I've been here twice now, and I really like this venue! It's all general admission, and there are two levels, so you can decide if you want to watch from the balcony, or from the floor. There are 3 bars (two on the balcony, and one on the floor,) so you don't really have to ever wait for drinks. The bathrooms have tons of stalls, so i didn't find myself waiting in line to use the restroom. There are also water fountains next to the bathroom, so you're not forced to buy bottled water if you want to save money. Lastly, I've had an easy time finding parking both times, but it's always been paid parking, so I'm not sure where you could part for free. Overall, I have no complaints about this venue! read more

Grateful to see live music outside of the UC Theater last weekend, that was stellar. However, with all the sanitizer spayed on the tables every time a customer got up, no one seemed to smell the urine stench emanating from the doorways and where the band and audience were seated. Wash the sidewalks please before any future outdoor gigs. Also, how much plastic does Covid excuse businesses for not at least using compostable or paper cups? This is Berkeley!!! Stop throwing plastic into the landfill. Thank you. read more

My friend and I have been here a total of 2 times. Great service, great lineups, friendly people. My biggest problem and concern is who works the sound board. Both times we have been here has been to see metal acts from Europe, bands we love and always see whenever they come to the bay area region, they use many instruments usually 6 different pieces or more, flutes, keyboards, guitars, drums, bagpipes, the works. The solution to their mixing is to turn everything way up and not balance so theres periods where you hear these wonderful things working together being far overshadowed to where they're turned up to the point where all you hear is bass. Sadly I think next time our favorite artists come to this theater we may not partake because of that and that alone. Everything gets cranked to the max in a lopsided way where it is not enjoyable. For the reviewers that say that the sound is good I would like to know what acts they're coming to see. Maybe they're different genres of music with less pieces, or maybe just different people are working those days. I love that the acts I love are getting into larger venues but the sound is so upsetting. read more

As others have pointed out, the seating is awful. We were behind some tall people and spent most of evening craning our necks to see. Obviously not the venue for us. If you want great shows and great venue, go to the Freight and Salvage. Sad, it could be great place with proper tiered seating. Acoustics were good. read more

Great venue! Great views from wherever you're located. Keep up the good work UC Theatre! read more

The UC Theatre - Floor/General Admiy - Music Venues Near Me - Berkeley, California

Imma say right now that this is gonna be a little long. I'm gonna hate and imma put this place on blast. Idgaf Prior to coming to this theatre for the first time, I expected a small concert like in a college auditorium. I came last night for the P-LO concert. His show was great btw. At check-in, they wouldn't allow outside water bottles, but I was allowed to get a free one inside thru the medics. I was excited and surprised at how nice it was inside. They have a total of 4 bars and they're FULL bars. The seating isn't great. The layout doesn't make sense either for musical performances because you'd have to look downward towards the stage and you can't see anything with everybody in the way. Even without people you'd have to stand at the ledge because it's a balcony layout. So basically it's just two balconies used as a dance floor and then the standing area by the stage, which is small. So why am I mad? They're hella strict with alcohol, yet a lot of people are smoking blunts openly INSIDE and security don't do shit. Here I am standing on a chair to try and see what's on stage and they ask me to not stand on the chair, yet I've seen at least 10 people smoking without anything being done about it. Idc that they smoke, but just not inside. I need my oxygen and I'm not tryna hot box in that theatre. People are drinking and they need to be able to cool down. It was hot and not enough A/C. "Family Musical Hall?" NOPE. Not family-friendly at all. They don't even check ID unless u wanna drink. U can still drink without an ID cuz your 21+ friend can get it for you and they'd get away with it, yet I couldn't bring in my empty water bottle? Security is a joke and pointless cuz I could have put my food and water bottle in my hoodie like the dude who brought in a 5th of Henny. There were so many teenagers for an 18+ facility. They looked as young as 16. It was like a damn club with no class whatsoever, and waiting to get shut down but worse because they don't even TRY to enforce any of their rules. Without the beautiful ambiance, this place would be as good as trash. I hope you get shut down cuz you're not creating a safe place for anybody. I fo sho couldn't bring my family here. read more

