This is my favorite concert venue in Atlanta. It is smaller venue than your typical 'dome' setting but the acoustics are amazing enough making it feel more intimate so the guy breathing down your neck isn't necessarily on purpose. Did I make out with a member of the security staff to meet the band Everlast? Yes. Was it totally worth it to dry hump the leg of THE "Whitey Ford?" Absolutely. Was I dragged on stage to obnoxiously sing off key with Fiona Apple? Yes. Did I dry hump her leg? It was before You Tube so sadly you'll never find out! After every concert I tend to wander through Centennial Park considering there is no one there. "No one" meaning the cops don't know if you swim in the fountains or not. I'm just sayin... read more

The Seats aren't the best, but the if you want a theater, artsy vibe, this place has it in spades. Went to see Joe Rogan and the crowd was pretty rowdy. Throughout the show, i had to keep getting up because the people next to me wanted to get more drinks from the bar which was literally right behind me in section 203. It was a bit distracting, and I hated the light that was behind me. On the plus side, there are a ton of bars so if you did want to drink, you were able to. Some advice - make sure to get your drink stamp outside of the theater. Make sure the seat you choose isn't in front of an obnoxious pillar. read more

Great place to see a show in the Atlanta area. Actually it may be one of the best places to see a show in Atlanta. Like everyone else said, the place used to be an old school church, so the architectural structure at the top of the building looks ancient and pristine. I almost feel kind of guilty drinking here, but the music and crowd kept my conscience at bay. The ancient roman catholic design of the venue is perhaps the part of the buildings design that allows the dynamic acoustic sound coming from a bands guitar chords to be clearly heard. Most of the bands that perform here on a regular basis are really not the type that I would want to see live. If there is a band playing here that you like, I would definitely recommend stopping by. read more

This is the best venue in Atlanta (With close competition only from Masquerade). The reason this is the best is a combination of sound quality and atmosphere. They play their music loud enough that you feel it but it also it maintains just enough clarity. Also it has a great size. It is not so big that it feels snooty and distant, but it is just large enough to where you feel like a part of the crowd hype. I saw Dispatch here and it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. The band might be influencing my review a bit but I can't imagine anywhere I've been that would have been better to go see them. The only negative is that it is a bit challenging to get to via marta as we had to walk quite a ways from the station. This can be bad if you like to be intoxicated and don't want to drive. read more

Tabernacle delivers huge acts and small venue performances seamlessly. By far, one of my favorite live music venues, no contest. One reviewer mentioned it being too hot. I can't think of an a/c unit big enough to combat the body heat rolling off 1,000+ people dancing/moshing for hours. Of course it get's hot. Like ... 7th Circle of Hell hot. Especially upstairs in the balcony, as heat rises. read more

The Tabernacle has been one of my favorite venues for years and just keeps getting better. The set up varies by show but often the floor is standing room while the balconies are sometimes assigned seating. Regardless, there is not a bad seat unless you are behind a spotlight or on the floor behind some tall people (I feel very strongly that tall people should pay more, since they see more of the show, and short people should get a discount). The decor is grand and the room is spacious. Also, I have never had a problem with the acoustics. They seem to have ample staff to help people get seated and control the crowd. I love that you can now order drinks from your seat in the balcony!!!!!! And we are looking into the new VIP room. I gotta say that I love a show at the Tabernacle!!! read more

Disclaimer: I've only been once, so I'll post an update after a few more visits. Be prepared to be HOT. This is an old building, and I'm not sure if the A/C was on the fritz or what, but it was SOOOO freakin' hot. My friends who frequent this place did tell me that it wasn't out of the ordinary for it to be hot, so it must be because it't an old building and there are soo many people. Plus we were in the seats and heat rises. Be prepared for STAIRS. There are stairs everywhere. If you are tired, sore or just lazy this is not the place for you. They may have an elevator. I didn't see one. Just make sure you come prepared to walk up 15thousand flights of stairs. Okay, that was an exaggeration, but that's what it feels like if you aren't wearing comfortable shoes and are sweating profusely, or so I've heard. Other than that, I did think the sound here was quite good. I have been to a lot of shows in both large and small venues all around the country and I did think the sounds here was really good. Must have something to do with all of the wood. Also, it's non-smoking. Bonus points for that. I'd pay more for a show simply to have it be non-smoking. So kudos, Tabernacle. Looking forward to my next visit. read more

