I met my husband at the Blind Pig so 5 stars for that alone! But in general, I love the Blind Pig. It's a legendary concert venue that has seen bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins and more play on it's small stage. I've had local friends play, out of town friends play, and every one has been a great experience. We've also been here for dance parties, wedding receptions, and other special events to great success as well. It's a little worn, it can get super hot and sweaty, the stage is low and the sound is loud. But that's rock and roll. And as the last true rock and roll venue in Ann Arbor, I'm beyond happy it's here and love supporting it when I can. Free pop corn, cheap drinks, great tunes, good times! read more

Went for a concert. They didn't turn the A/C on and actually had a person pass out. If you are going to make rookie mistakes- fix them, pass out free water then! They had one bartender for a large turnout. We ordered two beers, received to whiskeys instead...not a complete complaint. They also charged extra money at the door for minors. Stated it was on the website and maybe it was but it was a shock to myself and everyone that had a minor. I suggest just putting it in the ticket prices. I definitely wouldn't go back... read more

Get official tickets for the event from the ppl selling it and not from resale. Had a great time but it almost got screwed up bc the person I bought resale from sold me a ticket for the wrong night. Thankfully the manager was very understanding once we explained the situation, but I wouldn't bank on that experience! read more

The service here is awful. The bartenders used a LGBTQ slur when referring to someone in the band and all around were rude and disrespectful. I would NOT recommend this place. read more

Don't trust this venue. Bought tickets to see Messer Chups. When the band didn't show, management would not refund tickets.

I had an awesome time seeing a few local bands perform here last Friday night. My BFF's husband is a drummer in one of the bands so we had free tickets which I appreciated. The stage is located on the main floor along with a few tables and seats and a full bar. Downstairs contains the restrooms and a speakeasy type bar with bar stool seating. I love the history of this place. Nirvana, Soundgarden and The Smashing Pumpkins are just a few of the bands that have performed here when they were first starting out. I loved the vibes. read more

Awful experience. The staff are rude and verbally abusive. Such an awful environment & they upcharge drinks and cover.

DANGEROUS AND SHADY. Someone slipped something in my friend's drink and when we reported it to the bartender, they did not believe us even though we saw it in the drink. Said we were making a big deal out of nothing and that drugging drinks doesn't happen there, but we literally saw it in the cup. The staff do not care about customers at all and were yelling and shoving through people. Awful environment. ANY other place in Ann Arbor is better. read more

Very rude bar tender. Aggressive attitude for absolutely no reason. I got discriminated for being gay and my hands were tagged so I wouldn't be served drinks even though I came here sober to pregame with friends so it really didn't make sense why I was being kicked out as soon as I walked in. Made me very upset on how I was being treated by staff, but they did not give the same attitude to the straight guys I came with. Never will I be coming here again. read more

Great bands but drinks are extremely pricey! Service was good. Cover charge was extremely high, too -$20 to see 3 bands that didn't play for long. read more

Terrible service...never go here. So many better, places in Ann Arbor to go. When I asked for my Drink to be remade due to the dirty glass, the bartender scuffed and said "go somewhere else sweetie" beyond rude. I worked in the industry and this places needs a revamp on staff, interior, & presence. Absolutely disgusting. read more

As a disabled concert-goer, I am PICKY about my venues. And for good reason -- how a venue is able to accommodate a disabled patron is everything to a show for me. Faith, one of the managers at the Blind Pig, is an absolute Angel. She's been with the venue since '97, and you can tell how much she cares about the place -- and it's patrons. I've attended quite a few shows here with her as the manager, and every time, she has gone far beyond what the average venue offers to make sure I'm both accommodated and safe while having a concert experience just as wonderful as anybody else might have, including a view of the stage (which is often overlooked with disability accommodations). James is also absolutely wonderful; he is kind and informative, and a joy to speak with. So, if anybody else is disabled and concerned about seeing a show here, rest assured, they'll accommodate you as safely and soundly as possible. I would recommend giving them a call before the show if you're in need of these accommodations. read more

This was a cool spot! Cheap drinks, decent sound for the acts performing. Lots of big names have performed here so you can really feel the history. There are plenty of places to sit but a big open room to dance in as well. They do take credit cards by the way. Really enjoyed this venue. read more

Seemed that being rude is company policy for the staff. No matter who you met with a smile, you always got attitude and problems back. The bands were the saving grace for the night at this crap hole. LAME! read more

