Small intimate venue. Went in 2020 for the first time and had a good time. I saw Danny Worsnop. Unfortunately I blacked out at my second show seeing Motionless in White and can't remember much besides having a great time seeing them in person so intimately for the first time in 2021. read more

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The Forge rules. The staff is friendly and actually seem like they care, and the crowds have always been just as chill. It's a small space and it definitely gets crowded, but that's part of the charm. You're packed in, close to the stage, and fully in it with everyone else. There is an upstairs balcony if you want a break from the floor, but most of the action is general admission and the sound down there is really solid. Loud, clear, and exactly what you want for a show like this. They sell food but I can't speak to that as I've never gotten it but it always smells good. Free parking nearby is a huge bonus and makes the whole night way easier. If you like intimate shows, sweaty crowds, and good sound, this is absolutely the spot. read more

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I went to the Forge for the first time. It might be a nice place. Just do not go there for Bingo Loco. Don't waste your money. They pack you in like sardines. Once you find a seat, good luck getting to it and if you plan on having a few drinks make sure you wear a diaper. Total fire hazard. And Bingo Loco. Oh yeah it's loco alright. Pretty sure the prizes were from Goodwill. The only reason to go is if you are loco. So this review really is about Bingo Loco. Maybe the Forge is a good time for a concert. I will never know. read more

Awful security and staff at this venue. I was cursed out and threatened by the staff (the staff stated they would shoot me and kill me and called me the N word as well despite my skin tone being white). This was all over asking where to obtain a 21+ wristband (I'm 28 for reference) since nobody provided them apon entry to the venue. I was not being aggressive or hostile whatsoever and the individual working behind the bar was completely inappropriate. I was absolutely baffled by the confrontation. After the altercation I tried to explain this to a few security guards and asked if I could speak to a manager in which none of them said was available (very odd). I proceeded to find someone up front who gave me the 21+ wristband and continued trying to find an individual in charge to report the situation too about the worker in which I continued being told that there was nobody in charge. I found another security guard at this point in which I asked for a manager and still, no dice. I then did have to walk past the bar and the individual who threatened my life acted in an even more aggressive mannerism when I passed. This man was appearing to get ready to jump the counter and screamed and the security to remove me (he didn't even say what I was doing). There was another security behind the bar by this man who then instead of assessing the situation, got physical with me and began pushing me out in which I said I will walk out (ther was no need for physical violence). All in all, I was threatened for my life at this venue for asking where the 21+ wristbands were and then physically pushed and harassed out of the venue. I WOULD NEVER RETURN HERE AND THIS PLACE NEEDS TO BE LEGALLY LOOKED INTO FOR THEY WERE OVER CAPACITY AT THIS EVENT WHICH IS A VIOLATION THAT SHOULD RESULT IN FINES OR LEGAL ACTION.BEING PHYSICAL WITH YOUR GUESTS ASKING DIRECTIONS AS WELL IS COMPLETELY UNJUSTIFIED AND THIS PLACE NEEDS TO BE SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY. read more

The Forge - Music Venues Near Me - Joliet, Illinois

Pretty nice little venue. I came for a...comedy/podcast kind of thing...Violent J's What Had Happened Was... Very chill crowd, surprising especially for Juggalos! But it was a good show and every spot seemed to have a good view/sound. You could even hear it pretty well in the bathrooms which were quite clean for a music venue. Staff was friendly and fast. I had emailed for ADA seating which they didn't originally have ready, but were able to work something out pretty easily. Where they put us wasn't 100% wheelchair accessible but I think the rest of the place is still accessible for a wheelchair if you need it. I love that the parking situation is pretty easy. I was lucky and got a spot right across the street and you don't have to pay after 5. Probably a huge benefit for a smaller town. I would come back for sure. read more

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My husband has seen multiple bands there in the past year or so. It's a nice venue with great sound. It's easy to get in and get out because it's conveniently located around the corner from free parking. read more

