Visited The Strand with a few friends for a Walk the Moon concert last night. The most unenjoyable part was waiting outside since it was freezing but once we got in, everything went pretty smoothly. Security was easy and they had a coat check but none of us took advantage of it. The space is nice and large; there was a lower concert area with standing room only and an upper area with seats. The lower concert area had two large flat parts with a few stairs separating the one closer to the stage and the part closer to the doors. Leaving the concert is a pain but overall, the experience was quite enjoyable. Sure there were a lot of people pushing around but that happens at any concert. There wasn't too much trash on the ground and it wasn't as gross as some other venues I've been to. The place is pretty conveniently located downtown and only a short uber drive away from Brown's campus. Wouldn't mind coming back especially since most concerts are held in Boston which require much more time, money, and commitment. read more

in RI, this is the largest music club that holds on to that Rock n Roll Vibe. From the art, to the quality PA, its a great music venue. Diverse acts. Right downtown. If you like seeing music, check out your favorite band on their way up, or sometimes on the way down. Either way you should experience a good night of music. read more

Saw Papa Roach here in 2005 or so and what a great concert, going to see the 1975 this May and I can't wait

Attended the Indigo Girls show at Lupo's last night, or rather, attempted to attend but ended up leaving during the opening act. My wife and I were looking forward to attending this show. We purchased two 65 dollar seats in the "orchestra" section - front row. Upon entering the section, security checked our tickets and showed us to our seats. When I came back from a visit to the bar, my ticket was checked once more and once more I was shown back to my seat. Several minutes later we were approached by another member of the security team, asked for our tickets, they were checked again, and security left. Right before the opening act, a bar employee approached us and we were told that we were in the wrong seats. We showed him our clearly labeled tickets which matched the clearly labeled chairs. He said we were misreading both ticket and chairs - my wife is a BSA and I teach English Lit. so I'm fairly certain that between us, we can read. This person then showed us two seats hastily added to the bar section at the side of the seating area. These seats were directly in front of the amplifier stacks with a very restricted stage view. The seat labels did not match our tickets and when I pointed this out, the employee told us the labeling was an error and he ripped the stickers off the chairs. We are now at the point where we ask for a manager. Several minutes later, a young woman shows up, nothing identifies her as an employee and she has a drink in her hand. When we inquire as to her authority, she says that she is a manager, and is own her own time tonight. We ask for her manager, she says he is not at the club (later we find out that he was indeed at the club) this young woman continues to tell us that we misread our tickets,,offers to buy us a drink, and tells us that it would be wrong to remove the couple now occupying our seat. We ask to speak to the manager yet again and my wife is taken to him. I stay because if I leave, the pseudo manager, tells me, our new seats will be considered "given up". I choose to stand towards the back of the section to preserve my hearing and my dignity and a security guard is posted next to me because a middle aged women can be very dangerous. When my wife returns from speaking to the manager, she tells me that he in the rudest manner possible, upheld his employees assertion that we misread our tickets, and that our claim that his venue was either double selling premium seats or that some vips of the club or band were promised those seat (our seats were given to a middle aged straight couple - as was the entire row.) was not true. He dismissed my wife and her argument by offering to downgrade our tickets to General Admission but would not give us back our full purchase price. We were then told by our personal security guard that we were not allowed to stand in the back - even though the General Admissions ticket holders were standing two feet away from us. We could either sit in our seats of shame, damage our hearing, and not be able to actually see the show we paid for or we could get out. We got out. This was the worst experience I have ever had at a venue like this - treated as if we were second class citizens to cover their own shady business practices. Dismissed and minimized because, as we all know, middle aged women are not to be taken seriously and can be treated poorly because, really...who gives a sh%# about them. I will never go to another even at this club and I will be sure to let everyone know how poorly they treat their paying customers. read more

I used to think lupo's was a great venue, then they started charging 4 dollars for water. I always tip 2 dollars for a cup of water just to be nice but none of the bartenders would give out a cup of water. They all just say their policy says you have to buy a bottle for 4 dollars. My girlfriend was dehydrated, not from being drunk, but from being in a crowd of sweaty people for three hours and the only way I could get water was by drinking from the sink in the bathroom or by paying 4 dollars when I bought a beer on the way in for 5 dollars. I understand overcharging for beer to make money and cover the costs of running a venue but over charging for water is just unsafe and a terrible practice for a venue that is hot with drunk people running around. It just seems unethical to me but I guess it is what it is and I just won't be buying beer at shows anymore or tipping bartenders. read more