Horrible experience. HORRIBLE. We had a few drinks before a show in their bar downstairs. We try to go up and the guy rudely tells us we have to go outside and around. Um okay. We go outside and in the front door. First guy grabs our IDs. Second guy takes our tickets and tells my sister she "better print hers out next time" and tells me to grab a wrist band and points to a pitcher of them. I go to take one and he yells, literally yells, DO NOT TOUCH THOSE...NEXT PERSON WHO DOES IS GETTING KICKED OUT. The worker standing 5 feet from the bands (who I couldn't see due to the people in front of me) just stands there. I apologize and he just stares at me. Why so rude??? It's cash only. The only bathroom is downstairs (where we came from). I go down to use the bathroom and the bouncer guy is no longer there and people are walking back and forth. Why did we have to go outside into the cold again? Overall very bad experience and brought down the vibe of our whole night. read more

So... many... hipsters... Cash only bar. Not really a fan. read more

For what it's worth, it's a dive bar and music venue. I have been to better but that is a lot of the Blind Pig's charm. Great place to people watch, play pool downstairs and blow off some steam slam dancing. Don't wear open toe anything here. you will regret it :) read more

Kind of a meh bar. Shabby and stuff. But not terrible people in the reviews really made it sound like a piss pool. But the bathroom isnt horrific. Def manageable for a quick pee. I do think their bar could use some help, my beer was barely cold. Not a fan of not cold beer. First time in Ann Arbor but the parking was super convenient i stay 4 hours or so, maybe three got charged $6. Not bad. Safe too. Didn't explore much. But I like the blind logo inside the bar. The stage is blah too. But I really enjoyed the show, being so close to talent is so special wow. Loved seeing Poliça and MOTHXR. Bit of a drive for me but I will drop by if I'm ever interested in another show P.S the ticket price was awesome read more

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Not a nice place. Poor sound. Rude bouncers. Can't see anything. We rolled up to see a show but they would let anyone in since we had our tickets on our phones. Which the mgr said was okay when we called. Avoid at all costs. read more

There's things to like and things to not like about the Blind Pig. It entirely depends on if I'm drunk or not yet. Sober I am not a fan of the Blind Pig. We've been to a couple of shows there and it's been way too crowded. I hate super tight packed crowds. I can't get to the bathroom, I can't get to the bar, I start to panic and can't even get out the door. Ugh. A couple drinks to relax first? The Blind Pig is a great venue. You can feel the excitement of everyone there. You can see and hear the music from everywhere. And free popcorn? Always improves my mood. read more

I've come here many times over the years for concerts, as well as The Bang, and I was here this past Saturday night for the Halloween Bang. Although I do like the Hard Lessons (opening band), my friends and I agreed that it would have been better if they had just stuck to the normal music/DJ for most of the night ... we like dancing on the stage too, and the Hard Lessons played from about 11pm to midnight and then the entire Blind Pig was open for dancing from 12-2. Fun place to catch a concert, though, and the cover charges usually aren't too bad - The Bang is usually $5 if you are 21+, although since this was the Halloween Bang it was $8 or $11 if you are under 21. read more

Not sure how this place ever attained such revered status. It was never a great venue to begin with yet all these great bands insisted on playing here. I used to go see bands here quite a bit in the late 80's thru mid 90's. Nirvana, Screaming Trees, Pearl Jam, Throwing Muses, The Chills, Luna etc. Not being tall has it's definite disadvantages at the Blind Pig since the stage is about 12 inches tall. Fast forward to last Saturday night when I drove from Ferndale to see the phenomenal Japanese psych band Kikagaku Moyo. This means the last time I was at the Blind Pig was over 20 years ago. Nothing has changed except the owners. The stage is still about 12 inches tall and I am still short. Slapping up some black paint and some sheet metal around the bar is like putting lipstick on the Blind Pig. The people at the door were dicks too. The place was dirty. This place still sucks. Even many of the people attending this show were so self absorbed they didn't care about ruining other peoples night by constantly shouting over the music. Pretty sure I wont be back. I don't care who is playing. read more

Fat bartender yelled at my friend for tipping $1 on a $6 pitcher and kicked the whole group out on a power trip, won't return.