First time visiting this venue, severely disappointing. I can say that the staff was nice, but didn't seem to care a whole lit about what was going on. First thing we noticed was the floors were stickier than any movie theater could be. The venue seemed like a nice place, I've only ever heard good things, but we were let down. We purchased VIP balcony seats. We went up there to get our seats and the bar was empty. We had went back down to step outside for a minute and were told the balcony was closed. But I didn't get a refund for the difference in the seats. They ended up putting us in front of the stage. Which sounds great, but the sound quality there and having to look up thr whole time sucked. I always prefer balcony seating. We waited to eat at the venue because it seemed convenient as we didn't know the area. But, alas, the kitchen was closed. We went to the bar, I ordered a sprite and vodka. I was told they were out of vodka! So I asked for a sprite, and they were out of sprite! And absolute joke. The show was just ok. Forgettable really. Probably won't come back to this venue. read more

Everything was awesome! Sound quality was phenomenal, wear earplugs if you want to keep your hearing! We had a great time! This was my first time here. Drinks were good. They don't have gin, but they do have canned gin and tonics that were tasty for something out of a can. Service was quick and friendly. I can't wait to come back for another show! We had so much fun!! read more

You have to go to this fine food eatery, the service is so good and attentive. The food is excellent and not over priced !

I've been to this venue a few times. There is a parking garage that's nearby. It used to be free but the last time they charged a small fee. The venue itself is not as big as the Chicago ones, however I prefer this venue. You can get pretty close to the stage. It's small enough where you can get a decent view from any spot in the room. The sound quality is good. Staff was very pleasant. They do have some restaurants that are walking distance. read more

The Forge is not a good music venue. Drinks are overpriced and selection is incredibly limited. Balcony tickets and reserved seating are overpriced. Audio and room sound is horrible. Their PA system is atrocious. And the area is a dump. read more

I'm not sure what all of the negativity is about in these reviews, maybe it depends on the crowd? We came for a metal show and have nothing negative to report. Street parking and garages were both available, we were able to park on the next block. It's a GA space with a balcony that will put you in mind of the similar venues in the city (Aragon for instance). Security was present but nonobtrusive. Had no issues with staff at all. Patrons were hyped but harmless and out to have a good time. Is it on my list of favorites, no. But it's certainly a suitable venue and I wouldn't hesitate to catch another show here. read more

Struggle Jennings & Catlin were amazing along with the & mozzarella sticks enjoyed the meet n greet the most thanks! It was worth it , even if the kid fell asleep at BEST PART!!! read more

The Forge - Struggle jennings meet & greet autographing a shirt! - Music Venues Near Me - Joliet, Illinois

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Was there last night for a concert and the sound was atrocious. I've seen all three acts before so I know how the "should" sound. I guess this place usually attracts acts that are more of a death metal feel but the acts last night were far from it. There was something wrong with the sound, both singers kept pulling at their ear pieces, and the speaker just made garbled noise. To make matters worse we paid for balcony reserved which is twice the price of GA. Half the people on the balcony, including those sitting in the seats, did not have balcony wristbands. No one from the venue was policing the wristbands. Bathrooms were gross too. Unless your absolute favorite band is playing, I'd skip this venue. read more

I was here for a event and the stage was nice a spacious. The crew was professional and nice. The food tho could be better . I was not a fan of that menu for food read more

Absolutely terrible service. If I could give 0 stars, I would. The bartender is the rudest, most unprofessional, incompetent bartender I've ever had the displeasure of dealing with. She vapes incessantly while working, ignores her customers and has a nasty attitude when you have the nerve to ask for the food you ordered 20 mins before that was apparently sitting in an warmer the whole time while we stood directly in front of her after paying, along with another man who was waiting just as long. She told us "we're not a restaurant, you have to ask for your food or you're never gonna get it" How are we supposed to know that? We don't live at the Forge. It was our first time there.. She could have told us how long it would take and to come back and ask for it in a few mins. Later on, my son was thirsty and wanted a water. This girl refused to serve us. We had to wait for the other inattentive and lackadaisical employee to finally walk over and get it for us after we beckoned him multiple times and he just kept pointing to the bartender who was ignoring us. At one point, she finished serving everyone but us and walked out of the bar completely. So we finally got the water from the boy who clearly didn't want to work, and walked off. My son kept wanting to go back and forth between our balcony seats and the floor. So, at one point, we were walking back upstairs and I dared to mouth how I felt about our lack of service as we walked past the bar. (We were several feet away from the bar, nowhere near this ugly little incompetent bartender.) This girl started screaming her fool head off because she saw me look at her and say the word b*tch, so she whined to the security guard (who's CLEARLY got the hots for her) who came upstairs to approach me in an overly aggressive manner and forced my son and I to leave the venue. He refused to hear my side of the story and left a little boy out in the cold at his first concert that we took him to for his 12th birthday. She ruined my little boy's first concert experience. Her and that security guard should be fired. Neither one of them know how to properly do their jobs and they treat their patrons like absolute crap. This was my first experience at the Forge and it will also be my last. I will tell every musician I know (and I know a lot of them) not to play at this venue and every music lover I know not to go there. Please save yourself the stress and don't give these people your money. read more

