I finally got to check The Loft out. Wasn't quite sure what I was expecting given that it's above the Palladium, which is quite large. The Loft is fairly small. Think I heard it holds about 400 people. There's a bar in the back, and a bar to the side of the stage, so it was pretty easy to get a drink at all times (important!). I can't really comment about the sound because the Buzzcocks played LOUD, but I enjoyed it, even when I went deaf. The opening band wasn't really my cup of tea, so we all went out to the patio. A huge patio at that. It was fun looking at the Dallas skyline and watching the hoochie mama's below going to the Pittpull concert. Hello silicone, but I digress. I didn't really mind paying $4.50 for weak cocktails, or $4 for Shiner, even when it was poured in a plastic cup. The bathroom attendant was so unnecessary, though. Is she always there? There are only two bathroom sinks, and we were at a punk show ferfucksake. Any who. I felt the venue was solid for what it does, and the fact that I was able to get so close to punk legends sealed the deal. read more

Rubbing Elbows One of the best reason to go see a live band is the ability to feel the music coming out of their mouths and instruments. That can only be accomplished by being up close and personal. The loft is so much more intimate than the Palladium below. The bartenders can get busy, especially between sets, but don't worry they'll get to you. Between sets take a breather on their awesome balcony. Take some pics with your friend/significant other with the Dallas skyline. With all these positive marks you would expect a 5 star review. Sadly, the band line up is pretty limited. My favorite recurring band are the Spazmatics. I wish they could take a cue from Granada's rotation. Still, if your favorite band comes, it's a no brainer! Band with a view read more

The three reasons I deducted three stars: 1) We walked up to the box office and saw that the price for the Spazmatics concert had been raised from $10 (as advertised on The Loft's website) to $15. Oh, and CASH ONLY? Yeah, I know I should have read these other Yelp reviews more closely, but C'MON! 2) We could not find a place to stand where we were not constantly being jostled and shoved by people trying to get to a bar or another spot on the floor. It's hard to dance to 80's music when you're pinned between three sweaty strangers. 3) When I asked a bartender for water toward the end of the night, he grabbed a Dasani bottle and told me, "That'll be 2 dollars." Sorry, did you think I looked gullible? Give me tap water, you ass. I also disliked how the drinks are distributed in cups according to what you're drinking. Every once in a while, I just need a plain soda rather than a rum-and-coke, yet you're going to shout this to the world by giving me a red Coca-Cola cup? And water comes in a distinct cup as well? Gee, thanks.... read more

Chill is what they aim for. The only reason I take away one star is because the parking lot is kind of a hefty price - $10, for our last show for Marc E. Bassy, but one time before this we paid only $5 for an October show for Yuna. Inconsistent??? But at least they take card and cash. Who knows, maybe they change the parking prices for the capacity of the Loft, in general. You're in the heart of the Southside on Lamar. It's a rustic area with dark cafes and a slightly old-timey feel of Dallas that you don't really get to see unless you're in Bishop Arts or Deep Ellum. Definitely a great spot for a date, photoshoot or simply a night on the town, which is the main reason I'm ever found here. Concerts with the less mainstream artists are definitely held at the Loft, and I am loving it. The Loft itself is super chill, down to Earth, and is just straight standing room with rustic, woody touches that give it a living-room feel as the artists serenade you. Definitely a favorite venue in my opinion, as it gives it a very intimate and not-so-closed-off feel. Literally got to hug and shake hands with some of these rappers and singers the other night because we are all under the same roof ravin'! Haha it is an out-worldly feeling!!! The Loft is just the epitome of humbleness for both the artists and the guests. We just all are having fun in one small cool space and no one is judging you. Protip: If you want to get up close and personal to the artists themselves like I did, stand near the stairways. There's lots of standing room by the stairs, and the view from the stairs are also awesome. You get good sideway shots of the artists on stage and it's a double-win in my book. PLUS, the artists have walked up and you get the first hugs/selfies with them if you're standing at the edge of the crowd. Pretty chill! Highly recommend that spot as most people will just crowd the center/front. I mean, that's cool and all, but you won't be able to hug/high five the main star of the show unless you get enough room to do so. :) Drinks at the bar are of course overpriced. Dasani water bottles for $4? Boo. Chug some water before you leave for the concert, guys. Service people here are pretty efficient with entering/leaving guests. Just get your barcode ready with your phone brightness all the way up and you'll be in the building just like that. They do not check your purses/bags either here. read more