Probably the place I saw the most concerts while in my 5 year jaunt in Atlanta...from the Pet Shop Boys to Death Cab for Cutie... too many to remeber right now. It's fun, rowdy, and just great standing room all around... Don't sit in the balcony and you're golden... Go for the floor...where first come, first stand...it's better that way. read more

I think I would go to see just about anybody perform at The Tabernacle. It's just that great of a music venue. Small and intimate, yet big enough to attract big acts. I've seen a lot of shows here including: Guster, John Mayer, Tenacious D, Moby, Ben Folds Five, Ben Folds, Counting Crows, and The Black Crowes. Standing on the ground floor for a concert is ok... but it's just like any other General Admission venue... you have to keep your ground or else you will probably be pushed to the side or rear of the venue. The upper balcony is ok (at least you get to sit down) but can be a little nerve wracking because it feels as though you're going to fall off of the balcony at any time. My favorite place to sit is in the middle section of the first balcony... and they can be hard seats to get, but if you're like me and you really like a band, you will get there early enough and rush up the stairs just to get good seats! read more

This is one of those "unique to Atlanta" venues and shines all the way around. Formerly a place of worship (thus the name), the Tabernacle began its renovated life as the House of Blues during the Olympics in 1996. Shortly thereafter, it was repurposed in its current configuration and has been drawing performances from musicians, comedians, and all forms of entertainment for a decade. Not your boring multi-purpose venue, the Tabernacle has an irreverent class to its interior that is in stark contrast to the somber brick building it sits in. Multiple levels with bathrooms and eateries in the basement, main floor with or without seats depending on the setup, and two levels of balconies wrap from stage left to stage right giving the audience amazing views no matter where they sit. It's disrespectful and fun all at the same time. The large pipes of the original pipe organ still remain as the stage backdrop, and the ornate woodworking is still very prominent on the balcony rails. While it's not as historic as the Fox, it certainly has become an Atlanta landmark on the entertainment scene. Lots of parking around and super easy in and out of the facility with the plethora of staircases and doors. Enjoy your night out at one of Atlanta's most unique venues! read more

The Tabernacle rules! I have been to a lot of shows in a lot of different places and this place is one of my favorites. I have seen two shows here and they have both been great. First and foremost, the venue is really cool and is also really old. It has this great feel that that really brings the crowd and artists together! It has many people scanning tickets out front so you can enter the show really quick. There is nothing worst than going to a show and having to wait outside 30+ minutes to get your ticket taken. The Tabernacle also has many bars inside which is great because you do not have to wait to get a drink. The prices are a little stiff but I understand that they are trying to make some extra money and most places overcharge for drinks. The venue has a pit to stand in and it also has seating in balconies so it has a little bit to offer everyone. There really is not a bad seat in the place so that's another definite plus. There is also this unexplainable energy, maybe it's haunted because it is so old and it used to be a church, that the crowd gets there. Both shows I saw there were AMAZING! The artists I saw there both came out into the crowd to dance and sing which is really unique! The acoustics are also top-notch! This place can do no wrong in my book! GO SEE A SHOW AT THE TABERNACLE! You will not be disappointed. read more

Saw Zac Brown Band here last June. Nice, intimate venue... not really a bad seat in the house. Great sound, easy bar access... Really like this place. read more

LOVED this place. If you haven't been, you need to go, even if it's just to soak in the building itself...it's basically a work of art. Security was awesome and were working efficiently to keep everything in order, without being overbearing. Bathrooms kept extremely clean. Like everyone else, I couldn't help but wonder when the whole building was going to collapse every time the beat dropped....but it hasn't yet so rock on read more

the venue and most of the staff are very nice and professional but they put the wrong woman in charge of lines... please fire juanita for the sake of the venue and the fans that pay good money to be a part of the experience. she yelled at fans, she confused everyone, and had an attitude towards any questions. i had to consistently ask another man in charge to not have her around me and to talk to only me and only after a very serious tone was she moved away from me. she's unprofessional and ruined the entire experience and it makes me not want to return to this venue again... read more