I attended the venue tonight for a comedy show. Was pleased to see they cleaned up the place from previous visits. The staff, from the ticket purchase to the bartender's, to the seating attendants was impeccable. However the security was way too low and allowed too many chatter bugs in the background in the bar area. It was unenjoyable because I could not hear anything other than the chatter bugs. read more

Great place to see a rock show no matter if your in the pa floor or in the rafters. It also has great sound. I saw taking Back Sunday there and let me say it was fucking awesome read more

great small venue

Cool venue in regards to the old fashioned theatre vibe but not really made for large concerts and it's literally crumbling from the inside out. Zero ventilation, no air conditioning, and $8 bottles of water. Balcony seats falling apart and not screwed into the floor.....Yikes! Definitely not coming back. read more

I like this place. I've only been here 1 time, but it was a great concert. Great sound. Staff were kind of annoying when entering and leaving, but during the concert, they let people be. It's a pretty small place and anywhere in their is a good spot to view the stage. Parking sucks around there, as you'll probably have to park in a pay lot. read more

The thing I like about Lupo's is the range in artists that perform there. You've got everything from rap to indie to hard rock. It's great. Tickets at Lupo's are usually pretty affordable. Yeah, it's a little sticky but who cares? You are at a concert, do you think no one will spill their beer? It kind of comes with the territory. Speaking of beer, they have three full bars that are usually all operating during the shows and all the bartenders I've ordered from have been really nice. I've always had really good luck parking in the area, there is a $5 lot within a short walking distance. read more

Went to a St Vincent concert here Sunday night (3/08/15) with my boyfriend and his mom and it was really fun. The place was really nice and bigger than I thought which is always a good thing. Though it was crowded I did have a good time. Though the bathroom was down this weird hallway and the guy in the doorway was making sure everyone had a ticket even though they were just going to the bathroom, there isn't really much I could complain about with this place. read more

Its a pretty good venue to see bands but they let in every underage person in RI. I'd go again only if it was a band I really wanted to see. read more

Some of my favorite acts come through Lupo's. This is the only place I've seen Soulfly billed around here. Best for loud music. Plus, cheep drinks. read more

I've only been here once, but it's good. You can park yourself in a seat in the balcony or join the crowd on the main floor in front of the stage. Besides, you obviously like the band you are going to see, so it'll be a good concert no matter where you are. read more

I know Lupos doubles as a night club and a live music venue. This review is for when it acts as a music venue. Not a bad seat in the house! One of my favorite places to see live acts. I have only been here a handful of times though. Not enough to make a full page review but I have to knock it for one thing. I went to go see a national act play and they had the band play an early show which I thought was weird. As soon as the band finished playing, which was amazing, the staff tried clearing us out as fast as possible so they could open back up as a night club. Which knocks off a star on my rating. But definitely check it out if a band you enjoy is playing here. read more

I recently went to The Strand to see one of my favorite acts Portugal. The Man and I have to say the experience was downright awful. And I feel it's 100% the venues fault. -3 stars based on how terrible the sound mix was, it was ear-bleedingly loud and pitchy. I've seen this band a few times and every time they're amazing in all sorts of venues, this just sucked. Hire a pro, get it fixed, seriously. It sounded better in the lobby. -1 star for the seats. I get it, it's an older venue, and charmingly so. BUT, the seats have really bad leg-room, which is not pleasant. But, it's a rock show and we should be standing anyway, so only -1 star for this. That leaves me with a 1 star review, for being indoors in cold weather. Fix the damn sound please! read more

It's capacity is 1,500, including a balcony. Last year I saw Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots 4 days before he died on tour.

I'd rather full on sit on a porterhouse toilet seat and pee for a full ten minutes than so daintily squat in the women's restroom like I so desperately had to tonight during the Third Eye Blind concert it was THAT disgusting! read more

Saw Cake here last night - great little venue. It's a mix between the Fillmore and the Warfield where it is standing room only. Cheap drinks. Great place to see a show! read more

Just saw Franz Ferdinand here this weekend--what a great venue! Looks like it was an old theater, converted into a really nice concert venue. The decor is red leather and plush, and the floor area has gradual inclines which make it somewhat easier to see above people's heads. I can't speak for the balcony, but the sound was great where I was, and even though I wasn't hugging the stage, I felt really close. The bar area is in the back, and there was banquette seating for those who aren't as jazzed about actually watching live music unfold (I can't imagine why but it takes all kinds). read more