All of a sudden every place in Dallas is called The Loft it seems. I went to the one on Lamar to see the All-American Rejects last night. Well, it definitely is just like a real loft. This means small but.......how can that be bad when you are seeing a band. I kid you not, seems like you are spitting distance regardless of where you stand (although I don't recommend it as there is no accounting for splatter and the beating you are sure to get from your victims) There are two bars available and the tenders were very attentive. Of course, I was one of the only post-teens in the audience so I was easy to recognize. As opposed to Andrea, I didn't think $3.75 for a 16 oz draft beer was bad at all for this type of place. Now the acoustics were inconsistent but I probably would have to blame the equipment of the bands themselves. The second group, which played a special kind of self-involved excuse for music anyway, sounded awful, but the opener and AAR sounded great. I certainly would go here again. There is only one bathroom, however. There was never a line but you had to fight your way across the crowded huddle near the stage to reach it. So I might be harsh but I knocked this down one star for the Pee Break Obstacle Course. Other than that, "Well done Loft!!!" read more

I've actually never been to a show here but I did have my wedding here this weekend, it's a pretty unique venue for such a thing I think they did a great job! We had the ceremony on the nifty balcony overlooking downtown Dallas with a great view and once it got dark people loved chilling out there on the cabanas as well. I actually thought it would have been nice for the ceremony to start after it got a little dark since the lights hanging over the balcony and downtown all lit up was such a cool sight but it was great while it was light out as well. We had about 85 guests who fit nicely into the venue- originally we invited 100 and that might have been a little cramped but with people constantly going in and out side it probably would have been fine. Everyone said the BBQ and the desserts they provided were tasty (I couldn't really eat much,) the sound system sounded good, and everything went pretty smoothly. There was a little confusion at first when they put the tables out and there wasn't a dance floor set up that was quickly resolved! It's overall just a cool looking place and I REALLY liked that it was kind of a one stop shop- they provided all the chairs and tables and linens and food and even parts of the centerpieces which makes it so much easier! And they even had a guy in house (I think the DJ) who rented out a photobooth for really good prices, people LOVED that thing. The only things I'm deducting a start for aren't really The Loft's fault, just maybe a word to the wise about the area- it can get really hectic! Especially considering that there are like 4 other venues inside Gilley's- I think Earth Wind and Fire was actually playing the night of our wedding so the valet's were working overtime and it was crazy when everyone was leaving at the end of the night. I felt bad making people brave all that Dallas traffic to get to my wedding but I think once people got there, they could see why I chose it. Also, it was a minor bummer that our names never ended up on the marquee like they told us it would. It was the first and last venue I looked at and I'm very happy I went with The Loft for my wedding! read more

I would like to respectfully disagree with the post below. Seems as if some of the complaints are a little ticky-tac. The small venue is what makes it so nice, as opposed to the huge Palladium Ballroom below...When you come to the Loft you really feel apart of the show and every spot is a great one. My favorite moment here was when the Fleet Foxes came here summer of 2008. The Loft was crowded, everyone was in great spirits, and the Fleet Foxes were absolutely stunned by the turnout. In my mind, had this show been elsewhere the experience would not have been the same. Drinks are not cheap at all, and I think everyone knows that, which is why it's not a 5 star place. They also put the beers in plastic cups which I don't particularly like because I prefer a bottle in my hand, but to let that get on your nerves is kind of ridiculous. What I do like about this place is 1) small, intimate venue 2) great sound 3) bouncy "old-time" floors 4) AWESOME view of downtown from the outside porch!! So yes there are a few downfalls, but for my money I've seen some damn good bands here for under $15, I'll go back anytime! read more

