My experiences in the Seattle show scene have been pretty soured, with the wretched, power-hungry bouncers at The Moore, the mismanagement at the SODO Showbox (where they had inexplicable separate lines that went around the block with no signage), but I was very pleasantly surprised at the Showbox at this downtown location. It was blistering cold tonight, with high winds knocking down trees, so I was prepared to wait in these awful conditions, but the security team kept the lines going very efficiently. There are several bar areas, and we ended up grabbing drinks at the Kerns music shop/Green room near the entrance, so we didn't have to wait long for our drinks. They had a $8/tall boy special for Fremont IPA. Most tall beers were in the $8-10 range. The guy checking ID's was happy to answer questions. You're allowed to bring cider, beer, seltzer, and wine into the venue, (but not hard). We also checked out coats for $3 each. They also take purses for $3, and sell ear plugs for $1. Overall, pretty decent as far as venues go. Pleasantly surprised. I'll probably be back. read more

The Showbox - Caravan palace - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Venue is okay but security manager's son who works as security there is on a power trip and likes to put his hands on women. We placed a complaint but was informed that the guy was the son of head of security and they wouldn't do anything about it. read more

Great venue, good sight lines to the stage and they only charged me 2.50$ for a club soda with grenadine. read more

The Showbox - 4/26/22. Charlotte Sands concert. - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I really do like the Showbox! I have been to both Showbox venues... the other one is located in in the SoDo neighborhood but I think I prefer this one better. Part of it is because it is right downtown in the thick of things and there are several options when it comes to public transport here to get to your show and home. Parking is of course never terribly easy in Seattle so if you go to a show here and you drive in just expect to park relatively hassle free in a nearby parking garage. Though it is pricey with the parking garages it will save you a lot of hassle... if you think you can park for free and still be close to the Showbox you are in for a big disappointment so expect a hike if you think free parking is most important of all. I have been to this Showbox (which is right across from Pike Public Market) twice now since I have lived in Washington. My first concert here was a Peaches concert. My outing to this concert made my third time I have seen her. My next concert was just recently and that was to see the punk band The Damned. That was an excellent show as well. I enjoy this venue because it can pack in a sizable crowd yet the stage can provide a relatively intimate encounter for the audience. The restrooms are in good working order unlike some venues which will remain unnamed and not on the verge of falling apart. I haven't found the need to interact with the staff too much here but the two times I have been here they got the lines moving at a brisk pace when the doors were just opened and were helpful with directions which made that particular aspect of the concert experience very efficient. read more

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This is a great venue for performances. Every spot gets a good view of the stage. I am not fond of the Southwest Airlines seating system or the cashless bar. read more

Over many years I've been privileged to attend amazing shows, award shows, parties, album release parties, and a few events of my own here. Showbox is our music history. Some highlights come to mind: Eminem's first appearance in Seattle for 300 enlightened people - Macklemore's coronation by Sir Mix A Lot, DJ Quik's first show in Seattle - for SEA Music Awards with Jimi Hendrix' dad receiving honors just prior to his passing. Nile Rodgers and his perfect performance. Of course, you have many of your own memories too. But that isn't why I'm dropping in with a review. I wanted to tell you about this incredible Brussel sprout Caesar salad I had last night in the upper lounge during Wyclef' show. It was incredible. Perfect balance of savory - tartness ratio, with a light crunchy texture that almost served as alternative to croutons. Just stay away from the nachos. Promise me you will stay away from the nachos. read more

If I could give 0 stars I would. My three daughters worked hard all year to go to a concert at Showbox. They each spent 100 bucks on tickets and got there a couple hours early to wait in line. When doors started to open around 7pm, they said that the security was harassing them and telling them they were too loud. They were there with a group of friends and were talking all about the concert. The security told them that they were being too loud and needed to leave the venue and they could not see the concert. They said the security guard named Angel would not stop telling them to leave and was making disturbing comments and watching them. My daughters felt uncomfortable and unsafe left with nowhere to go in Seattle at night. What a disgrace that the security wasted my money and made my daughters come home crying. read more