PRECIOUS METAL An intimate venue for live music feature above-average sightlines. This time around, I was Nichole C's +1 for the evening, as she treated me to some seriously headbanging tunes on 9/6/17. Although the headliner was EPICA, they had several lesser-known openers (symphonic metal band Elantris and Finnish death metal band Insomnium) as well as the terrific Italian metal band LACUNA COIL. A lined had formed shortly before doors opened, and we entered as the 2nd band finnished (hah!) their set. All of them were metal, and the crowd dressed accordingly in lots of black and leather. Then there was me, looking like a preppy douche in my aqua blue polo shirt. Talk about a fish out of water.... The bouncers gave me a pretty thorough pat down upon entry. Bottled water was $3 (no free water!), I don't know how much beer cost. There was an upstairs area for VIP's; the main floor was crowded and a mosh pit formed halfway thru Epica's setlist. Frontwomen Cristina and Simone sounded fantastic, a credit to the excellent audio quality at The Forge. The stage was raised so even people at the far back could see stuff, which we both appreciated. Lighting was pretty good and security seemed tight. Bartenders were sexy. Apparently this place used to be called Mojo's, yet I can't comment if this venue is better or worse than the previous version. Even though I'm not usually one for smaller places like this (I prefer my big-ass arena rock shows), I liked what these guys had going on. Joliet's not the best place to be, but if you see an artist slated to play at The Forge, it might be worth your time to check 'em out. Double horns salute, yassss! Fingers to the sky! \m/ \m/ read more

The Forge - Finnish death metal band INSOMNIUM plays on 9/6/17. Hardcore stuff, bruh!! \m/ - Music Venues Near Me - Joliet, Illinois

I love The Forge and have been going here since it was Mojoes and had the change over. The staff is always great, the sound in here is awesome for a room that has a lot of walls where I'd think sound would bounce like crazy, and I've always had a blast here. Everyone working there is so chill and I like that they set out small standing tables but on the sides so it doesn't take away from the pit area. Also there's an upstairs and a fully stocked bar. Can't believe the place is getting negative reviews. The Forge is awesome and will always will be. read more

First dish we had was Their wings. They're among the best we've ever had fall off the bone

Came here for a new years party. Honestly I didn't have any issues here at all, security was absolutely friendly, the bar is definitely overpriced. $10 for an angry orchard that costs $2.50 from the local gas station! Bathrooms were clean. Bits and pieces of the place need to be fixed. The food kitchen wasn't opened though I heard the food here is supposed to be good. They have an upstairs area that I didn't get to see sadly. Despite how small the place is, I wouldn't mind coming back. read more

Nice small venue for a concert saw living colour the other night my 1st time there looking forward to going back

Went to the forge this last weekend.. upon entering the first thing you pay a security women taking cash. Than she asks do you have any pepper spray on you.. than she proceeds to pat me down. Touching me everywhere. Talk about feeling uncomfortable. I told her I've been here before and they never did this. She told me they have been doing this for atleast 2 years. Well I decided I'm not going to be assaulted just to see a concert. So beware if you plan a visit. Funny couple hundred people with no masks on. I don't care about all the new security or masks or distancing but you don't have the right to touch me. Anyone that lives in Joliet is it ok out there to pat someone down? April 2021 read more