I recant (kind of). I still maintain that the Palladium is cursed, but The Loft - which is almost a mini-Palladium - on top, is AWESOME. I just went here to see The Black Lips, and was very pleased. It maintains the industrial loft feel of The Palladium below, but is on a much smaller scale. Even for the small space there are two bars, restrooms, and plush couches, louge chairs, and tables lining the perimeter of the room. There is an outside balcony for smoking, and some tables around the back bar. The small space means everyone has a great view to the show, and the sound and lights are awesome. The concert kind of reminded me of the art deco after parties I used to go to in high school. Four out of five stars because I still hate the parking, and doors opened at 8:30, but the opening band didn't start until 10. read more

I'm a fan. The Loft is a space Dallas needs, somewhere off the radar bands and DJ's can go without having to play to a huge empty space or a cramped little club. This place is an interesting middle ground for those of us who aren't interested in either of those options. Having said that, I don't really dig the smell the restrooms have a lot of the time, it's a gross, stench that is trapped in there and smells like it's been there for days before. I will brave the smell for music though, and I won't even complain. You shouldn't either. read more

I got a chance to really check out one of the more popular music venues in Dallas. It's pretty nice to see "SOUTH SIDE ON LAMAR" in lights at night because its easy for me to get lost. PARKING: $5 CASH only I am really crazy about Donald Glover and got to see him on his IAMDONALD tour. I brought my dslr and an extra lens hoping to snap a good photo of me and him after the concert. FAIL. As soon as I got in, they made me check my bag and they saw my camera. Even though I wasn't a professional photographer, they made me put my camera in the car =( We waited in line (if you're over 21) to get a wrist band that that has your name printed on it - they scan your license. When we went into the next stage of entrance we had two people scan our tickets. Even though we got them way in advance, one didn't scan well. We had to go all the way back to the box office and print a new one. You see we have a legit ticket - can't you just let us keep going through? They should do the work - not us. In the end, it was really cool inside. Big space with a tall stage. Beer available on both sides and monitors surrounding so you can see the stage up close. The bathrooms are a big plus! They have a person in the BR waiting on you. As soon as you get out from the stall, they put soap in your palm and place a towel next to you. Complimentary br service is always nice. read more

Saw Kool Keith here a few months ago. Yes, all personalities were there. Great show but it sure would have been nice to know before I got there that he wasn't taking the stage until after midnight. Mixed drinks were cheap. Not much bathroom space but they've got another bathroom downstairs that everyone seems to forget about. Smoking deck has a very nice view. Almost makes downtown Dallas look appealing. Crowd was a little too nerdy/trendy for my liking. This is coming from a guy who attended Anime Expo and Comic Con on a yearly basis and has been told by the ladies that nerdiness is one of my more endearing qualities. Still, I can put up with nerds who make Kool Keith seem normal by comparison. Better uber nerds than roid rage chumps looking for a fight. Can't wait to see Guitar Wolf when they play here! read more

I like this venue a lot. I felt like I was in one of the venues you start off at in Guitar Hero. Smaller crowd, but still rocking out. Nice, simple acoustics. Floor really shakes with bass. Bartenders are really cool and nice. Now all I can hope is that they didn't toss my ID and debit card. I forgot to close my tab. :/ read more

This is a great place to see a band. The place is small and it is standing room only, but you get up close and personal with the performers and most of them stay to talk afterwards and take pics with the fans. People below 21 are allowed in so you can feel free to take the kids to see a performance. Tickets can be purchased on ticketmaster for lots of performances. They do not serve food, but they do have drinks and there is a restaurant right next door. read more