The Showbox is one of those places that books so many shows that you don't want to see a lot of expensive touches around the room. If you go to a lot of shows, you buy a lot of tickets, which means you want places like this to keep their operating costs low. You can't really fault the Showbox for splurging too much. Especially on the bathrooms. You can hold your breath for quite a while, it turns out, if you really need to. Now, when bands go on tour, they have to play somewhere, so you can't really credit the venues they play for getting them on stage. But the Showbox books tons of bands I like over the course of a given year, and most of them keep coming back again and again if they're still touring and hitting Seattle, so over time, this place has hosted literally dozens of shows I've liked (and dozens more that were just OK). Once the years and shows pile up like that, you really generate a fondness for a place. So, there's the perspective--expect no frills, and go for the music. So what stands out about the venue? First, it's virtually all one huge live room. Four terraced bars slope out to the sides and back. No problem getting a drink, as long as your tastes in liquor aren't fancy. The sound is almost always pretty good. The sight lines are always good. The bartenders are usually stressed but they're nice enough. The bouncers have, through the years, started to seem more like they realize they're working for a business that has customers. They used to hire a lot of dudes who liked the confrontational side of the work, and liked it too much, and looked for it when it wasn't there. But for the most part that seems to have been remedied, thankfully. There's another little bar out front that has a little downstairs. You can wait out the opening act in there, and keep an eye on the stage via closed circuit tv. Really, there's nothing to complain about at this place. read more

My favorite venue in Seattle! Make to to catch a show here when someone you enjoy passes through!

My favorite place in Seattle, nay, anywhere, to see a concert. Small yet big enough to hold a thousand or so, this venue goes after the popular or timeless bands that will fill it up but wouldn't sell out a stadium. They also have bands come in that are new to the scene like 80's cover bands. The sound is great, and the lighting is always well done. Crushed red velvet seating if you're a few hours early to get it with painted black bars, concrete standing GA floor. All tix are GA. The place has character and has a great feel to it. It's clean too. Bouncers are chill, doing their job and don't give you a hard time. I saw a show here once when I was going through a medical treatment and wasn't able to stand or arrive early enough to grab a seat. I contacted management ahead of time, and they reserved seats for me and my guest for the show. Parking can be a pain in the butt, but that's the life of downtown and walking before/after from the lot will keep you pumped up or just take a cab. Warning: There are a lot of vagrants that like to hang out in front of the venue. If you're a lady, make sure you have some strong, beefy male companionship to walk with you or bring some mace or your karate skills. read more

The Showbox - The marquee at night. - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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$20 for chicken strips w fries. Someone stole my daughter's order and they were rude to her bc they had to make it again. Another 20 minute wait. The bartender upstairs was nice. the one below was rude. Ambiance was ok. nothing what it looked like online. it looked fancy then i come into a run down bar. I bought VIP tickets and we got there on time as i thought it followed a schedule. That's what it looked like online. Never heard or been to this place so i was excited. Security took forever to set up outside metal detectors and stuff to get us in. They end up letting a long line of regular people in before VIP. it was 37 degrees out and we were looking for a drink to warm us up. They finally got us through to only send us upstairs with only a merch line and NO BAR open! We went downstairs to get drinks and the bartender was rude. Only ONE bartender! How dumb!!!! One beer, one shot, a White Claw, $43! wow. We were given a coaster number w no clue as to why. We went upstairs and got the M&G out of the way. STILL no bar open upstairs. NO SIGNS for Any direction! This place is so unorganized!!! the setup and sound was good. concert was good but i wouldn't go as early as we did. We got there at 5:30 and the headliner started at 9:30. It got packed as the night went on. Oh, and the restrooms that day WOMEN and MEN are actually gender neutral. PASS on this venue if you can! I will never go back. read more

It was ok if you're into more of a bar atmosphere. We were looking for a dance club. They have a tiny room where they played dance music, but it was too packed for such a small area. It's not your typical gay establishment. I felt a lot of tension and was expecting a full on brawl to start. read more

My favorite concert venue, unless you need to sit. Excellent viewing angles throughout, easy access to 3(!) bars, with views of the stage & nice acoustics read more