I really wanted to see Dita Von Teese in person. I've always heard great things about her show and I wanted to see it for myself. I started looking for the best tickets possible on LiveNation. Unfortunately, they were all in the 3rd level and I'm usually an up close and personal type of gal when it comes to shows. All the seating in the 2nd level was sold out and the tables on the floor were much more than I wanted to spend. At no point was there any mention of a general admission standing room only space right in front of the stage. Since I had never been to this venue before, I looked everywhere for pictures of what it might look like from the 3rd level. I did find one picture and read some reviews on here and decided to purchase seats 5 and 6 in row G of section 302. So fast forward to the night of the event. My friend and I wanted to be downtown early because we wanted to grab something to eat beforehand. On LiveNation, it said the event started at 7:30 pm which by the way I thought was great because I wouldn't be out too late on a Sunday night. Neither of us had ever been to the venue so we didn't want to have to rush around trying to beat the unpredictable Atlanta traffic or have to drive around and around looking for the cheapest parking. We get downtown pretty quickly and arrived by 6 pm because there was no traffic... win #1. As we were about to park, a homeless man lets us in on the secret that parking on the street is free on Sundays and we end up with a parking spot right in front of the venue... win #2. We have dinner at Ted's Montana Grill that happened to be right across the street from the venue... win #3. This seems like it's going to be a pretty great evening! Now when we went into the restaurant there were a few people standing outside of the venue but I didn't think much about it. When we came out of the restaurant at around 7 pm, the line was down the street, around the corner and 1/3 of the way down the next street... WTH?!?! So begrudgingly we go stand in line since it was only going to get longer. Plus we were under the impression (as were others in the line) that the show was to start at 7:30 pm. So we shouldn't be out there too long... Right?! WRONG! The doors didn't open until at least 8:15 pm! So now I'm a wee bit annoyed because I just had to stand outside forever for a show that I've already purchased tickets for but I'm still trying to think positively and remain in a good mood. Finally we're in. We walk up a ton of stairs and I have to say I'm in pretty good shape as I try to run on the treadmill at least 3 times per week but this was a definite workout! We find our seats which quite honestly IF I ever go to the Tabernacle again I will not sit on the 3rd level. You can see the entire stage unless the performers come all the way down to the front, then you have to strain your neck to see what's going on. The seats were relatively plush and comfortable but the seats are really small and close together. Also I'm 5'8" tall and the lower half of my body was killing me by intermission and then killing me again by the end of the show because you can barely move and there's no where at all to stretch your legs. The show finally starts at 8:45 pm. Now I'm genuinely annoyed because not only am I going to get home super late, I'm going to be very sleepy at work the next day. Grrr. The Dita Von Teese show itself did put me in a better mood because it was very entertaining. However we didn't leave the venue until 11:30 pm... annoyed once again. I love the history of the building and I would be willing to give the venue a second chance now that I know a few of the in's and out's of the place. All in all, I have to say I'm not that impressed with my first exposure to the Tabernacle. read more

Tabernacle - View from Section 302, Row G, Seat 5. - Music Venues Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

The Tabernacle is a nice music venue located in downtown Atlanta. Very convenient to all downtown Atlanta hotels. Great acoustics. This was once a church which was converted to a music venue. There are at least 3 levels if not more with many wings and bars attached. I was there for a hospitality event during a convention. I was a bit disappointed to learn they had little in the area of handicap and safety accommodations. I saw a 90+ old guy try getting up the steps one at a time for about 20 minutes. Is there an elevator? I also saw someone who had a few too many fall down a flight of stairs due to the unevenness of the steps. read more

Oh, the Tabernacle... I may have changed over the years, but it remains the same. A symbol of nostalgia and a (hopefully) permanent fixture in Atlanta. My first Tabernacle experience was many years ago. I saw No Doubt there. The Black Eyed Peas (pre- Fergie) opened for them that night, so yeah, it was a long time ago. My most recent experience there was May of 2013. I saw Phoenix put on an amazing performance for a sold out house. It was superb. The Tabernacle is a great venue. It is obviously ancient but this is part of the appeal. This place is so old that you can literally "rock the house" and you may wonder if the "house" will hold up during the process. The main area of the venue has a balcony area as well as main area that is closer to the stage. In a lot of cases, tickets are general admission and you just enter and pack in wherever you can fit. In some cases, the balcony tickets are sold by seat. It just depends on who is performing. Check their website for upcoming concerts. There are a lot of bands/artists that come through and this is one of those places that can sell out quickly due to it's size. I certainly prefer a more intimate setting. Who wants to see a performance when you have to watch the artist on a screen? read more