Saw Fleet Foxes here about 2 weeks ago and i really liked this venue. i thought it was just the right size. its out in the middle of nowhere with a great huge patio for smokers aka my friends. Beer is a rip off but what can ya do? parking will cost you $5 but it was pretty hassle free and i wasnt worried about a break in (which is always a plus.). oh and bring cash. dont ask questions just do it. (it will save you an ATM fee.) read more

I would give 2-3 stars. The venue itself is great! An amazing loft (of course) with a view of downtown and a small intimate music venue with two bars. The problem with the venue comes in two forms. First, the acoustics are horrendous. I've seen Polica a few times at other venues and had an amazing experience. However, this time the sound for the opening band and Polica were really muffled. My second (smaller) complaint is the price of the drinks. The cheapest 12 oz. beer there is $6. This complaint is offset by the fact that the show tickets were relatively inexpensive. Anyways--hate to give this place such a low review (it has huge potential!). But my experience there, especially as an avid concert go-er, only warrants a 2-3 star rating. UPDATE: I saw another show here and, unfortunately, the same problem. The acoustics are absolutely horrendous. However, the bartenders are amazing each and every time. So 5 STARS FOR SERVICE. But because music is the draw, 2 STARS OVERALL DUE TO SOUND. read more

I like The Loft, but its not in my favorite of Dallas venues. Too many times I've felt like the floor was just going to cave in. It's bowed and rickety, and when the crowd gets rowdy, it moves like crazy. I've seen some great shows here, though, so The Loft staff does a great job at booking. Honestly, though, I'd rather see bands at Palladium. Much better set-up. The drinks are crazy expensive. $4 for water, when beer is only $3.50? Excuse me for wanting to hydrate!! read more

Small, intimate venue to watch a show. They definitely get some good ones that make their way through Dallas. They have a huge outside patio to go relax on before the show starts, or for those who need a smoke break, and it has a great view of downtown. You can buy tickets at the window, an hour before the show starts (if they aren't sold out) but you need cash at the ticket window. They take cards at the bar inside. Only downside is if it gets crowded, it's hard to see if you're a normal sized human... ya know, like 5'6". I envy the tall people at these shows... and feel even worse for those shorter than myself. There's really no elevated area to see the show, so get there early to stake a space close, wear heels, practice standing on your tip-toes, or hire a bodybuilder to lift you during the show. I still love it though. read more

I love this venue... I tend to not see many bands in the larger venues in town, just cos it is so impersonal. This place is fantastic. The view from the rooftop patio is awesome. The size of the venue is perfect for seeing your fav band. Don't worry, i don't think the floor will cave in if too much jumping around is happening, but it sure feels like it. read more

We watched the awesome Spazmatics play here. The music was good and they got ev1 singing along and dancing. Unfortunately, we did not like the venue too much. Is is just me or are there are hella lot of tall ppl in dallas? I'm about 5ft 6in. and could not see anything at all. There were giants all blocking our views. Everyone was over 6ft tall! :) I've seen smaller venues that do it betta. There seemed to be a lot of blocked views. You can't see the band from the long bar area. People kept walking thru us throughout the show and that was super annoying. When ppl really got into the music and started to jump around..we could feel the floors bounce and move..That was a scary feeling when you think the floor could cave in any moment. The outside patio is nice though. It's ginormous and has a great view of the Dallas skyline. Next time i go here i'm going to wear my 5 inch heels instead of chucks..hahaah maybe then i can see! read more