Last summer, I saw my first, and hopefully not my last, concert at The Showbox. You see, this venue sits just one block outside the Pike's Place Historic District. The property was sold to a developer who wants to tear the building down and build a 40 story apartment building or some such nonsense. Luckily, the community rallied and launched a massive effort to save this culturally significant performance hall and ensure its legacy is preserved for generations to come. The process is not easy or quick, and is still ongoing. Learn more here: https://historicseattle.org/advocacy/save-the-showbox/ For over 80 years, countless legendary performers grace have graced The Showbox stage from Duke Ellington, Al Jolson, and Dizzy Gillespie to Blondie, Iggy Pop, and the Dead Kennedys to Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Death Cab for Cutie. Because the place was built specifically for live performances, it has excellent acoustics and a cool vintage lounge feel. I could just imagine the current dance floor once filled with glitzy couples gliding to the beats of Duke's big band, punk rockers slam dancing to the Ramones, and grunge fans moshing to Nirvana. We were there to see Joe Russo's Almost Dead, so there was a lot of noodle dancing that night. We reserved a table for our group of four and had fantastic bar service all night. Since the table section is raised above the height of the dance floor, we had an unobstructed view. A velvet rope demarcating the tables from the general admission standers gave us plenty of dancing space. My one complaint is that the ladies' room was about as far from our table as possible and the only way to get there was to walk across the dance floor to the opposite corner of the room. All part of the Art Deco charm, I suppose. Best of luck to all of the folks working hard to save this amazing venue from destruction. Music venues like this are a real treasure and I hope Seattle can save it! #savetheshowbox #saveourshowbox read more

saw willow here a month ago. it's such an intimate venue!! loved the ambiance and the fact that they verified everyone's vaccine paperwork. they also enforced masks. everyone here wore one throughout the show. read more

The Showbox - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This was one of the best venues ever!! We will go back! ‍‍‍ Lukas Nelson and The Promise Of The Real, Delivered the Real!!! The Showbox was so personal and up close the Action on stage! Love! Love! Love read more

The Showbox - Lukas Nelson and Guest Mike McCready what a show!!! - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The showbox is always an above average venue and a great place to catch a show of a band you love or one you used to love, but haven't thought of in a while. We've caught two shows here in the past decade and both were excellent. We caught a P.O.D. show here was crazy good and an MxPx/Five Iron Frenzy show was epic as well. The place holds a little over a 1000 people and has bar seating as well as a nice floor area. It's big enough to handle larger shows, but not so big that the crowd or a pit within said crowd gets unruly. Getting in and out doesn't take long, and there are a number of spots to grab drinks (waters, gatorade, etc) on the way out. It was nice to get something away from the bar. Not the most glamorous place you'll check out, but it gets the job done and it a solid spot for whatever you're seeing. read more

Nothing beats the downtown Seattle Showbox to see bands, the acoustic it's a big venue without being too big the drinks are way overpriced but typical of places like this. read more

Fun atmosphere and design. Seen one show here so far, and would come back! It's a nice size space for a small/medium venue.

I loved the Showbox! It is a fantastic Seattle convert venue. There were three bars open when I was there (where you could watch people perform still, there's another one by the entryway too that is separate), also plenty of seating and space to roam around during the concert. Staff were all very friendly and nice, some concert venues struggle in this department, but they were awesome! This venue has a great flow to it, bars are on the exterior with raised seating/standing areas. Merch tables get set up on the far side of the venue from the stage in the middle where you enter/exit from. I was very impressed with the whole place! The only con was that the ATM inside wasn't working, which bummed me out because I couldn't support the artists there that took cash :( I will definitely be back again! read more

Amazing show! SAW BROODS!! The venue was great, intimate enough for a band like BROODS. Drinks were great, lighting and sound perfect. Highly recommend the top balcony read more

Good venue for smallish shows. The cons are little to no seating and overpriced beverages. Would return to see a band but will reserve a table with seats next time. read more