I have been to so many amazing concerts here I can't even begin to count. The thing that I love about Lupo's is no matter where you are, it's a good "seat". Every spot in the room is an awesome view of the stage. You can be a sweaty mess in the middle of the crowd on the floor in front of the stage or you can hang back in the lounge seating with a beer. LOVE THIS PLACE. read more

Wonderful venue! Absolutely no problems with the staff, who are quite friendly. The inside of the venue is quite nice/decorative with cushioned walls and chandeliers. The club seemed more than large enough to hold all of the people there. My only complaint with the venue is staff rush's you out slightly at the end of the show not quite leaving enough time to check the merch tables. read more

an excellent place to go to see your favorite artists up close and personal. Ticket prices are usually super low and they always have excellent opening bands within the same genre of the headliner. read more

REALLY nice venue! Parking is easy,Pit is mediocre. Staff is good.Drinks are reasonable for a dive. They have some nice shows there. recommend this place. read more

I am quite shocked at the high ratings this place receives. I mean, I guess if you like a place as hot as the freaking Sahara that you will be looking for a Camel before the nights out, you like a place where most of the people smell like they haven't showered since Lincoln was in office, you like a place where the beer tastes as if it was just poured in to your glass from a mop, you like not being able to move because your feet are literally cemented to the ground from all the drunken stumblebums that smash in to everyone and spill their beers all over the floor, you enjoy not being able to breathe, you enjoy bathrooms that homeless people would avoid, you enjoy a beer shower about every 10 minutes, you enjoy having nowhere to park , and a place so loud your eardrums explode and you're at the Providence Place Mall the next day looking for the best hearing aid you can find ASAP, this is your place!! I don't get it.. I was there for the Shinedown concert this past Wednesday night. Luckily I really liked the music.. Because after the show, I really felt like I should go to confession because of all of the above.. I'd avoid at all costs, unless your favorite band is playing there, then I guess you can suck it up for a night. SERVICE (Bartenders) *** ATMOSPHERE ** LOCATION ** CONDITION 1/2 RESTROOMS 1/2 read more

I stepped outside to make a phone call because it was so loud inside and when I tried to come back in I was met with rudeness, hostility, and rage by the 2 staff members working near the door. When I walked outside no one told me there was no rentery( and the male bouncer looked directly at me as I was walking out) apparently there was a small sign above the door that I did not see because who looks up as they are walking out of a door, when I tried to get back in after being outside for about a minute and a half I was stopped by a hand in my face and told I could not come back in and he walked away before I could respond, a moment later I knocked on the door to get the mans attention, as I'm trying to explain that I have 3 family members inside and I'd like to see a manager he grabs the other side of the door jerks it quickly toward me and yanks it out of my hand with force while I was trying to keep the door open to speak to him, because he jerked the door out of my hand I fell back and hit my head on the concrete wall. It took a few moments to get up because I was dizzy and stunned. He walked away after watching me fall and did not come out for help. After I tried to get the woman's attention to get a manager and let her know I was hurt, she looked at me and turned the other way I had to wait for people to start coming out to try to get back in to see a manager, as I'm half way threw the thresh hold she charges at me screaming I can't come in and to get out as she proceeds to shove me, she shoves me 3 times and as I'm about to lose my footing I pushed her back to get her off of me, now she was much smaller than me so she fell. Now I had 5 bouncers charging at me telling to leave and they would call the police, at this point I'm shocked, I had just been assaulted by 2 staff members and after trying to defend myself I'm threatened by the rest of the staff who all saw her pushing me. I finally get the "managers" attention to which he tells me he saw me fall but didn't see the man push me, well of course you didn't because he used the door, but my thought is if he saw me fall on the property why wouldn't you come out to check on one of your customers? As far as the incident with the girl, at first she said I pushed her first, after 10 minutes of arguing about it they changed they're story and said she was working off emotion and that's why she pushed me, emotion or not you should never treat customers in such a way, at the end of the all this the manager says well you can call the police but we have people to deal with this and asked me what I'd like him to do about it, an apology from the employees and himself and some empathy Go a long way, I have never in my life been treated so badly by a music venue, it's been 2 days since and I still feel violated and bullied. I had 1 glass of wine there I was not drunk I was not rude or belligerent towards them, but was unnecessarily met with hostility and left on the street by myself. The worst feeling is knowing there is nothing I can do about it, except tell people not to go there, your safety is not worth it. This is not how a business should treat paying customers, myself, friends, and family will never go back read more