The Loft is awesome. If you haven't heard about it, that's cool, it's easy to miss as it gets somewhat overshadowed by the larger Palladium Ballroom, which is located directly below. This positioning of the 2 venues is a pretty appropriate metaphor for the types of places each one is. Whereas the Palladium is large and features more well-established and popular acts, The Loft is much smaller and intimate, about 500 capacity, and generally features local and indie acts that are popular but not enough to fill the cavernous Palladium. However, as the saying goes, size doesn't really matter in the case of the Loft. I've seen several artists of different genres come through in the past and each time have yet to be disappointed. The sound is excellent, the vibe is always warm and energetic, and the place is so small that you really can't get a bad view. In fact, half the time the bands just walk around the place before and after the show. Speaking of which, I was just there the other day to see The Drums (so sexy) and the band was just standing around talking at the bar a good hour before the show (which they totally rocked the house with). Another good feature is the patio, which, besides being spacious and having an excellent view of the city, is being spruced up with little cabanas and trees making it a more pleasant place to just hang with a drink from the bar between acts. Anyways, I'm crap at concluding paragraphs and I've said everything I wanted to say, so I'll end it here. But really, dude, go check it out, it's a great place. P.S.- some minor contentions with some previous comments. They DO take CREDIT CARDS. Maybe not in the past, but I have paid with a credit card before. Also, the place is wheelchair accessible with ramps and an elevator. I think you just have to ask someone at the door. read more

Maybe it was the band I saw but this venue is easily my favorite spot in Dallas to catch live music. I love the Granada for it's location, artists that come by but damn, they can't beat the view of the Dallas skyline that the Loft has. The place is small and you really can get right up next to the band you're there to see. I've been to shows at the Palladium but even though they're in the same buillding, they're not even the same. Parking is cheap, getting there isn't my favorite, and the neighborhood around is kind of shady but the Loft is worth it. You almost feel like you're at some underground show, climbing stairs to get to where you gotta go, and flashing your tickets to some random guy. Prices are Dallas average at the bar but it's gonna be like that everywhere. People are complaning about the bowed floor but it kind of adds to the charm and you really get up in the grill of the artist and can really enjoy the music. Awesome. read more

While I want to give this place two stars, I am merely bumping them up to three for two reasons, and two reasons only. They are a quaint, small venue while I prefer greatly to large venues and they have an ample amount of bathrooms (although I caught a worker in there twice sitting in a chair texting or something. Maybe that was her job? Bathroom attendant?) Oh wait, here's a third reason for three stars... ample parking at no cost. Alas, this place kind of sucks. Why you say? Well, lets start with the fact that I was already halfway drunk before I even got there. There was NO one really there and I don't think they advertise very well. So we go to the door and I say I'm on the guest list. He proceeds to tell me that I have to go to the box office for that. We walk ten feet over to the box office. I say I'm on the guest list. She asks for my name and doesn't even check but gives me my raffle ticket tickets and we walk back ten feet and hand them back to the door guy. Nice job security I guess. Then they harass me about the size of my lense. My camera lense that is. Big freaking deal, like really. The show wasn't of epic proportions that I was about to take thee picture of all pictures. He lets me by. Now I'm dropping them to two stars because in the middle of this review I feel myself getting pissed. Drinks were not cheap, and they literally used a freaking ounce thingamado to give me a shot of whiskey. He said the management makes them do this, and fucking weighs their shit. Seriously? Yes, seriously. And, you can't have your beer in hand, they pour it in a cheap flimsy plastic cup for you. WTF is that about? Are they afraid I'm going to hate the band and hurl my beer bottle at them? He was friendly though, as I talked shit on his management. I was stoked on running into a familiar San Diegan here however, who now lives in Denton. Woo! Here's the really bad part that isn't entirely the places fault, but I didn't like the place anyway, so meh to them. Katie C. totally slipped off of the curb and ate it on her way outside. Curbs shouldn't be slippery in my opinion, but this curb was. Then, on my way to the car I ate shit by tripping in a pot hole in the ample parking lot, shoe flying through the air and me scraping various body parts all in embarrassing view of my friends. Such is my life, but that's ok. What's not ok is the pot hole that I tripped in. Put some cones around that shit! Oh, and even though I didn't pay, $10 is a little steep for two bands. The third band had to cancel due to some issue I am unaware of, but that is neither here nor there. I'm just glad I got to see a lot of hometown familiar faces. Thanks to the Loft for that. read more