Wooo lets keep that flow of good vibes coming! (5 stars? o.o YOU bet your sweet cinnamon buns thats what your licking off the screen. [Please don't lick your screen.. if you're not willing to share.]) The Showbox has been nothing but kind in the past few years, with the many bands that have played here and the many more it has yet to come. (Which nothing gets me typing faster than a walrus thats in mating season DM-ing every potential candidate on their friends list.) So let's get a heck yeah! for off tempo clap parts and slide into this review! yeah! Atmosphere: The entrance is a security check, you are greeted by metal detectors and the luxury of taking anything in your pockets. (So if you have 5 years of lint that you've been accumulating because thats a hobby, I would suggest wearing your other pants.) To your right of entering you have an amazing bar with a generic but amazing selection of spirits. (Which is a great way to know who's about to get sloshed and go straight to the mosh pit.) As you go up the stairs, the first level is, if you want to check in your bag and coat. (Which highly convenient, if you bring your moose coat into 95 F atmosphere. lol) Go up a couple more stairs (Always bring your Fitbit! o.o just to get those steps!) and be greeted to the merch tables on your left side. Now the stage floor is evenly spaced and is properly distributed for the stage. (Look at me using fancy words. Basically its a good size. o.o) The floor looks like the girl has taken a good beating but its nothing out of the ordinary. With the ceiling having a disco ball that really seems to be holding it down for the disco underground!.o.With the right side being for MVPs which are nice looking tables and sits to watch the row comfortably. The left side is the 21 and over section, with a regular sized bar and a minie and seats along the side so you can sit in comfort and enjoy your show. (If you're 100.. and a middle age man like myself after working._.) Now the bathrooms are a luxury.. Meaning that its just a place of nightmares. (By god, if everyone in the world peed at the same time and somehow that merged with the oxygen in the air and we had to smell it for 3mins, thats what it would be like.) My only solution is: step 1: Gasoline all over the bathroom. 2:Burn just that section to the ground. 3: Get a new bathroom. Security/Staff/Customer Service: The security is incredibly polite and awesome. They know you're here to have fun and want you to be in the safest atmosphere. (Hence for example when I was at the metal detector and taking off my belt, the guy said: "You don't have to take it off, but if your pants fall off i'll pull them up for you" *proceeds to wink at me* Nothing says safe like that. lol) The staff at the bar have a heavy pouring hand and its always welcomed and make sure your attended right away. (Which nothing gets my jollies more in a knot than great customer service. That and the third season for OVERLORD! ^-^) Sound/lights/Artist: The sound has been amazing here. With a perfect balance of instruments and vocals they always come up on top to doing a great show. (Mr. Sound guy... you're the real MVP of the show.) The lighting affects have always been perfectly synchronized and choreographed. (Like watching N'sync at their prime while doing their dance routines.) The selections of artist that have played here have been nothing but amazing. With any genre playing in the Showbox its sure to have great artist playing here. (Wow.. I think those last two sentences were the same?.o. i'll leave it in. *evil raccoon laugh* no one will know.[Poodle looks through the screen monitor and rubs his paws together nodding in approval.]) Conclusion: This is truly a historic place! With an amazing stage for well known artist, great drinks, the most disgusting bathroom exhibition you've seen, to wonderful staff and security. This place will have you moving with music. Plus theres always this amazing guy that sells amazing HOT DOGS!! O.O omg if you don't go for the show, go for the hot dogs!! *tears up* they're beautiful. read more