The Tabernacle is definitely one of my favorite venues for music. Standing outside this giant former church and looking up at it, it's hard to imagine that dirty punk bands play inside this beautiful old building. I've seen so many great acts here, like Blur, Tricky, and my favorite, Morrissey. And like everyone else has said, there isn't a bad seat in the house. It's big enough to hold a giant amount of people, but still intimate enough to be able to identify the people on stage easily from any seat in the two tiers of seating above the main floor. What is really bizarre is the backstage area. It's so creepy- when I got backstage to meet Moz they took me through this eerie, winding maze of stairwells and levels that made me feel like I was being led somewhere to be executed. In the basement of the Tabernacle is a smaller venue where The Cotton Club took up residence when it was evicted from its previously prime spot on Peachtree. It's a shame since the old Cotton Club had such a rich history of amazing shows and is now been stripped of its previous glory by being subjected to a basement. But, nonetheless, they still occasionally have great bands that only need that much space for the amount of fans they attract. One word of caution- be careful when parking around here. I went to Bloc Party last night and some guy who was obviously cracked out on something, approached our car with his hand firmly planted down the front of his pants and demanded $5 to park there. Okay, dude, having a red shirt on does not mean you are legit. Finally, the real attendant came over and shooed away the crackhead and we paid him and he gave us a legitimate ticket to put in our window. So demand a ticket that has the correct date and such on it. After that, have a great time! read more

I went to see Phantogram the other night and I was in absolute awe of the building. I loved that there was an area to order food, in addition to just drinks! I often come hungry to concerts so this was a plus. I ordered curly fries and they were super yummy!!! I love how thorough the security is so that made me feel safe as well. You must experience The Tabernacle. Hands down my favorite venue that I've ever attended. read more

Hands down the best place in Atlanta to see a mid-market touring band. I've seen Social Distortion there twice (the last time, I had a drink with Fred Toucher - Stephanie really did have hoof feet!) All the rest rooms on the second floor always have lines which creates opportunities for "the nod" (which can be followed by a visit to one of the rooms if you get/got a real live one on your arm). Not a bad seat in the house; this place used to be a place of worship. read more

I had a break of about 4 years between going here almost once a month until coming back to see Morrissey late last year. A lot has changed, no more smoking inside (not even downstairs in the old Cotton Club). Looked a lot nicer inside than I remember it. Backstage area is pretty cool, it connects to the building behind it for ample dressing rooms and a nice spacious dining room. read more

I know that I'm in the minority here, but I really hate Tabernacle. It's a cool setting and it COULD be a lot better than it is, but it always seems to fall flat for me. The sound quality is terrible and don't get me started on the uncomfortable state of being crammed in the first balcony seats while sections of reserved seats remain empty throughout the whole show. The last time that I was there they had the heat cranked up so high that I nearly fainted. I just can't get on board with this rickety venue. I just can't. read more

This is a really cool venue. I have seen some amazing music there. The only reason I give it 4 stars is because of an event like 10 years ago. Somehow a pipe burst and the show was canceled. They offered no refunds and basically just sent us into the streets. I highly suggest an sts9 show there. The run with bisco this August will be a great time. read more