Paid $100 for tickets to a show here. They gave us stamps to go outside, at EVERY show I've been to that means in and out, so we went to our car to drop off the merch we purchased. When we can back they refused to let us in. Apparently the stamp was only to go out to their smoking section. Well, no one said that when we were leaving, and I asked the person giving stamps if there were "ins and outs" and they said yes. We tried to explain to the people at the door and one of the ladies was going to let us in, but then a bouncer came aggressively running up and started yelling that we couldn't go back in. Everytime we tried to talk he would yell over us, we did end up calling him an asshole, because, well, he was. At this point he says while laughing "yeah have fun on your drive home" taunting us as we left. Update: we contacted the venue every day for a week, no one answered. My bf then messaged them on Instagram to which someone FINALLY replied. They apologized and said they would refund us our money. But before we could reply they changed their mind to just giving us tickets to another show they had listed on their calendar. Well, there's nothing there we want to see, so we ask if we can wait until something comes up. No. It has to be something already posted. (We also find out we will be guest listed to said show so now chance of selling the tickets to make back even part of what we paid for the show we actually wanted to see) This is getting ridiculous. We don't want to be comped to a show we don't even want to see, literally NOTHING up our alley. So we ask for a straight refund, AGAIN. Well okay they finally agree, they're going to send a check. They ask for my address, I oblige. ITS BEEN OVER A MONTH AND NOTHING. We bought those tickets as soon as they were on sale, waited for MONTHS and y'all screwed us over. Not once. But twice. Unreal. read more

Horrible experience all around. The bartender with ugly arm tattoos swiped my card and gave it back. After the show I went to close out my tab and he looked at me like I was stupid and said I didn't need to come and close out because he already did it and gave himself a 20% tip... without my consent. He was rude from the start and definitely did NOT deserve a tip, let alone 20%. I live in downtown San Francisco, I'm used to tipping. I have no issues with it, even if it's bad service I'll always leave a decent tip. That's not the issue. Giving yourself a 20% tip without my consent and acting like a pompous jerk? No. No, no, no. Aside from it being a really horrible business practice move, that's a crappy thing to do as a person. I felt unwelcome when I walked up to the counter and should have trusted my instinct. I'll never go back. read more

The UC Theatre - Bartender gave himself a 20% tip without my consent. Skip this place - Music Venues Near Me - Berkeley, California

I absolutely love this venue. It's beautiful! The location is conveniently located with plenty of parking all around. We paid to park just around the corner in a small well lit lot with a security guard. It's was just a quick walk to the theater from there. The staff was super friendly. I snagged a high top table and had a perfect view of the stage. My kids decided to head for the floor and danced the night away to State Champs and With Confidence. The venue is the perfect size to make you feel like you're still enjoying an intimate show. Food was above average and such a cool option to sit and snack during a concert! I am hoping to get to see Common Kings this weekend! read more

do n ot come to this shit hole! they rip you off and do not honor what they sell! i drove 7+ hrs for my daughter to see her fav band and im left with a crying 16 year old!!! this place sucks ass stay away!! read more

Purchased tickets for a show back in 2019 that got postponed due to Covid. They sent out an Email saying don't worry, if there is any issue with the new date you will get a refund. Well, unfortunately I am unable to make the new date and have contacted them NUMEROUS times with no response. Buyer beware at this place. Never again. read more

First time here since my Rocky Picture Days Sound quality was great, beautiful update of a vintage theater, clean bathrooms and more. Got tickets which said "General Admission" Standing Room Only ... so I knew what to expect. But I guess I forgot how unpleasant standing room is for me. Several people commented about the rake (or lack, thereof) of the theater. Having level ground makes sense when people are standing. I opted to stand in the back, where I could at least lean against the wall; didn't get a particularly good view of the stage ... and I'm 6'3" Would definitely go back as long as there were seats available, and happy to update my review at that time. By the time I got my tickets, all seating was gone. So ... If you enjoy SRO go for it ... if you don't enjoy SRO, think about it first. Kudos on bringing it back to life. read more