The Showbox - Capstan just is a delicious band that needs to play here more. ._. - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I came here for the show Hamdi last night and was escorted out to my huge surprise and shock. I make music and have been going to this venue for over 15 years and was really excited to come down and see the show. After buying a drink and then having a nice girl buy my drink, I happily walked down into the crowd and made my way up front. It was a good sized crowd but not to packed to make my way up front. This apparently really angered some girls I ended up next to even though I didn't talk to them or push them to get there. They kept tapping me on the shoulder to tell me to move even though there was plenty of room. I could comfortably stand there without touching anyone. They made up they got to keep their space like it was a numbered seat like E19 not a crowded pit area. And then they knocked my hat off my head and I could never find it. They pushed me around. Some girl kept grabbing me and trying to hug me against my will when I hadn't touched them or wanted to interact because she made she needed to diffuse something cuz the other girls kept making up I was the source of some sort of aggression when I wasn't mad at all and they were mad. I had no desire on any level to interact with these people at all. I just wanted to see the show and they lied making up I wanted to interact and started everything when I literally couldn't care less who was around me. They they got security. Who knows what they said to get security to believe them. Security pulled me out of the crowd, a solo woman, and acted like it was to talk but ended up pulling me all the way to the front of the venue, making me sit in a chair and acting like they were police and then making me leave. I paid 40$ in cash, 13$ for a Rainier, lost my hat, and all those other people got to stay. They were all probably really drunk and I was made an example of for just wanting to see the show and standing there. They felt entitled to ruin my night and security didn't care what was true at all. Security even believed me about my hat and still kicked me out but didn't pull anyone else out. Wow. I'm so sad a cool venue has gone down hill or is being run by weird people. I deserve my 40$ and my hat back. read more

Got forced to sit outside last night during a show because I was "wobbly". I had just drove 5 hours that day to get here specifically for that show and was exhausted, and have insomnia so I couldn't sleep well the night before or even take a nap before the show. Yes, I had a couple drinks but that was extreme. Just put an X on my hand or something. So messed up. read more

Ahhhhh Showbox I love you! Such a great venue to see a band - not too big, but hardly tiny. We were here for Tacocat recently, and reserved a table ahead. Since we got there early, we got a prime table, but honestly, looking around there didn't appear to be any bad ones - well laid out. Plenty of standing/dancing room in front of the stage, even at a sold out show. We were able to order dinner and drinks at the table. Waiter was great (and had great taste in music judging by his t-shirt), and kept us supplied with water even after we were done with food and drinks. The food selection is mostly pizza, but they are deep-dish and filling. Pretty tasty. We both drank a nice cherry cider - plenty of cider and beer options to choose from. The sound was great and the ambiance is just groovy. I hope the Showbox is here for years to come! I can't wait to go back. read more

People are always talking about how they love to see shows at the Showbox - Market; that the performances always seem so great, there isn't a bad seat in the house, security is friendly, food and drinks are good, etc. etc. etc. The Showbox is like any other venue or establishment in town: when you have great people working in your place of business, giving out great service, you wind up with happy patrons -- including the performers who come to play on the stage. My band is Stay Tuned, we've played here several times now. Every time I play here, I wish I could keep on adding stars. From beginning to end, the folks at the Showbox take care of us and our audience. We are usually the opening act (one day we'll headline, I'm sure of it!), but regardless the staff treats us like VIPs. It begins with the booking folks, who keep us in mind for upcoming shows (!!!), then lay out all the information we need. Rarely do we need to write back and get more details. When we show up, the stage manager (Jay has been filling that role the last two times we were there) arranges for parking in the lot next door, and meets us outside with a huge dolly and helps us bring our gear in. He helps us load our stuff on stage, and helps us unload it off stage. He's super friendly, and keeps our equipment safe after we're done playing. I've never worried about my equipment at the Showbox, even though it's sitting right at the edge of the stage where people could get to it if they really tried. The fellow in charge of Catering (Vincent) and his staff took our orders for food and promised that though the kitchen would be closed, they would cook up some burgers and bring them to us hot after we were done. (He also requested Land of the Lost. Hell yeah man, that's one of my favorites!!). Sure enough, when we were done playing, he and his staff had hot food waiting for us, as well as beer and water backstage. The sound engineers are always amazing. We had Sabrina (spelling?) and Chris this last time, and they made sure we could hear everything we needed on stage, and that it still sounded awesome off stage. Brent was the head of security, and his staff remembered us, were friendly to us, and friendly even to the drunk folks who required escorting out (though one girl did get a bit tackled when she tried to rush the stage). Thanks guys, that keytar is delicate and we appreciate the added protection! We watched the security folks keeping an eye on the crowd and defusing potentially bad situations. It was awesome. The house managers have been Glen and Amy, and they are always really great to us, accommodating our weird requests for things like sharpies and scissors, or extra back stage passes for photographers and merch sales. We get paid promptly after the show, either cash or check, and they keep our keys safe for us. The end result of all this? We have a BLAST playing on this stage. And when we're having fun on stage, you're having fun watching us. Of course it helps that there isn't a bad seat in the house, nor any difficulty getting a drink from the multitude of bars located around the perimeter. Or that the air circulation is good enough that condensation doesn't build up and rain sweat down on the audience like the SoDo location. read more