This is my favorite music venue ever. This place is not only beautiful inside, but it is also comfortable to its patrons. The Pit area downstairs is open to those who want to try to get as close as possible to the band and there are the balconies which to me are the way to go. The incline in the balconies is so steep that there really isn't a bad seat unless you are way up high where the only thing you can see are the band member's top of their heads. I love the little lounges that they have dispersed all around with awesome decor. Love the wall paintings throughout and the chandelier....this place is just glorious. Another thing that I like about this was the staff. Their bartenders were very friendly as well as the ushers. I actually asked one of them where the ladies room was and he told me that it was on the same floor as the pit, however if I were to go down to the Cotton Club downstairs there would not be a wait... and you know what? He was totally right. Actually, the wait for a bartender was also pretty short here as well, it was just the hike back upstairs that I was not a fan of, but whatever I figured I was getting my work out. This venue really is absolutely awesome, though. It makes any band sound just amazing. Now that I think about it all of my favorite concerts have been at this venue. It really does not get any more intimate than this. One thing that you have to make sure is to make it in with plenty of time before show time to get a decent seat and also a decent place to park. I ended up paying $10, but at least it was literally across the street from The Tabernacle. #365Yelp 38/365 read more

The ambience and the Decour are probably the best feature of the place. Running around looking for a bathroom is kind of annoying and all the stairs coupled with the drunk people climbing up and down them sometimes concerns me. Although I don't understand how someone could afford to get drunk there considering the alcohol prize for a simple beer is outrageous. read more

What a historical place to see live music. The sound is not always the best depending where you sit. This used to be a tabernacle. Go figure. Haha. The grounds and building are well maintained. The building is very pretty inside and outside. The inside is ornate. The only downside, it is not handicap friendly. There are a lot of stairs. If you can't walk and/or can't do stairs, this isn't a place you will like. It's unfortunate because the building is amazing. If you have the opportunity to see a show here, do it. read more

A former house of worship, this three-tiered behemoth is an ideal venue for better known indie acts and small national acts. The ground floor is standing only, while the upper two tiers have stadium style seating. Honestly, there are no bad seats in the house. Bars on the first and second floors. The basement has a small venue with stage for smaller acts. read more

Very cool building. Go once so you can say, "Aw duuude, I saw this awesome band in this old-church-turned-rock-hall." I saw Imogene Heap then Guster there. Great shows. I will not go back. Unless I get seats. Standing sucks. Especially if you go early and stand through the opening acts, then the hour in-between. Suuuuuuuucks. Sucks. Cool building though. There's a similar place in Nashville where Patti Smith and Loretta Lynn used to play. Except in Nashville, you've got the added luxury of sitting on hard wooden pews, which in retrospect were comfortable comparatively. read more

I just want to say that after reading some of the reviews I was so nervous to go to this venue. We saw the amazing Lainey Wilson. Many reviews talked about the lack of leg room and terrible seats. My husband is 6'4 and we are both bigger people. We were comfortable. Was it the best? No, but it is workable. The stairs were the next thing on the list of things that others talked about. From the reviews I read, I thought we were basically going to be climbing Mount Everest. We sat in section 306, so the third floor. The amount of stairs is doable. Like I previously stated, we are bigger people and I have two bad knees. I climbed the stairs with ease. If you need to take a break, you can do that as there are areas were you can step to the side. Another negative I kept seeing was that the A/C was not up to par. It felt perfectly fine! No issue at all! Drink prices were not as astronomical as expected. Food prices are great! The vibe of this venue is unmatched! We had the best time and would will definitely return! read more

A great venue, I was here for For the Zedd show. Security line wasn't to long, venue was clean and sound, visual system were great. There is A VIP line and lounge upstairs. The 2nd and 3rd level has seating, which makes it even better. Staff was good also, way better than most club. read more

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For the amount of money we pay Live Nation, the least they can do is to make the seats a bit more accommodating for the bigger folks. These dates are so close together that I'm just about on the dad's lap right next to me. Out that money to use Live Nation. read more

We recently saw Billy Currington and at first I was skeptical about the venue. On the outside it's a bit dull but the inside is amazing. Very creative and love how they used the space! A tip though when you walk in the front some of beers are actually a dollar more than buying upstairs! We immediately wanted drinks since it was are first time and we didn't know. But yes, some select beers are cheaper upstairs for the same exact size. If you want pizza you have to purchase that only downstairs as well. Seating has 2 floors! Don't be fooled! We went up once and it was so packed. People were standing around thinking "this is it" but if you go another flight up it was all open! We had good seats too! Def will want to come back! Food wise after the show Waffle House is a min walk! And the Ferris wheel is right there too! read more