Unfortunately they missed the boat with just a few details for a live music venue, and the place really suffers. The good - from the GA pit, sound is great, sight lines are great - the whole experience is great. Unfortunately the lower level is only 1/3 of the venue and it gets packed like sardines in a GA event. The other two levels are GA for some shows, and are fairly useless unless you want to stand there and talk with your friends (and then you should be at a bar, not a show). You can't see anything from the upper two levels, the sound is not nearly as good as the pit, and it's crowded, crowded, crowded. Plus there is the strange dynamic of some people sitting in chairs, and some people standing in chairs in front of you. At least you're close to the clean bathrooms? If they had just made the slope of the floor a few degrees more all could have been fine. I'm only 5'7", but I can still see a show from pretty much anywhere in any other venue in the bay. Meyer system was good but I was honestly expecting a bit more even from it as far as balance throughout the room. Terrapin Crossroad's system blows it away IMO. I'll keep going when good acts come through, but it will definitely take some mental preparation to prepare for the hecticness of the lower pit. If you're +6 feet you should be good to go. read more

Very nice venue. But get there early for general admission. Very difficult to see the stage from the second and 3rd levels unless your standing in the front of those section. And the reserved seating in the 3rd level has trouble seeing because of the standing room in the second level. read more

First the good. The conversion from defunct movie theatre into live music hall is a great move, I can always get behind. They actually did a great job, construction and design wise. Nice beams, nice lighting. Didn't really care for the grand chandeliers though, as I think those should be reserved for actual really old venues. Should of went more modern, IMO. Location is a high five for sure. Just a block from the BART sub-entrance. On the corner of Shattuck and University, options galore for pre-gaming or the after-party. Sound was good to me. No distortion or echo. Place is pretty small. Maybe a tad smaller than the Fillmore. You can't see the faces from the stage from the back, but you can see most movement. When the performer talks to the crowd, you can hear everybody, even the un-mic'd peeps. Now the bad. Cocktails not expensive, but not very good either. Very weak pours, but it could be just an isolated bartender thing. The seating/crowd arrangement was horrible. I usually get general admission because I like how the free format fits most music I watch. But this was set up like the Shoreline (which I loathe!) where people "sit" in the front, and the standing people (general admission) were way in the back. So no "rocking out" at a rock show. I hate going to shows where the majority of the people are sitting down. Really, you don't sit enough in your cubicle/office already? Inherently stupid set up. Not sure if this is how they format every show, but made me not want to find out. Plus for a general admission ticket, this was pricey for what it was. They do seem to bill some good shows though, a lot interest me. So I may give it another whirl. But I gotta be honest, I'm real shy at pulling the trigger. read more

PACKED TO THE BRIM (fire marshall would have had a big problem with how packed it was) First time in New theater- to see DSO on a Saturday night. Loved the sound -the new decor and the bars/bathrooms BUT IT WAS WAY TOO CROWDED. The set up with seats makes this untollerable - could not see a thing and I am 5 11 :) Suggestion to the managment : Get rid of the seats! read more

Whoo weeee. Had to step out to get my two step on and ya boy got BUCK WILE. Love the music and vibe. Will definitely come back. read more

The UC Theatre - Music Venues Near Me - Berkeley, California

This theater is so accommodating. After a recent knee surgery, management reserved two seats for me an my guest. Upon arrival at least two staff members asked if I needed help. Anne Wilson was amazing too! read more

I was excited to see Marisa Monte, a renowned Brazilian artist, at an intimate local establishment -- something that would most likely not happen in Brazil or, if so, not at this price! Unfortunately, the acoustics in this venue had to be the worst I have ever experienced. Even outdoor bandshells sound better. It was quite the disservice to a woman known for her classical-trained voice and rich melodic compositions. If you can see an artist somewhere else, I would recommend it. read more

Great music venue. Truly mediocre food. We're talking velveeta on the nachos. But the tiered layout means great sight-lines to the stage. The sound was great, and all concert was wonderful. We just should have gotten food elsewhere. read more

Transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals: beware! I was harassed in the bathroom by a man who demanded I show my genitals to use the men's room. When I complained to staff, they almost kicked me out, all while deliberately and consistentantly misgendered me. I recommend that the owner of this establishment conduct trans sensitivity training to all employees who work here. Furthermore, an anti-harassment statement would also be recommended. As a UCSF researcher myself, I am appalled of my treatment at this venue. Definitely not a trans-inclusive venue, as much as the University pride itself in that reputation. read more

This is a pretty sweet space, the tour is well-documented, and the people are nice. I can't wait to see it all developed! Update: now open, not just a tour. Good room. Really good sound. Great stuff on the calendar. read more

High rating, i know, I know- I am judging this place on: Sound Quality, Decor, Beer Selection /availability of a bartender and Layout. Sound Quality - zero recognizable distortion (pitch) at high amplitude (loudness) and distinguishable tones (timbre) and each zone in the layout (distance & direction) Decor- Kooky gold pattern with a lot of burgundy - I dig it. moving on. Beer Selection- I'd give this one 3/5 but that's because i'm a beer snob (dramatically sweeps hand across face / wants to ignore modern distribution). It doesn't affect the score because: This snob is still *happily* drinking 3 out of 5 on tap. I barely glanced at the bottle choices.. how dare I. They even have a session beer for the 30 going on 50 crowd (me)... Availability of Capt. Cup Carrier / Sgt. Suds Seller: Okay, So I know that I wasn't at a completely sold out show, but there's nothing more annoying than a dearth of Parvenu Pour People. The many many bars and Keg Lackeys made me proud (to be a burgeoning alcoholic / judgy yelper) Speaking of judgy yelper- safe in the comfort of my parents basement #unemployable --- I'm NOT DONE living for the review (instead of the moment) !! Na, i'm pretty much done.. Lets be real, 3 tiered layout, pick your level of fanaticism and proceed accordingly. short people never get any taller at any venue, i'm pretty sure. probably should google that though... Oh and i'm definitely coming back because this place is on point. You'll find me in the back. Spilling NO high quality beverages.. talking SH*T.. Putting water in buck Nasty's Mama's dish Player Haters BALL Hate Hate Hate read more

The customer service I experienced was wonderful. I must have somehow deleted my email with my tickets for an upcoming show. I reached out via email with the expectation that would just say oh well, not our problem. However, a person reached out and worked with me to get my tickets. I was super relieved and it was super easy. Very grateful! read more

I've only been to this theatre twice. The first was in its earlier incarnation as a movie theatre back in the mid-90s. It was a typical single-screen movie theatre with seats for everyone, and it was lovely. This review is strictly about my second visit. Imagine my dismay to come back post-renovation, and find no seats to speak of. Which means all of the many, many height-challenged members of the audience can't see anything, as the audience still has the rake of a movie theatre (inclined down toward the screen/stage with three platform-like levels) instead of being flat and everyone looking up at the stage like other standing-room-only venues (the Fillmore, the Great American Music Hall). While I stayed way at the back (using that rake to my best advantage), that didn't prevent hundreds of tall people from standing on the middle platform, blocking my (and dozens of other petite people's) entire view of the stage and projections above the performers. There were also reserved tables with empty seats that were never claimed, but no one was allowed to sit there. I'm not sure those few seats would have helped, since you'd still be looking through tall people further down the rake. Unless there are seats added for all to force tall people to sit down and not block views, I doubt I'll return. + acoustics were great + clean restrooms (at least at the early part of the evening when I went in there) + friendly staff (at least the ones I interacted with) + many bar locations, so one never had to wait long + huge portions of appetizers (size made up for the "eh, boring" flavor of the food) - I couldn't see ANYTHING. If I'd wanted to see nothing, I would have stayed at home and listened to the CD. - No seats and no tables meant I had to balance my food on one forearm while holding my drink and trying to eat as quickly as possible. Not an easy or graceful thing to do. (Maybe it's not so bad if you're there with a friend and can pass it back and forth.) - I paid for an upcharge on my alcohol by requesting a specific one, but the bottle I saw being poured into my cup was definitely not the same one I'd requested (the bottle was the wrong color). At that point in the evening I was so pissed about not being able to see that I didn't make a fuss, but buyer beware. read more