For my 200th review, I wanted to review something special. I checked my dwindling pile of saved drafts and settled on one of my favourite venues for live music. The Showbox at the Market has been around since the late 30s and I'm damned glad that it's still around. Formerly known as the best dance floor in town, it has been many things including a taxi dance hall (look it up if you don't know), a gentleman's club, a bingo hall, a peep show and of all things, a furniture showcase during the 1962 World's Fair! Tickets are usually perfectly priced and we'll always go early to grab food + drinks at The Green Room. I'm nearly reticent to mention it but with a minimum purchase, you're granted entry before the queue outside. For some shows, it's a definite perk plus the food ain't bad for bar fare. They finally raised their prices on their menu and I'm partial to their cheeseburgers with a side of tater tots. Mmm tots! I've also made a meal of their chips + salsa with a side of queso but found their queso to be stingy. Salads are decent too. They avoid iceberg lettuce so that is a plus in my book. On the night of the show in question, you can remove the posters for the current show after the show has begun. I think that's pretty cool. Don't try to remove them early though, you will catch an earful from the staff and they'll take the poster from you. Maximum capacity of the venue is 1,100 and all ages shows are occasionally offered. The elevated viewing areas are roped off for 21+. There's four bars in the venue and I've always enjoyed the heavy pours from the bartenders. Remember to tip them though! While waiting for drinks, I've seen them put up with a lot and not receive a tip at all. What else can I mention? Skip the exorbitant fees that are levied by Ticketbastard and go to the box office for purchase. They only charge a $2.00 per ticket fee plus they're open during the week, 11:00 to 18:00. They don't accept credit though, be sure to bring cash or hoof it to a nearby ATM. Bathrooms can get sketchy once the show starts but that's the case at a lot of bars. Go before the show starts and deal with it otherwise. There's ramps a-plenty so they are also quite accessible for those with mobility issues. Parking is scant on the streets around the venue so try the pay lots and walk. Be warned that if you park in the garage by the SAM, they close promptly at midnight. We had a show that went past twelve and when we left, the security arm was up. We thought we lucked out with free parking but instead, a small envelope was tucked under my windshield wiper demanding $28.00. Lesson learned. That's it. If there's a band you like and they are playing the Showbox, go. Don't over-analyze it... buy the tickets and go. You won't be disappointed unless the performers don't come through for you. And by the way... when you're in the Green Room, take a look at the lettered wall (see photograph) that boasts the acts that have graced their stage. The roster is quite spectacular. read more

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I can't believe that I haven't written a review of Showbox Market yet! Showbox Market is, hands down, the best venue in Seattle to see a show. Back in my clubbin' days, I saw some great DJs there. Nowadays, I go to catch musicians that I like. Last November, I was lucky enough to see A Perfect Circle there. Just recently, I saw Ice Cube there - he was off the hook! And, last night, I saw Paul Simon perform there - now that was a treat! I love the layout of Showbox Market and the lighting fixtures are cool. They have three bars. Two that take debit/credit cards and one that is cash only. I wouldn't order top shelf liquor. If so, be prepared to pay a pretty penny. My Grey Goose was $9 (!). Aside from their expensive drinks, Showbox Market comes highly recommended as a choice venue to see your favorite artist! (And, preferable to seeing someone at Showbox Sodo.) read more

Great crowds, great location, great acts. Yeah it helps that "The Green Room" is right next store to grab a pint before heading into the act. But it does make for more consumption of alcohol. The Showbox has this great 60's decor going on with their pillars but at lacking in the seat department. I noticed tons of great locations where long couches and benches would have been smart. But most of us have no pride and will sit on the floor. The bar tenders tend to be quick and nice, so tip em! Great acts. I love me some Stereolab. read more