Tabernacle - Music Venues Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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I actually like this venue but for some reason last night (Drive-By Truckers) the volume was just insanely too loud. We got there early to grab 2nd floor seats and the giant PA was aimed right at us. Even the between bands music was too loud to carry on a conversation. Fortunately we all had earplugs, but I fail to understand the need for venues to be so loud. Without a doubt there are hundreds of people who attended last night's who now have permanent, significant hearing damage that they'll realize as they age (ask me how I know ...). Moving downstairs was better, and the seats upstairs are too close together to be comfortable for an entire 2.5 hour show anyway. The lesson is don't go to a show here without ear plugs, and be prepared to move around to escape the onslaught of volume. I felt like one of those mice in Rock and Roll High School that explodes when confronted with loud rock and roll. read more

The Tabernacle was OK. We saw Jason Mraz here on Nov. 29th, and he was incredible. However, I'm not a pushy person, nor do I like to be in the middle of a crowd of people, so I was standing at the back on the lower level. The sound sucked. So upstairs we went... and up again... and again... until we were at the tip-top of the tabernacle, where it was easier to find a seat, the view was still pretty stellar, but the speakers were not on, so the sound could have been better. It was also pretty warm up there, the A/C would have been nice to have on in a full house. So it was charming, I'll give them that - the staff was friendly, but getting out of that top level was a royal pain. read more

Well it's the Tabernacle. Most likely you know of it or know someone who's been there so there's no surprises. I mean unless you go to a comedy show. We were lucky enough to get 4th row at Dave Chapplle. Dave was amazing. The seats on the floor were odd and cramped. You get to know the person next to you that's for sure. The Tab is nice, it's convenient and surrounded by good spots within walking distance. Get there early, get a good parking spot right across the street from the venue for about $10 and walk a few blocks to pre game and eat. It's worth it because drink prices are very high and selection is limited but that's par for the course at most of the venues around Atlanta like the Tab. It's the Tab, you're gonna go to see the acts and jet as fast as possible but at least it's not as dirty as the Masquerade. read more

Great concert venue. I've seen The Roots, Dave Chappelle and Arctic Monkeys(twice) there. I've had a great time and always had good seats. Security is normaly cool and keeping everything in order. Its a nice compact venue that allows for great energy. I wish I could see all my favorite artists in a small venue like this. One thing they do need to do is improve the sound system for hip hop shows. Kinda weak.... I plan on seeing many more concerts here. read more

Such a cool concert venue! Walk up the stairs to the main floor (standing / dancing / partying area), walk down the stairs to the merch area (plus food / drinks / CLEAN bathrooms!!), walk up several more levels to seating area (SO cool, not a bad seat in the house I think). Saw G Love and the Special Sauce in February....first but certainly not the last show I'll see here! read more

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I've been to the Tabernacle several times for different events. I really enjoyed my experience both times. It's really easy to get to and the venue itself is really nice. The first time I went was for my college's fall formal. It had more than enough space to accomodate everyone and it was nice to go up in the balcony and watch the activity. The second time was for a concert where we opted to sit in the balcony (it was general admission). We had a great view of the stage and didn't feel like we were missing out by not being on the floor. The only downside is parking can be a bit of a pain. Charging $10 for parking isn't uncommon, but it doesn't make it any less annoying. I would recommend getting there early to park in one of the lots closer to the venue itself. read more

The shows that I remember most in Atlanta have been at the Tabernacle. Without a doubt, my favorite medium size to smallish venue to see any kind of music. The view is great from the floor or from the upper tier seats, and the old church architecture makes for a truly unique concert experience. I love it when big time acts that could almost fill Philips choose to play the Tabernacle instead. True, it makes it a bitch to get tickets, but seeing an artist choose to play here because they love it too is a recipe for a great evening. If (somehow) you've managed to not see a concert here yet, put it on your must list for Atlanta. It's a unique experience and feels smaller and more intimate than venues of a similar size. read more

I loved this venue in Atlanta. We saw Muse there before they were really big in the states which was awesome. The venue's layout makes everyone feel close to the stage and the sound it pretty fantastic. I'm glad they had chairs in the balcony. Us "old" people sometimes need to sit down because our backs or knees hurt! Don't judge me! The building itself is gorgeous. I think it is the perfect size for a concert. Tickets were decent priced, and parking was easy. read more