The Loft is in an intense battle with Prophet Bar for my favorite place in Dallas to see lesser known bands. Smaller venues used to mean the bands performing had to make some sacrifices - typically by way of sound quality. Not so much here - they've got a great sound system and a great staff that knows how to run it. The space itself is clean and open and the stage is elevated only a couple feet off the ground - this means a clean view of the bands but you're still close enough to keep it intimate. There are also some couches and chairs towards the back for those that don't want to stand. Probably one of the best parts of the venue is the huge balcony area. If the band that's currently on stage isn't your cup of tea, grab a drink (full bar!) and head outside for an awesome view of the Dallas skyline. Add in a Shiner on tap for only $4 and you've got yourself a great time. read more

My first show ever in Dallas, Tx and it happened to be at The Loft. I went with the GF to see The FruitBats. It was an amazing show, but this review is not based on or about the music. The short and sweet of it is, The Loft's a flat out great Venue. Perfect size to keep it intimate but large enough to hold a crowd. The bar is well stocked and unlike the venues I'm used to, there are NO dirty looks for asking for a water. HA! Anyway the Marquis is beautiful and the view of the big D skyline is wonderful from their patio. All and all a great experience. read more

I saw Justin Nozuka at The Loft. Great venue, small and quaint, not too packed for this particular show. We were ten feet from the stage! There was no line at the front door, and we didn't wait in line for parking either. $5 parking, not bad for this type of place but you did have to mention The Loft, costs more for the other venues (Palladium). There were two bars, never had to wait for a drink. $4 cocktails, cheap! As mentioned before, beers were $3.75, I don't know for sure but the cups were fairly large so seems worth it. Sound system was good, view of downtown was pretty amazing, and even the bathrooms were decent. After reading reviews I was hesitant, but I really had a great time and didn't find anything to whine about. read more

Had my prom here and the venue was beautiful! You could really here the music from anywhere in the place. The reason I'm giving it 4 starts is because my friend found a dead fly in her salad. Other than that though the balcony is beautiful (when it's not freezing) and it just sets a really nice feel to the place. read more

Went to the Loft recently for the Youth Lagoon show and was pleasantly surprised. I've been to Palladium Ballroom a few times but never upstairs to this part. It was a great intimate setting for smaller touring acts and the patio is great! One of the best views of downtown Dallas. Parking wasn't too expensive ($5 for a thursday night). Wish they had more shows at this venue because I would be here more often! read more

The venue has great acoustics, but it's not able to book acts big enough to draw a crowd that fills the space, leaving you to hear EVERY conversation over the performers. On top of that, drink prices are outrageous - $10 for a small, standard mixed drink? No, thanks. read more

The hubby and I went to the Loft this past Friday to check out a reggae band that we LOVE. I will say that we parked out in front of the police station (had no idea) and didn't realize the walk we were faced with! We would have much rather paid to park. Anywho- we get to the venue, and the walk up the stairs; makes you seem like you are in NYC, pretty cool. Only one of the bars was open that night (sad face), but the patio, although cold, was absolutely breathtaking (happy face). If I wasn't already married, I would love to have a reception there. The sound was great; the technicians did an excellent job (could have been the band, too :) ). We will definitely go back! Oh, on a side note, I had a little too much to drink, and was in desperate need of something to eat. Luckily for me, and my husband, there is a restaurant downstairs. I had the chicken and mushroom quesadillas, they were great! read more

First off, never a bad time at the Loft. Sound is good, the old floors shake with the bass, bartenders are generally pretty good, drinks are stiff, wish I didn't have to pay for parking but it's not a total rip-off, and the cover is generally reasonably priced. I love the size of the room as it gives an intimate but enough space to shake your money-maker freely! Good vibe, good place to go see a band. read more

one of the best small venues in dallas. consistently good bands. decent drink prices. it does kinda stink paying for parking, but it is downtown dallas. read more