The UC Theatre is an outstanding venue and fills an important niche in the Bay Area concert landscape. The sound system is great, the staff are professional and helpful, and the space is charming, clean, and never claustrophobic. AND they have a wonderful social nonprofit mission in education and youth development to top it all off. Huge asset to the East Bay -- can't wait to go back! read more

all - the theater is fully up and runnin and just had DSO and NOFX perform there... Come see an easy bay gem in it's infancy! read more

I personally can not stand the layout of this venue. It is so awkward with half the audience sitting down and then a small dance floor area for standing room. The people sitting down are so wack too half the time and you can tell the performers aren't feeling the vibe of it. read more

This place wants to work. It's trying really hard. They just haven't figured it out. The seating configuration for a GA show (Joe Jackson) was simply awful. Everywhere you went, you just bumped into pissed off people who couldn't see anythign or find anywhere to enjoy the show. It was stressful, and awkward as hell. At the end of the day, unless you were in the front row of GA seating (which was apparently reserved too), or the super spendy VIP seats down front, then you couldn't see anything. Eventually we just stood up...and we tried encouraging those around us to do the same. A few obliged, but most opted to just sit. No dancing. No seeing. Just sitting and listening. I'll take the Fillmore 10 out of 10 times over this place. On the plus side, the sound was excellent here. Really really excellent. And Joe Jackson was amazing. Cheerful, engaged and just really brought it. As the dude in front of me said, "I HATED this place until I stood up." Well said, sir. Hopefully they figure it out. It's a great, convenient location. But until they do, I will not come back. Way too many other better venues in this amazing live music town. read more

I attended the Hieroglyphics show on 6/25/16. Sound quality. The acoustics are world-class! I wandered around and the music was audible incredibly clearly at every point in the venue. Layout & interior. A+! The venue is gorgeous and the tiers allow short people like myself to see from pretty much anywhere. The lights are awesome and the ceilings are so tall that--even if you normally feel as claustrophobic in indoor venues as I do--you will barely notice that you are inside. Bar. Attentive, quick, and friendly staff serve a decent selection of beer and mixed drinks. Prices are way more reasonable than most venues and you can get XL cups of beer! Location. Could it get any better? Super close to BART and smack in the middle of all the incredible dining that DT Berkeley has to offer. Needless to say, I will definitely be returning! read more

For a place to host a venue targeted towards a younger demographic they do such a poor job at accommodating for the attendees. I recently attended an event at this place and experienced multiple moments where I felt uncomfortable/ harassment due to the staff. I was only there to enjoy the show and it was as if every move I made was constantly being watched like they assume I am up to no good due to my age (20). At one point in the event my friend gave me his soda cup to hold because he needed to adjust his outfit really quick and we were both escorted out of the facility because security thought it was alcohol and refuse to look at the water cup, but instead proceeded to throw it away before calling other staff members over due to simple misunderstanding. As we were getting escorted outside they asked my friend to take off the wristband they issued when coming in, and since the material it's made from makes it hard to rip off he asked if they had anything to cut it with, but instead one of the staff members yanked his hand and forcefully ripped it off leaving behind marks and bruises on my friend's wrist. Not once was the staff member apologetic about it nor did they seem to even care. Once outside a staff member kept taunting me as I was making a phone call repeating numerous times in a teasing/ in your face tone "you guys are not allowed back in don't try anything" as if they want me to react negativity/aggressive to solidify their assumption and confirmation biased actions. Overall, I do not recommend this place for any venue that is out of the norm of what events they usually host. read more