I went to the Forge on January 10th 2020, Overall I'd was a pretty good experience except for a few things. First we got there about 6:30ish and waited in line. The line was long, it was a sold out show can't blame the venue for that. They said that we would enter the venue at 7. 7:06 and we're still outside. The line only started moving about then, and keep in mind, this is January in Chicago so it's cold out there, and I don't have a coat cause I don't feel like spending cash and having to keep tags on my coat. 7:10 and we're finally in and close enough to the stage. Point North comes on, and there really good. They had one of the longest sets during there portion of the tour by one song. This is great, except for the fact that they were forced to be 10 minutes late. After about 20 minutes Belmont starts to get set up. They do there set, it's good, nothing to say about them. Set It Off comes on about 30 minutes later. Something these 3 bands have In common is there not Sleeping With Sirens (the headliners). The crowd was dead. You would have to pay there people to move. They were moping around, and you can't blame the venue for that, but the floor is way to small. Everyone was bunched up, and the lack of enthusiasm did not help. After about 45 minutes Set It Off's set is done, and i end up wandering to the back and talking with the openers. Point North are genuinely nice dudes and I can't recommend them enough, but while I was back there I decided to go to the bar and get a soda. $6! I get you guys need to make money but come on. $6 for a Pepsi is outrageous. I decided not to fight the crowds to get back up so I waited in the back. The problem with the design of the building is that with the lack of size 1 walking is a nightmare, and 2 there are 2 giant beams that blocked the view of a good 4th ofthe stage from the back. Sleeping with sirens come on, there sets about an hour encore happens everyone leaves. I wanted to like this as much as house of blues, but the size and design of it just can't let me give it 5 stars. read more

The Forge - Point North - Music Venues Near Me - Joliet, Illinois

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Awesome music venue with amazing staff and great atmosphere! I highly recommend you check out a show here you won't be disappointed

This is insane. $14 for one single drink. WERE NOT EVEN IN CHICAGO!!! Besides that, i'm not sure if this was the venues fault or NLE choppas managements fault but waiting 5 hours for him to come on with 10+ openers was also outrageous. read more

Venue obviously sold tickets significantly above capacity. dangerous, we stuck to the back by the doors - and we're still packed in - balcony was not any better read more

The Forge refuses to give refunds even though the international headlining band pulled out. The venue "saved the show" by having the other bands still play. No offense to the other bands, but you weren't the reason the show sold out. To stop them from getting a bad reputation, they went through all of their social media deleting/hiding any comments asking for refunds. Terrible business practice. read more

I was upstairs watching a show and then I came downstairs and the guy questioned me in front of about 15 people asking who I was and who I was there with. I said I wasn't there with anybody and I was upstairs and then he asked my name and told me that he needs $75 immediately and made me look like an asshole in front of everybody. I get that you know you need a ticket or whatever but he picked me out of the crowd of 15 and literally poked at me and literally I cried I cried in there and he was so rude and told me to fuck off read more

Came here to see Secondhand Serenade on a Wednesday night. It was soft concert in the middle of the week so obviously it didn't get that lit. At first I was disappointed by the sound when the first artist - a Joliet native- performed because her voice didn't carry and you could hear people talking as she performed. Turns out it was the singer and not the sound system since the next act and Secondhand Serenade sounded great. They adjusted the sound pretty well and the music was very clear. I wasn't a big fan of the location. It's so far out in the suburbs- I feel like if this venue was closer to Chicago, it would be a hit. It's relatively small so you can be up close to the artist. There seems to be a trend in the artists that come here, so I can imagine this place being a regular for a lot of people interested in that particular music genre. Other than that, it's a pretty simple venue. Another positive aspect is that they serve [bar] food too. read more

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Event - "DED" and "Pop Evil" November 21, 2017 Small - medium size venue. Security & service were excellent. Does contain outdoor smoking access with reentry. Compared to other venues it's size ----- the only real thing I can say needs improvement is the quality of the sound. Saw this line up a few times at different venues and it was definitely louder and crisper elsewhere. overall - no complaints. Parking garage was convenient with it being a block away & free. Thank you, will be back again. read more

The Forge - Music Venues Near Me - Joliet, Illinois

Been here many times, I have always had a good experience there. Don't listen to the old crotchety people that put bad reviews on this place. read more