Went here for a concert and they took my fake. Asked if I could get in under and they said no (even though I prepaid for the concert)

Cash only is the rule, and the drinks flow! Free popcorn, but no food at all, so grab dinner before you come for the band. The sound system is loud but clear. There is a bar downstairs, and that is where the bathrooms are. Being a small venue, it is a more personal experience to see a band. This was our first time here, but we will go again for sure read more

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Love this place - been playing here for years and the staff is just incredible (especially Ramone and David). Great place to check out some tunes and have a drink read more

really disrespectful staff. a bartender dragged my friend up the stairs, cut her knee on the steps, then threw her out the door and--I'm so serious--threw a drink in her face. absolutely disgusting, like what the hell. I'm 21, 100% legal, but I will not be coming back here. read more

I've been to the pig for many hip hop shows & after trying to attend the Flying Lotus show last night I will never go there again. I drove out there from Royal Oak & got there at around 10:30. There was no line & the place was half empty when I walked to the front door. The peon workers checked my friends & my IDs, gave us a bracelet, & then stamped our hand. After this they decided to tell us that the show was sold out. After looking inside & seeing the place with barely anybody inside I turned to the peons & was like "why did you check our ID's if you knew you were sold out?" They couldn't even muster a response. Turning around in disgust, the peons asked us for our bracelets back which we graciously refused. After this terrible customer service, I have vowed never to spend my money there again. Beware of this shithole. read more

I have mixed feelings about the Blind Pig. Sometimes they are great with great artists playing, other times the staff makes the entire place feel unwelcomed and awkward. If whatever musician you want to see is playing somewhere else close, I'd go there over here. Cheap drinks and the people that go are nice, but when it is bad, it is really bad. read more

I love bars that even after a good long scrub are still doused in sin. I love people of a non-bullsh*t ilk who are intolerant of falsity. I love stages that are less than 100 square feet. I love gregarious dance parties where everyone is laughing and I love angry post-metal shows where people are in their own worlds. And I do not love The Blind Pig. The booze is not cheap enough to match the 'dive scene.' The staff aren't hard enough or interesting enough to warrant them being asshats to everyone who walks in the door. The music isn't good enough to charge upwards of $15 cover. The Bang is an identity-lacking sh*tshow of hackneyed music and self-absorbed millenials. If I must, I'll go here. But I much prefer making the trek out to Detroit to feel at home amongst peeling paint, foul-mouthed rocker women, and generous whiskey shots. read more

This is one of the worst venues I've ever been to. Staff is completely unorganized and no one really seems to know what is going on. We called in before the show to ask if we could present our tickets on our iPhones to which the lady replied that it would not be a problem. However, when we arrived at the door, the bouncer tried to argue that this was not the case. After arguing with this stout, bearded man for over 10 minutes, he decided to deny entry to me and all of my friends. So, I ask you, Blind Pig, to closely review the people that you have chosen to employ at your establishment because a lot of your customers' nights were completely ruined. read more

It's sad that a place once so revered is now just a rundown venue with a raging superiority complex and staff that can't even pretend to respect their (paying) customers and the performers that want to bring them business. The biggest issue here is how incredibly rude and obnoxious the staff are. To summarize: they literally throw your IDs back at you, they refuse people entry because they just don't feel like letting you in (even if you're on the performer's guest list, over 21, completely sober, and ready to pay the cover), they cut shows short because they just don't feel like staying the whole time, the bar service is absolutely terrible, and they're generally incredibly rude and disrespectful when speaking to their customers and performers. In addition, they completely rip off the performers, especially local acts. For a set of local bands that brought in 60+ people, the group made a total of $4 between all of them despite the $5 cover. Some other things to note: The venue is dirty. The bar is cash only. The only food they offer is over salted popcorn. They don't have any guest bathrooms so you have to go downstairs and walk through another bar to get to one. If you're looking to hear great music, support local artists, or just have a nice night out, I'd highly recommend looking elsewhere. There are some great local venues that have awesome music, but sadly, The Blind Pig is no longer one of them. read more

Probably the worst place I've ever been to in Ann Arbor. Owner couldnt be more rude and employee shoved my friend out the venue. Still in shock that people go to this place read more

The blind pig is a horrible venue. My friends and I were kicked out by the staff here even though we were on the guest list of a pretty big band, we had exited the venue to help move some equipment and upon trying to get back in they who were not 21 or older back in. They never made any mention of that went we entered the first time or when we were exiting. They were rude about it, and also locked the doors to the concert before it was over so those over 21 could re-enter. The facility it's self is small smells like a urinal and fills with smoke fast. read more