ARTISTS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, AND CINEMATOGRAPHERS BEWARE! Great local venue for shows. Terrible management and box office experience. I was here last night to film and photograph a music concert. The lady inside the ticket booth had the worst attitude about media passes. Our group of photographers were left outside in the cold for two hours because management revoked our all-access passes and decided to place our media group on the guest list, which they did not update until the very last minute. Furthermore, one of the lead singers for a song being performed at this venue was left standing outside with us because management was disorganized and could not figure out who to admit. When asked about the status of our media passes, the lady inside the ticket booth responded in a rude manner and disregarded us. She did not even attempt to help us fix the situation. You know, for a venue that relies on photography, video, and singers for its business, management should really treat media personnel with more respect. Just because we look like "kids" does not mean we are powerless. I hope you know that some of us actually have a lot of influence in the entertainment industry and will not be recommending clients or artists to your venue in the future because you make working here very, very difficult. Additionally, it was very difficult to shoot anything here because management would not allow any photographers or videographers on stage to obtain close shots. Management restricts the stage to only one photographer at a time. This has to be, by far, the most difficult management I have ever encountered in the nightlife industry. So with all the above said, I would strongly advise against photographing or filming anything here. ARTISTS: Please be aware that your photographers will be severely restricted at this venue. This, in turn, will negatively affect their work product and your image. You will not be photographed or filmed in the best way possible. Please choose a different venue if you care about how your film and photos look. read more

Attended a Rocky Horror Picture Show screening on Valentine's Day last month. The facilities are spotless (especially the bathroom - wow, I have never seen a cleaner, nicer, newer theater bathroom - really bathroom-impressed). The theater itself has a soaring, gorgeous ceiling and is spacious and gorgeously restored inside. My only critique is that there is only one ticket-booth with one person to handle tickets, so it took a long time to queue up to pick up our reserved tickets (free, courtesy of Yelp) - there has to be a more efficient way to handle this because there were also a lot of staff members just standing around... read more

Been here for one show, sound and service were both fantastic. Stiff drinks and even has food and cocktail service during the shows.

First time here & was pretty impressed. Super nice to jave a really nice & clean public parking garage right around the corner for stress less parking. Easy access to get drinks in multiple locations & if you come early enough you can grab a table to watch your show from. Staff is very friendly & attentive and the bathrooms are super clean. If there are any bands in the future that I like......I will definitely be coming here again read more

Great sound system. Love the three mini "levels" - easy viewing but doesn't feel crowded. Ample nearby parking garages with a few open until 2:30am. Clean bathrooms. read more

Went to see the Pacific Mambo Orchestra, with the Berkeley High Jazz Band as opening act. Many parents & grandparents came, since it was a fundraiser for the high school music program & billed as a community event. Staff managing the will call and lines out front were simply rude to patrons. The (original movie theatre) box office is miniscule, not really up to the task of managing door sales and will call. There's not enough seating in the 2 general admission sections. The floor space nearest the stage is good for dancing & standing only, and space at the back has very few tables & chairs for size of the house and these fill up early. Not very welcoming space for a community event. Be advised that finding parking is a challenge - give yourself plenty of extra time if driving. read more

Great venue! Excellent sound, two or three tiers to stand or sit on, good sight lines all over the room. If you're going to see Neurosis anywhere besides the Great American Music Hall in SF, this is the place. I also REALLY appreciate that the UC does not use Ticketmaster, though the "convenience" fees on the tickets were still quite high through Ticketfly. Also, the theater is surrounded by delicious little restaurants, most notably Imm Thai. read more

The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall.-  An expensive venue with a cheapo attention to customers. It is a mostly standing-only uncomfortable venue. People are shovel in shoulder to shoulder, with practically no seating available; no good specially on Covid times. The seats are not guaranteed. I paid $130 to see a 2 hours show standing up! No mercy. People talking and making all kinds of noises on the hallways and bad-tempered lantern carriers. Too many alcohol booths and alcohol sellers walking up and down the aisle selling booze and something that looks like microwaved pizzas. It appears that they are paid by commission: who sells more alcohol!! It really seems that patrons are the last of the priorities in The UC Theatre. We feel treated like a herd of swindled cows, who are being squeezed out of all possible money, at all costs; in a theater that boasts of being a proud institution of Berkeley? What a joke!! read more

Last night The California Black Expo Presents LaDy-SN3AK Live 3/12/2018 "Speak Your Truth" Showcase & Open Mic was amazing! All the artist blended together for what I can only explain as a supersonic soundtrack picture meaning that if your eyes did not see magic blossom then you were not that the UC Theater last night! Thank you UC Theater for putting on a great production you are a imaginative and talented group of individuals. read more