This is By Far one of the best places to see a live show. It's all standing room but there is not a bad view in the house. They have some amazing artist that come through there and I love that when the shows are over almost everyband is at there Merch Booth signing autographs or talking to their fans. At least the opening acts anyways. The last 2 times I was there I met the headliners though. I've Never had a bad time there. There are 3-4 bars throughout the room so there's usually never a problem getting a drink either which is always good. I gave it 4 stars because I feel like they could put some money back into the place and make it a little nicer but all in all no complaints here. Keep doing what your doing Lupo's!!!! read more

If you want to talk about unimpressive service then this is the establishment. Callous lack of concern for their customers is generally in line with the majority of other culinary/entertainment venues in Providence. Bought tickets the night beforehand for general admission on the floor and upon arrival was told the floor was sold out. Beyond the blatant error the venue made in sending us the incorrect tickets, they claimed that we rightfully deserved to be in the balcony even when our receipt indicated otherwise and the price we paid in fact exceeded that of those who had otherwise paid for general admission on the floor. This quote obviously makes zero economic sense from the establishment's perspective, and shows an even greater lack of care for their customer base. It is safe to say that I will never return to the strand again, and I can't even say I regret that fact given the frankly unimpressive lineup they manage to bring to Providence each year. read more

I want to love Lupos, I have had many great shows here but tonight was absolutely dumbfounding. After being admited by bearded guy and seeing the opening band I found myself outside the side of Lupos for a smoke break. Side-Entry bouncer was in a bad mood and when uI presented my printed ticket for re-entry, he spit beer at it. I offered it soaked with beer candidndly eager to get back inside when he grabbed it and crumple-tossed it into the trash bin. I retrieved my ticket and made way to the front door, and upon explination was told to fuck off. The bearded guy who an hour ago admitted me confiscated my ticket and toss it back at me, and proceeded to spit at me telling me to fuck off. Dumbfounded, I insisted via wet ticket and my phone that I had spent $40 admittance. This insistance was met by calling the police on me. Upon presenting my situation, I was told to stand across the street and never to return. I can't make this shit up. I was spit on by the bearded bouncer and told to fuck off by police for simply questioning the side door italian who poured beer on my ticket. I will never forget how terrible of an experience I've had. read more

Went to see Red and Meth, it was a while before they came on so I went outside to smokers area to have a cigarette. It was crowded so I stood to the edge of it to have my cigarette. I walked by bouncer and he didn't say anything until I was on edge of gate. Maybe this is my fault because I was told there were signs which I didn't see but it wasn't until after I walked passed bouncer that he closed the gate and told me if I wanted back in it would cost me $20. It made sense why he didn't say anything if he's using that as an opportunity to hustle people out of their money. read more

First time to Lupo's to see the Swell Season. The show itself gets it not a 5, but a 10! Reminds me a bit of the old Avalon in Boston, with a lower area directly in front of the stage, and higher seating/standing room around the lower area. We picked Lupo's over the Boston venue they were playing at because it's smaller. Although we were ticketed for balcony seats, you can stand anywhere around the bar as long as you have a ticket. We stood right in front of the bar and had a great view of the stage for the show. The venue is a bit dated, but you can't beat the view from the floor or balcony and the cheap tickets. Not to mention there are great bars and restaurants close to the theater for pre/post drinks and snacks. While I agree the staff is a bit crusty, one did take the time to dig out a copy of the cool promotional poster for me at the end of the show. I'll be back! Just regret I missed out on Spoon! read more

Wow, what a run! I used to go to Lupo's in 1975-77, and it was so hot. The Backslap Blues Band was there all the time. Once I saw a one-armed harp player walk on the bar all the way around during a show. That's the kind of place it was. I had to laugh, though, when I read several posts about underage kids getting in. I forgot to mention that in 1975 I was 16. read more