The Showbox - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I really enjoyed seeing Lykke Li at the Showbox. It's located downtown and was easy to get to. The staff was very nice and it seemed like anywhere you stood, you had a good view of the stage. The drinks were stroking(strong but Siri insists that they are stroking) and the bathrooms were pretty clean. You can't ask for more than that at a music venue. read more

The Showbox - Lykke Li - Music Venues Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I had so many great memories here ranging from the random club nights held here during my college years to seeing Raphael Saadiq here a year ago. The Showbox at the Market is one of my favorite places for concerts. It is just the right size and I like how they don't over pack the place. What I love about this place is that you can get a good view no matter where you stand. The location is great so you don't have to venture out too far for food before or after the show. read more

I love this venue. I've seen shows in small intimate venues in nyc, Boston, DC, San Diego, Jersey, and Philly, and the Showbox is probably tied as my favorite. From rock bands, to hip-hop, indie, and alternative shows, I have always enjoyed this space. The musicians can usually feel the warmth of the Seattle welcome here as well. The sound is fabulous and the ambiance of the Art Deco era is the perfect environment for a concert. The restrooms (women left of stage, men right) are plentiful and clean, and the bars offer several microbrews as well as full service drinks. Food here is decent, and if you're wanting a quieter space to eat and listen to music you can always eat in the Showbox restaurant/bar right by the entrance. In true old-timey fashion they also have a photo booth in the back corner for documenting your night between acts! Love love love this space! Looking forward to many more shows here! read more

this place absolutely sucks. the security is out of line, water is limited, and if you want to go here for any sort of concert that involves hard moshing, crowd surfing or smoking. don't go here. you will get carded, and lied to in your face. i got carded and this girl in line behind me asked if they were carding and the staff lied when i said yes. he said and i quote, "well she doesn't work here" SIR YOU JUST ASKED ME FOR MY ID. also be ready to get kicked out even if you get let in with a vape. maybe this venue should stick to a different demographic if they're unable to support the people rap concerts bring. fuck this place 1000%. plus parking sucks read more

I've been to a few similar venues to this one in Seattle and unfortunately Showbox misses the mark. There are challenges all around, ranging from poor acoustics to overly expensive and frankly bad drinks. I've had more alcohol in my vodka lemonade at almost every bar I have ever visited. The bars are located on two sides of the stage and do not connect and you cannot bring drinks across, so once you pick a section, you're set. Going to the restroom requires you to finish your drink first as staff will sweep in and remove any unattended drink. You cannot bring alcohol to the main floor for many events as under 21s are often present. We had the opportunity to see Dashboard Confessional here. They were an excellent band and their openers were not that bad, but the sound was less than optimal, the place was sweaty and stinky as if we were at a Magic the Gathering convention, and two drinks were $30+ (they weren't fancy ones either). I suppose if you're a super fan this place is worth the visit, but I wouldn't recommend it as there are plenty of other venues that will be better. For shows that start later, most of the local places nearby close at 9:00 so you cannot wait elsewhere (unless you're outside - the area is decently safe, just expect to have people asking for your spare change frequently and scalpers offering you tickets all the time). There is no venue wifi, but that doesn't stop people from sticking their phones in the air to try and Snap or Instagram whomever is performing. Because the elevation on the stage isn't super high, this means if you've anyone semi-tall in your path that sticks your hand up, your view (which thankfully doesn't matter too much at concerts here) isn't going to be much. Staff are decent; unlike other reviews I had no issues with them, there just isn't enough of them to heard the drunken idiots around as people show up super early to take advantage of the few seats and then get really drunk while they wait for the main act. It was an interesting visit. Not one I'll probably repeat. read more

By far my favorite music venue in Seattle! I feel like I'm home here. It is cozy without being too small, and roomy without being too big. The sound is always perfect- not too loud or muffled. The ambiance is sultry, and loungy. You can get a good view of the show from almost anywhere in the building because the stage is raised and the space is round with a circle balcony. The two bars make drink lines fairly manageable even for sold-out shows. Their staff is a bit crusty but generally have a good attitude. Re-entry is no problem, which is a requisite for me as I like to wander. Maybe I stop next door for a shot, or walk around the block to get some "fresh" air. Maybe I need a snack? Who knows where the night will take me--so I hate when venues are "no re-entry" or only have a designated little area for smokers. I've had a couple of weird experiences with the crowd being rude or pretentious here but that can happen at any show. As far as live music goes, you can't go wrong at Showbox Market. Perfect location, perfect size and a rich history make this my go-to spot for concerts. read more