The Blind Pig - Kicked out - Bars Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

I fell down the stairs. I fell up the stairs. I slurred "WATER!" at the bartender at least 20 different times. I left cigarettes burning in ashtrays and got lost in hallways. I tried to eat popcorn through the pantyhose on my head and probably made a mess. And no one kicked me out. The Bang! is an amazing dance night, and The Blind Pig is an amazing bar. read more

If you think this place is a dive, you need to get out and see some more music bars. If you think this place is any good, you need to get out and see some more music bars. Only game in town equals a minimum of 3 stars. But 80s decor, terrible acoustics, amateurish sound mixing, and no more than half a dozen acts a year worth seeing prevents me from rating higher. Do yourself a favor and head to the Magic Stick in Detroit instead. Or if you are up for a road trip, the Empty Bottle in Chicago. Even though I live 3 minutes away, I'd drive for better options. read more

I met my boyfriend at the Blind Pig! And then we saw a ton of shows together. So yeah, I have a soft spot for the Pig. Sure, it's small and crowded and dirty and the sound system isn't great. But you can also spin that as "intimate and having character." :) Some of my favorite shows include Animal Collective, Broken Social Scene, The Sights, and Paisley Product, aka Midwest Product (RIP) and Dykehouse playing Prince covers. The Bang! was also the best dance party in town (I write this in past tense because I haven't been in a while, but I bet it's still awesome). Ridiculously fun with a killer playlist and a new theme each month if you want to get into costume. After you get in, go downstairs to the Eight Ball and grab a cheap pitcher of terrible beer (i.e., Old Style). After drinking your fill of said awful beer, make your way to the bathroom (my favorite graffito: "DON'T F*** WITH WISCONSIN"). Sidle your way back up the narrow staircase past a bunch of burly guys going downstairs. Grab some free popcorn if you dare (I may or may not have eaten a lot of it in the past). Enjoy the show. read more

Meh... yes it's only place in town to see some of these established acts, but please put some money into the place. I think I saw some of the same garbage hanging from the ceiling that I saw 10 years ago. Sound was OK... but never rose above OK and we had a difficult time hearing the vocals from any of the bands that played the evening we were there. Don't plan on drinking much unless you bring lots of cash. It's crazy in this day and age to walk into a bar and find out that they don't accept credit cards... but I do give them credit for some cheap beer specials. I guess there are times when I have to go here to see a favorite band, but I just don't enjoy it the way I used to..... I must be jaded by all of the better clubs that I've been to in Detroit, Pontiac, Ferndale, and New York. read more

I am so torn on how to review the Blind Pig. It's an institution, it's history. It isn't a corporate, antiseptic venue with no soul. To the contrary, this place is full to the brim with "soul" although it's also full to the brim with dankness and smelliness and asshole door guys. They're also cash only which is obnoxious. I understand it, but it's still obnoxious for a mid-level music venue. The raised level on the side with the stools is the best place in the house if you don't wanna pack in on the main floor. The bar is too small and I never look forward to going up for anther drink. My tip: buy two at a time. I do have to agree with Sara G's opening lament. I wish there was another option for decent national acts because I just don't love going here. I do, however, appreciate it and I would be sad if it wasn't around. read more

I can't remember how many times I've been to this place. Obviously there's something that keeps me coming back. First off, The Bang! parties are held here. If you haven't been to one, I highly suggest checking one out; they're themed dance parties that usually end up in all kinds of debauch, laughter, and insanity. What else can a girl ask for? Shows! What I love about the Pig most is that they bring in really great artists consistently; yes, they had Nirvana way back before Nevermind was recorded, but since then the Pig has been getting exceptional musicians month in month out. And beyond that, it's the sort of place I'd go to even if there wasn't a show there; $3 pints anyone? I can't say the same about most of the venues in Michigan! It's a dive for sure; what else can you expect from a sowing ground of grunge? Complain if you like about the bathrooms being messy, or the door guys being curt; I'm reluctant to go to a place that has exceptionally clean bathrooms and exceptionally pleasant greeters. If those greeters are actually Maitre Ds, you can be sure there's nothing fun happening inside the place! If your senses get in the way of your bar or music experience, then DTE or the Fillmore may be more to your liking. If you want to get downright filthy and dance your butt off, then the Blind Pig it is! read more