Saw Smoker's Club (Redman, Method Man, Cypress Hill) at Lupo's in 2014 - it was an excellent show and an excellent time. Thought i'd go back and catch Raekwon and Ghostface Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 20th Anniversary show - was expecting it to be as good a time as my first time. I was mistaken about this venue. So I hand them my ticket and go through to security - they ended up "confiscating" a few of my belongings worth around 100$ in total. I would have gladly left and returned my belongings to my car if i was told it would be a problem, but the guard immideately grabbed it and took it himself. I went back to the security check to ask for my belongings back after the show - the security guard has the nerve to ask me to buy my confiscated belongings back, and then tells me he can't find it. Maybe i just got bad luck, the first lady i talked to at the security desk said she didn't take anything from anybody she checked, and so did the lady next to her. Seemed like I got checked by the only one who was making a point to actually "confiscate" peoples belongings. I might have actually enjoyed this show (which I was really excited to see) if my night wasn't ruined right after i came through the door. Also, most everyone else seemed to be having a great time having no issues with the security at all (and doing exactly what the guard was giving me such a problem about). Even the people on stage where telling the crowd to spark it - which was just an even bigger slap in the face after the security incident (and of course none of the other Security staff was giving anyone a problem for it). I just don't understand what the issue is- you book this act, what kind of fans do you expect to come to the show? It really shouldn't be a huge shock to your staff that fans want to have a good time after paying to come to your venue,,, kind of obvious. So overall it was really hard to enjoy this time, I paid 30$ for a ticket expense only to end up having like 100$ in belongings pretty much stolen from me at the Security check (& I highly doubt it ended up being thrown away). Guess i'll stick to other venues who are actually concerned about patting down for weapons and things that might actually be a danger,,, read more

As someone who knows RJ, He is not one to get into a fight or get out of control. He was just trying to help the situation.

I've been to around 30 concerts at lupos in the past 4 years and it's always a great time. This place is dingy and kind of old looking, but thats what makes it fun. When you first get there, the bathrooms are clean, but as the show progresses they are trashed and repulsive but thats really the guests' fault, not the venue. 10/10 times there will be someone barfing in there. If you want a cleaner bathroom the one upstairs by the balcony seating is usually a lot cleaner than the main one downstairs. I've only sat in the balcony once (for badfish), and the seats were very old and I felt removed from the show. There werent many people up there though so i'm sure if you were there for a sold out show it wouldnt be so bad, but I recommend getting GA pit tickets because they are cheaper and there are still a few spots to sit in the back, or you can stand towards the back where the crowd is not as thick if you want some personal space. The venue is so small that you have a great view wherever you are. I've also sat in the VIP section on the side, which was fun but i honestly wouldn't pay extra money to sit there. If you are not fond of crowds i would recommend VIP seating as it is the most/only spacious seating that they offer and you are raised from the crowd, but still close to the stage unlike the balcony. The staff is super nice and reasonable and I think that they always do a fantastic job at controlling the crowd without ruining the fun. Gansetts are like $3 or $4 which is great because usually at other concert venues the beers range from $10-$14. They also have a coat check in the winter, so you can bring your jacket which is amazing but the line afterwards takes 35 years. Make sure you bring money for water and do not wear long sleeves or a sweatshirt because it gets very hot in there. Also a tip if you live in the area: if you buy your tickets in person at the box office then you save $5 because u don't have to pay the online service fee. read more

I went here when it was freezing outside back in Feb. of 2015. I had never been here and I had a great time. We had seats up in the balcony overlooking the stage, like stadium seating. We were high up, but still had a clear view of the stage and band. The seats were very comfortable! They moved back a little bit, which I thought was weird, but it was not a big deal. There were a lot of stalls in the bathroom, which was cool. This building is really old, and I could tell by the ceilings, but it was really cool at the same time. To get to our seats, we had to go up many flights of stairs, so I did not care for that because I hate heights. Luckily, there is parking garage right near the venue, which you have to pay to park. But, it was totally worth it. There was a place within walking distance to eat and the food was really good! I would definitely go here again. read more

Awesome place to see a show! The beers are nicely priced (I got a Loose Cannon for $5!), though there isn't much of a selection (Bud, Bud Light, Land Shark, Loose Cannon & Shock Top). The pat down before the show was VERY thorough. The only downfall is the Security. We were at a high energy rock show (311), and I swear they spent more time in the pit kicking people out than actually near the rail. And when there were on the rail, they'd stand RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU and block your view. At one point, a man dressed as Elvis was crowd surfing and a security guard jumped the rail, grabbed the dude by his legs and slammed him, face first, onto the floor. It was VERY aggressive and VERY uncalled for. I was afraid to jump around even a little bit in fear that I would get kicked out. The security is the ONLY reason I'm giving this place 4 stars instead of 5. I will be returning for future shows, but hopefully the security is a little more lenient. read more

Easily one of my favorite places to see a show. The staff is amazing and has always been really friendly. Sound is good no matter where you are and I'm short, never had trouble seeing the stage. Love this place! read more

This venue is perfect for an intimate show and they have a great variety of performers. The bars are also spread out so no waiting in line for drinks! read more