Doors were at 6:30 and the show was supposed to start at 7:30. We came in at around 7 and were sent upstairs to the Saphire Room to wait. At around 8 we were finally brought downstairs, but the opening act was still doing their sound check. Around 8:20 or 8:30, they finished and left the stage. And then house music came on and we all just stood around for another half an hour waiting for the show to start. It finally started at 9... an hour and a half late. This is the second time this has happened. Last time I came here the show started an hour late. I drive an hour each way to come here and see the local bands I like, and it's kinda bullshit that they can't seem to start a show even remotely on time. This never happens at any of the other venues I've seen these bands play at. Beer selection is limited: A few IPAs, Guinness, and your standard fare (Bud, etc). Wine is Barefoot. Small selection of hard liquor, about what you'd expect to find in a dive bar. Of all the music venues I've been to in the Chicagoland area, the Forge has the smallest selection of booze, hands down. There's a fantastic brewery three blocks away and they can't get any of their beer in there? Haven't had the food so I can't review that. Upstairs women's bathroom was filthy, had stuff growing around the waterline of the toilet. Downstairs women's bathroom had no soap in the dispenser (they left a gallon jug of soap on the counter for us to use... guess they couldn't be bothered to put the soap in the dispenser). My small neighborhood music venues somehow manage to start the shows roughly on time, keep the restrooms cleaned and stocked, and offer a wide range of craft beers and cocktails. With the artists the Forge attracts, one would think they could do the same. read more

We are actually at this place right now for a concert. We had called a week prior to ensure there would be seating downstairs. We purchased GA tickets after we had been told by the person on the phone that there WOULD be seating downstairs. That is the ONLY reason we did not opt for the more expensive tickets. We showed up and we're told that all the seats were upstairs, but that there were tables only downstairs. I just had back surgery, so standing for any period of time is not ok. The staff did give us some folding chairs, which is better, but the table for us to put our drinks and food is at eye level for us. There definitely could have been better planning. There is no reason to not have seating downstairs at the tables. Not happy. Also, the women's restroom was a disaster. The first stall didn't even lock and when you sit down, your knees are basically at the door, the second stall you had to fight to get TP and the handicapped accessible stall had a seat that was soaked, falling off and toilet paper not in anything, just resting on the rail that clearly had been dropped multiple times in the flooded floor. Multiple people slipped in there because the floor had so much water from the toilet. The sound system there isn't terrible, but isn't great either. read more

The Forge - No seating - Music Venues Near Me - Joliet, Illinois

No customer service at all .... Don't answer phone nor messages on FB - was going to go to a show .. but if they don't answer questions and the pics of that filthy floor ... can you imagine the treatment you will receive once they have your money - - I'll keep my $ read more

The place is so ghetto, would not recommend. First of all, they had no toilet paper and no paper to dry your hands. I'm trying to stay clean, the floor is so dirty with toilet paper. A bunch of teenagers, some got a over 21 band. Some guy put his arms around me, and kicked me out of "VIP". Where no one was sitting, supposedly only the people in my group were only able to. They said it was reggaeton night, they only played RAP. Been to better ghetto places than this. read more

One of the best venues in town. I have been here for numerous concerts. I love this venue. The Forge has a great layout for a smaller capacity venue, and its atmosphere is awesome too. read more

I've been trying to call this place, and no one ever answers!! They don't have a voice mail either. It's quite rude and unprofessional. What could be a 5-10 minute phone call is me calling every hour to see if anyone will answer the phone. Simply ridiculous. read more

Came there to see Red & 10 Years. Overall - great show. Sound was awesome. My only issue was the sticky floor. Not only that it's freaky, it also makes it kinda hard to move around during the show. It was like this since they opened the doors that night so it's not like something spilled in a particular spot. Other than that, great show and after visiting the Tree 2 years ago and having a bad experience - this place is much better now. read more

Let's begin with cleanliness. The floor is so dirty your shoes stick as you walk! Next, management. Paying twice as much for early admission did nothing! Everyone was admitted at the same time! Also, because we arrived very early, we were able to find front row seats, only to have another row added in front of us when the management oversold VIP seating! Lastly, safety, emergency exit blocked with overflow tables and chairs. read more

Had a Great experience at the Forge . It was my first time and I loved it. Great sound and view. All the workers & security were very professional & cool ! Had a blast and met my favorite band Jinjer after show. They were down to earth and very cool ! Hope to See more shows at this venue !!! read more

The Forge - Awesome view with Jinjer ! - Music Venues Near Me - Joliet, Illinois

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