Hurray for the Showbox! I've seen so many shows there and plan to see many more - even in my advanced - harrumph - age. Good sight lines, no poles to block your view - multiple bars to quench the savage thirst. I'm most impressed by the quality and diversity of the bands the Showbox gets. From Fripp's "Slow Music" to Steve Vai to Squeeze to Elvis Costello etc. etc. I'd say it's my 2nd fave place to see a band after the Triple Door, but the lineup of shows that come to the Showbox blow Triple Door away. read more

Since one's experience can be swayed pretty easily depending on the artist and show, I'll try to keep this as objective as possible. That said, the Utada Hikaru concert I went to last night was absolutely amazing, and probably contributes a good deal to my high opinion of Showbox right now. Brownie points for having cheaper tickets than Ticketmaster (Hikki's were $30 here instead of $45-50 online), a super accessible venue plus having a process to actually arrange for those in wheelchairs (special seating area on the second level), friendly staff and awesome manager (Amy, I think her name was), great vibe with the lighting and decor, and the whole cozy small-venue-close-to-the-artist feel that it creates. I would have chosen this smaller venue over a large concert hall-style venue any day, even without the seating - though, to be fair, I do bring my own wherever I go :) The only gripe I have is that I was told via email to show up 45 minutes prior to doors opening to get wheelchair seating, but upon arriving, was told by staff that I'd only be let in a few minutes prior. Kind of dashed the silly hopes I was harboring about getting to meet Hikki while she was practicing, but alas, that latter part is no direct fault of theirs. And fortunately I was in good company so the extra wait wasn't bad, but it was time I could have spent eating dinner somewhere. That all said, Showbox was still a great venue, and I'll definitely be back as opportunity permits. read more

Attended the Editors show last night at Showbox. It has been a while since I have attended a concert here. Of the Seattle club concert venues, Showbox is the best of the lot. Though Triple Door is not too far behind. The location across from Pike Place Market is excellent. The show was all ages, so I did see a surprising mix of concertgoers here. There are two bar areas in the venue. The Green Room and the Showbox bar. I like that they keep the main area in front of the stage alcohol free. Missed the first band, but caught the second act, Princeton. They had a similar vein to Vampire Weekend. Though the band's moniker has nothing to do with the university. I thought their set was decent, with the last song using synthesizer probably the best. It is amazing how synthesizers make a song so much better. Much like a violin. Editors were excellent. Their performance was seductive doom. They make a genre of music I like to call tense rock. If you like Depeche Mode or Interpol, you will like Editors. Their performance brought the large crowd to their feet. Nothing like music that gets you to bust a move. There was a few sound issues, but overall this venue is good acoustically. Not to mention being a nice looking place to listen to music. The only caveats is the hoards of people walking in front of me as I stood by the wall in the main area. Having restrooms are separated on opposite sides of the stage creates this. Oh and the Ticketmaster fees are excessive. This would only make sense if the show you are seeing is in high demand. If they have tickets on the day of the show, I would suggest doing that. Or make an effort to get to Showbox on weekdays to buy cash-only tickets for face value plus $2 charge. Aside from this, I like the Showbox. They have really good shows here with very good bands. read more

This smaller venue is located across from pike place and often gets smaller obscure bands, but keep your eyes open for people you want to see. You really do have a lot of opportunity to get up close and personal since it is a smaller setting. You may even luck out and see performers at the bar standing next to you. It is attached to a seperate bar which makes waiting for your event to start much more pleasant, there also is some seated bar areas inside the venue as well in the 21 and over section with a good view of the stage. Rest of the area is standing room only. Not enough bathrooms. And I highly recommend not waiting for your event to start at the chinese restaurant next door unless you are just getting drinks. read more