks and metal detector runs, i went through the bag check line with my friend who had my ticket just in case they were going to check them there and the bag check guy gave me a look like i was stupid, despite a group ahead of us being told to do the same thing. i'm a bigger girl so during the metal detector check, my jacket kept touching the one of the detectors since they placed them pretty narrowly even compared to thinner people, and it set the detector off. i only had my phone, a vape pen (that i didn't use inside the venue), my wallet and lip gloss. from there i had three of the security people yelling different directions at me. keep in mind please that i'm autistic, i was super confused and anxious, and couldn't get into the venue fast enough after i went through the metal detectors for a third time and was cleared. somebody stopped me while inside the venue, another patron who agreed that the security who had all been yelling at me were super rude and she hoped i was okay. i was, but after explaining to my friend what happened, she said the metal detectors were narrow too, even for her and she's super petite. it was my first time in the showbox ever but her second time, and her first time being over 21 to get into the 21+ section. most of the tables were taken already except in the emerald club section. we had no clue at the time that that was a reserved section so we sat there and one of the staff pretty much immediately ran up and told us. we would've moved but she was pretty pushy. $30 per seat. we paid for the seats and stayed, though neither of us liked that she'd ran off with my friend's card for upwards of fifteen minutes. the waitress was pretty nice and made sure to check up on us the entire night. my friend and i had two drinks and a plate of fries since they were huge, but you could obviously tell that they were freezer bag fries. $50 for that plus a 20% gratuity, and a tip on top. i was uncomfortable with my card being kept by the waitress/bar staff the entire time we were there but that might be a regular thing and i'm just inexperienced with tabs and such. the concert itself was great. everything was clean, i never saw the bathrooms have lines, my rating is just because of the security staff and the emerald club staff. read more

Showbox SoDo - showings - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Your website sucks. I don't understand how any performer would choose you as a venue. The last thing a fan wants to do is find it difficult to buy tickets from people selling them. It's funny that you were the only seller I was having difficulty with. Avoid them until they get their act together. They need to represent the people they sell tickets for better. read more

I was extremely annoyed when we arrive almost an hour early to support the opening act and waited two hours before being able to get in! i missed half the set and they also had us waiting in the rain! doors open at 8 and the opener was expected to start then as well with zero people inside? extremely disappointing experience, then you have to get into another endless line just to get a 21+ wristband such an annoying experience to pay $130 to support my friend and missed half his performance, they didn't even tell us why they didn't start letting people on time! read more

Had an amazing time seeing kid Laroi the only downfall is it gets so hot in there! We had about 4 people in the venue pass out, but the staff was on it and passed out water to everyone who needed or wanted water. I had a blast 10/10 recommend but, stay hydrated!!! :) read more

Worst. Concert venue. Ever. The stage is so low that you can't see the band. The sound is terrible unless you are right in the middle. It's nice that they have a full bar, but the bar area has no good viewing- there are thick pillars that block most of the stage. It's a cool looking space, but seriously, will never waste money on this place again. Not to mention parking is a pain and expensive- especially if your concert lands on a game night. read more

I always have a good time here. The acoustics aren't excellent but I don't think they are anywhere near as bad as most of the other negative reviews on here say. The staff is very friendly and helpful - when they can hear you at least - and they are actually amazingly good at understanding your order even when it seems like you can't hear each other. I'd give five stars if the drinks were more reasonably priced. Paying more than what you can buy a six pack for for a single beer is pretty outrageous in my opinion but you know what you're getting into on that front going in I guess. I'll be back but I think I'll be doing most of my beer consumption before going inside :) read more

I've been in this venue a couple of times already and its always been a good experience. Great sound, intimate setting and great line up. I am knocking down a couple of stars because of the bar inside. Drinks are a bit overpriced and the food are mediocre. Dont expect top notch high quality menu. We're talking tater tots, chicken wings fries. Anything fried. The worst part? It took more than an hour and a half for an order of chicken wings ang tater tots!! I can see if it takes 30 mins for something high quality but its fried food!! We ended up gulping it down at the venue itself so we get us a good spot. They have got to get their kitchen staff on track. My friend ended up having to wait for 2 hours because when she went to get her order, someone supposedly picked it up already!! She didnt even get comp'd for it! Will i go back to Showbox? Heck yeah if my fave artist is playing. Will i order food? HELL NO!! read more

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Showbox SODO is basically an old warehouse with a stage at one end. the floor is flat and the stage is low. it's a terrible experience if you're anything shorter than 5'6". I'm here trying to see Ministry and all I get are the backs of peoples heads. Seriously, this venue sucks for me. read more

Showbox SoDo - My view of the stage. - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington