What a greaaaattt venue! My friend and I traveled here for Club1BD last weekend and had a blast! This was a nice-sized venue, with clean bathrooms, a bar and even a fast-working coat-check center that I did not personally use, but the line moved and a lot of people used it! We Uber'd to the facility so I was not familar with surrounding parking but I do recommend others do the same! read more

Last night I saw Otoboke Beaver with DBGC at Union Transfer. It's been years since I saw a concert here. The venue did not disappoint and I had a great time just like in the past. Great acoustics, friendly and hard working staff - from security to the bar, and an overall good, fun vibe. The only difference from when I last was here is there's a parking fee in the back, but it was reasonable rate and honestly a good deal. Union Transfer is still an awesome place to see a show!! read more

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Beautiful venue! Staff was friendly- so was the crowd. Got parking in a lot behind the venue- very convenient

My favorite venue in Philadelphia ! Seating with tables or stand and dance. The staff is very friendly. There's also seating on the back balcony. Great bar, too. read more

Amazing venue Beautiful sold out crowd, people so polite & into the performance Convenient parking around the corner Would go back again read more

Nice venue for music. There is an upstairs balcony with a nice view of the stage. There is a large bar in the back with some local beer and reasonably priced drinks. They accept both cash and card but cash is easier. There is a cost check that was $3 per item when we were there that was cash only. There is an ATM if you need it. read more

Union Transfer - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Recommended for staff alone!!! I attended a sold out show. So crowded! Sound system was great, merch and concessions were well arranged. I was most impressed with staff. There are mosh pits, people who had too many drinks and other uh, "factors" in the crowd. The staff remained polite and professional. They were proactive. Everyone was assured of a safe and enjoyable experience. And, if you happened to be someone who had too many, they were there for you too (more to that story for another day, and it wasn't me). read more

I really enjoyed this venue. Check in was easy but thorough. You walk in to a lobby with a very cool counter situation where they were selling merch. I initially went into the main doors that bring you to the main floor. It was crowded but not at all hard to move around and it seemed easy to see the stage, even being a short person like myself. I ended up heading back out to check out the bar that's off to the left when you enter. The bar wasn't crowded at all. I took my drink up to one of the balcony's where I ended up seeing the rest of the concert. Sound was good and the view from the balcony was good too. Good crowd and good concert. I used 2 different bathrooms while being there and they were not crowded and surprisingly clean, a very big perk. Overall it's a very cool looking venue and seemed clean and organized. And it's not in as bad a part of the city as I was worried it might be. I'm not too familiar with Spring Garden, but it seems to be up and coming, with lots of cute looking restaurants scattered around. I was by myself so I was nervous what it might be like standing outside after the show waiting for an Uber, but it didn't feel unsafe at all. I definitely look forward to the next show I get to see here! read more

Got in line at 6:15, doors opened at 7, got pretty close to the front! The coat check was $3 cash only, so unfortunately I had to hold my coat the whole show. They gave out free water bottles to the front of the venue. Didn't get any food but they had a few snacks and pretzels. Overall, pretty good concert venue but standing room only has its pros and cons. read more

They've been packing in shows lately! But I've been to this venue about 5 times so far the last year and in previous years. It's been consistently a fun time, with good security, good crowds, great lights and ok sound. The balcony vs. floor vs. back bar area offer some varied arrangements for viewing, and the bar lines go quick. There are two areas for bathrooms, which allow you to stay close to your viewing area without too much travel distance during the show. Will be back! Get tickets at the box office for less than online, even sometimes on the day of the show if they haven't sold out yet :) read more

I'd give it nothing if I can. Customer service is a joke, emailed them 4 times over the course of two months about a credit from COVID cancellation and no one responds. At all. Nothing. I even reached out on Instagram and said the email is the best way to receive an answer. Do they talk to each other? Nope. I received better service at a McDonald's compared to this venue. read more

Honestly, this is as good as it gets when it comes to live music venues. It's quaint and personable, there's no bad views of the stage, and the best part? The alcohol here is actually reasonable! Sure, you'll drop $30 on two big Bud Lights at a Wells Fargo Center concert because you have no choice. Union Transfer offers drafts and cans in the $5-8 range, which is awesome for a live music venue. The place is quite roomy for a small venue, with different levels which makes it easy to appreciate the music from various different spots. The bathrooms are pretty, uhm...gross? I mean, they were clean enough for me to use, and they were pretty big (no lines!), but the scribbled stall doodles and dingy floors reminded me of the dive bars that offer a $3 city-wide, nah mean? Location is pretty awesome. There's a couple of decent bars and restaurants within walking distance. There's a plethora of free street parking in the area if you're early enough, but there's also a couple of lots if your keen to splurge. Honestly, I really enjoyed the concert I saw here, as much, if not more than shows I've seen at similar venues. Decent alcohol, cool architecture, casual vibe. I'm here for it. read more

My son and I went to see Godspeed you! Black Emperor at Union Transfer in Philly. What a great show in a super cool venue. I like that they have raised standing booths on the sides. It's great for people of short stature. I hate going to shows and the tallest fricken dude stands right in front of you and you can't see the band. The parking was worth the $15 because it's right behind the building and it easy to get in and out of. Definitely will go back to see another concert there. read more

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I saw the band Cigarettes After Sex at this music venue, which used to be a luggage transfer station next to the Reading Railroad. The concert hall is small enough to feel intimate, but the riff raffs outside who harassed us while we waited in line almost killed the vibe here. They need better security for sure! I'm not sure how safe the neighborhood is around here, but after the concert was over. I caught an Uber Pool, and the app forced me to walk in a very sketchy part of the area. Other than that, the venue was suitable. The acoustics and the staff were friendly. I bought a few merchandise before the show, and the coat check girl allowed me to keep my stuff back there, including my poster. Be sure to tip! read more

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This is a great standing room only, general admission concert venue in the Philly area. We went to a concert here on a Thursday evening. Even though our show was sold out, there was plenty of room and options on where to view the stage. There is not a bad location in the house. Great view and acoustics from every angle. There is a bar located in the back of the hall. The interior has a very hip, yet old-time feel. It feels like a train station from a small dated European town. Very high ceilings, hanging chandeliers with balcony viewing options. Tickets and IDs are inspected upon entering and bags are checked. Parking is available behind the concert venue for a $15 flat rate. If you are lucky, you may find street side parking nearby. Just be careful, a few blocks this way or that were a bit sketchy looking and had homeless people camped out. read more

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I just had a horrible concert experience at PNC Bank Arts Center, so after last night's Tones and I show at Union Transfer, I just had to share my experience. It was one of the best concerts I've ever been to! I would say 85% artist, 15% venue. I love that it is a historic building. Awesome vibe for a concert. The staff was great. Everyone was really nice and helpful. We only paid $3 for a bottle of water. It pains me to say it, but that's cheap! She came out to the lobby after the show to take pictures with everyone! So unexpected and fun! I'm not sure if the staff knew that was going to happen. If not, I think they handled it very well. If they did, I would say they could have been a little more organized. All in all, I loved this venue! I will definitely be back. read more

Union Transfer - Tones and us! - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We took our 4.5 year old to his first concert at Union Transfer last night and we just wanted to say that the staff was fantastic and super accommodating to help make his first experience a great one. read more

Some of the kids on security will play toughguy over literally nothing, and it made me feel unsafe and grossed out. I go to a lot of shows at a lot of local venues, and this is the first time I've experienced such poor behavior from staff. I was not denied entry for any reason, just treated with aggression. This stuff is dangerous, and it's sad to see happen at Union Transfer. read more

Caught Sharon Van Etten yesterday at UX and found it is still a great place to see a show. We found a free parking spot easy and got through will call and security quickly. The show was sold out but we were far from packed in, and it was a piece of cake to get a really good (but not cheap) beer at the bar. The space is intimate with a variety of ways to watch. Tickets were only $25 for SVE and Amen Dunes was just $18 last week. Great musicians, reasonable prices, excellent views without being packed in like cattle. I do love a good divey venue with some edge too and UX is not that kind of place, but it's hard to find fault with the experience here. read more

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I did not have the food, but the ambience was excellent. The service was fantastic. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The venue was really cool looking inside, with a second floor balcony. read more

Union Transfer - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This venue is a breath of fresh air. It's easy to get through security, air conditioned, and you'll snag a great view of the stage no matter your location. It's standing room only with a bar located in the rear. Most of the time they only allow drinking in that area near the bar but the last show we were able to take our drinks on the floor. read more

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Went to the tink common 4/15 drink prices were cheap.. drinks were strong which was a good thing read more

The future of music venues in Philly is now! When I first heard that the spot that used to hold the horrendous Spaghetti Warehouse was going to be converted into a state of the art music venue I was beyond interested. And when I first heard that the likes of Bowery Presents and R5 Productions were going to be involved with the show promotion, I was beaming with anticipation. And after coming back from just my second show here I can assure you that you have not seen the best of concert venues in Philly until you have seen a show here! R5 Productions have always managed to bring in the up and coming mega bands before they hit the next level for less. and now they finally have the key venue that will have these bands playing that type of show much more frequently. In just a couple days over a month it has already had the likes of Odd Future, Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah!, Dum Dum Girls, and (a one band I refuse to use weird spelling style for no matter how much I like them) Tune Yards. and with the likes of St. Vincent, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Holy Ghost, and more lined up for later; it has such a bright future ahead. Inside is everything that a Ticket Bastard venue never will be. There's rarely a show that's priced for over $15, and if there is its for good reason. No matter where you stand you have a good view of the stage. and when a show gets really packed they open up the balconies and push back the retractable stage (you read that right!) to guarantee even more accommodation. And rather than gouge your eyes out with absurd prices (I'm looking at you TLA with your $12 Yuengling drafts!), the bar is reasonably priced with the cheapest drafts starting at $5. The best thing about the venue by far is the sound, which is easily the best that you'll find in any venue around here. Overall there really isn't a single bad thing to say about here. read more

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Amazing venue. Can't rate highly enough. Taking down scalpers one gig at a time. Thank you. You are awesome.

One of my favorite concert venues in Philadelphia. It's a smaller, more intimate space- so no matter where you stand, you have a great view of the stage. I am on the shorter side so standing in front of the stage can be troublesome... I personally like to stand on the second floor balcony. You have an excellent, unobstructed view and have a ledge on the railing in which to place your drink. There is no seating anywhere here. Standing only. They have several bars, and the prices are reasonable for this type of place. Beers start at $6 for Bud Light and go up from there. They have a pretty good selection of craft beers to choose from. You cannot smoke inside, but can go out and in freely and use the smoking area outside. I would definitely recommend seeing a show here. read more

Union Transfer - Glen Hansard Union Transfer March 2018 - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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My favorite indoor venue in the city. Some thought went into the layout here and it paid off! It's spacious for a smaller venue, and there really aren't any bad viewing areas. There are 3 main sections to this venue. Main vestibule, the bar area, and the main concert area. The vestibule has t-shirts\posters, non alcoholic beverages and snacks like candy and soft pretzels available. I generally start here with some peanut M&Ms, a soft pretzel, and a Mexican coke. You can then show your ID and get stamped for entry to the bar area. I usually head here after I pickup my snacks...Note: this is also the only way onto the balcony. I've lucked out with parking on my several visits, not paying a dime and getting good spots, altho YMMV. One thing I've noticed...Seems to be quite a few panhandlers that target the patrons of this venue, in the parking lots around the venue and right out front where you may be standing in line or having a smoke. Drawn to the crowd, it's really not the venue's issue, but I thought you should know! Check it out, great venue! read more

The old Spaghetti Warehouse has been transformed into what must be the city's best intimate venue to hear live bands. The space is just amazing. Wooden beams and rafters, a cathedral-ish ceiling, a balcony with metal railings upstairs, amazing chandelier light fixtures & not a bad spot in the house. We went to see Junip and the crowd was such an interesting mix of hipsters and aging XPN-listening hippies and us, haha. At any rate, the space definitely added to everyone's enjoyment of the show. The line-up looks pretty eclectic. Tonight I think it's Black Flag for example. Go if you have a chance. Plus Prohibition is right around the corner for post-show drinks. read more

Coolest venue for a show I've ever been to. Way to steal the bacon, Philly! And I've been to some pretty cool spots in NYC, DC, SD, Boston, and Seattle. I loved all the different bar options and the different beers they each offered. The only downside was they had a $10 min for credit cards. I just so happened to be in town visiting friends when Guster was coming through - and my friend's brother couldn't make it! This meant I lucked out and got to see the second sold out show in a row for these guys. They were everything I could've hoped for and more - but the venue really accentuated all of their goodness. We were probably 12 feet from the stage and had room to get dance-y. The acoustics were ideal and I enjoyed the high ceilings and airy space. I also appreciated the many entry and exit options and clean restrooms. read more

Union Transfer - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Seriously one of of my favorite venues not only in Philly, but anywhere! Love the exterior with murals on the side of the building. And the fact that it's an old spaghetti factory. Too cool. They don't try too hard to be cool though, some places i don't like just try. Too. Hard. Union transfer owns its vibe. In my opinion, there's not a bad seat in the house. You can grab a drink at the bar and stand elevated behind the sound booth, or head upstairs to the bar and stand along the railing to get the view from above. I love to be out on the floor in the crowd, though. Keep in mind you can't bring your drinks out here though! The sound is awesome too, no matter where you are. Bummed the Fillmore is pulling more of the acts I used to see at union transfer, but thus is life. Need to get back here more! read more

Union Transfer - Jukebox the ghost 4/10/18 - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dare I say best venue in Philly. Being very partial towards venues such as the Electric Factory, Trocadero, and Theater of the Living Arts for longer than a decade my first show at the Union Transfer might top them all. Yes this place rivals everyhere from the North Star bar to the First Unitarian. First of all it was incredibly spacious and roomy. I was seeing a show where the majority of the people at the show were 21+. Plenty of room near the bars, which there are not just one, but more than three. Excellent craft brews are a reasonable 5 - 6 bucks for a 12 oz pour. Way better than the 5 bucks for a PBR can at many Live Nation venues. So spacious that I was able to get to the front side of the stage relatively easy and had space around me and it was a sold out show. Great sound quality from the venue. Awesome acoustics. Not the best location but ended up parking on the street. read more

I was a little taken aback when I checked into Union Transfer and saw it had a 4.5 star rating out of 252 reviews. Admittedly, it's been several years since my last visit, however I was intrigued by the high rating. I haven't seen a ton of well received concert venues in general, let alone in Philadelphia. It almost felt like my mission to find a flaw in my experience. I'm happy to report, this venue is as good as everyone says it is. Check in was a breeze. The bouncer frisked my purse quickly, but thoroughly, my ticket was scanned by the next employee and then finally the next staffer checked my ID and stamped my wrist. With that, I was on my way to the larger bar to the left of the entrance. Although our timing was poor, arriving between sets, we were able to walk right up to the bar and order. There were a few other bars throughout the venue. Perhaps that helped stagger the crowds and allow for speedy service. The draft and canned beer list was solid; and inexpensive for a concert hall! I was thrilled to enjoy a can of the Star Hill Northern Lights for $7.50. For a 6% IPA, I'll take it! Having arrived at the venue on the later side, we weren't expecting too much in terms of a good spot to stand. Our group divided and conquered to find the best available spot still remaining. I was about to rally the troops to the balcony, when I received a text that they found a gap large enough for our whole group to comfortably stand about halfway down the floor. We positioned ourselves next to the elevated section, which gave us the comfort of a partial wall to lean against. I was fearing my next decision, which I think helps to push my overall experience to a 5. I used the restroom! Despite the room being dimly lit, I did not wait in a line, stall was clean and there was soap! Those things sound like basics, however I was expecting a long line, a pee covered seat and then to have to make use of the antibacterial gel in my purse. The (New Found Glory) concert began and the rest was history. Usually, even if my experience has been less than stellar at a venue, the actual show changes my tone a bit. As an already happy camper, I was able to enjoy a great concert, in a great acoustical space. The show ended after the typical concert curfew of 11pm. The crowd politely and relatively quickly shuffled out the door. I've provided my list of positives for Union Transfer, but cannot come up with a single negative relating to my experience. I could only hope that more of my favorite artists can pay this GA gem of a venue a stop along their tours. Not for nothing, knowing this was the former Spaghetti Warehouse location, I did have quite the hankering for a pasta dinner throughout the evening. read more

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I was lucky to once have the owner of UT give me a private tour of the place. I was a promoter looking for a venue to host a show. Sean was really chill and clearly had a passion for the events he brought to the city. He gave me great advice as he brought me to know the ins and outs of the venue. One thing most people don't know about it is that the stage moves forward and backward to accommodate different audience sizes. I think that's just so cool! UT competition should take note. It never feels empty there. The venue is an old bank converted to a spaghetti factory converted to a concert hall, as legend has it. I went to see Diplo there a few years ago. It was a truly unique experience for a couple of reasons. Diplo came up in Philly so I guess he had connections with UT and they threw together a show and announced it less than two days before it happened. Tickets were sold cheap and the show sold out. The stage was all the way back for this one. It was also unique because there wasn't any additional lighting like EDM shows usually have. Just Diplo on stage rocking out. It was a great vibe and a great experience. They don't usually have too many artists that I am into that come to play there, but when they do I will be really happy to go again. read more

I've gone here a few times for concerts and the first time was such a bad experience, the second time was not nearly as bad - so I think it all really depends on the bands playing and the crowd size. The last time I went it was very chill. They have a coat check, a small snack offering which was nice. They have a bar which is also the same direction as the bathroom. The bathroom is pretty tiny, but adequate. I like that this place is multilevel, although the upper level does not offer a lot of room to see. There also is a slightly raised lower level and then the ground floor. The acoustics were decent and virtually any spot in here will be a good show. We used their parking as well which is a lot behind the building. The lot is big but the guys running it really cram you in there and the lot it's self could be in better shape. But it's secure which is nice considering the surrounding area is not so nice. All in all it's a good venue if the crowd is good. read more

Union Transfer is a solid concert venue for artists of mid-size popularity. Because it's standing room, if an artist has a sold out show it can get pretty crowded; but all things considered it's still a good place to go. They have a few bars, a mezzanine area which is a good "secret" spot to see the show in a slightly less crowded area, and their bathrooms are clean (sadly sometimes a rare find at concert venues). The mezzanine might be 21+ though because they did check IDs at the foot of the stairs. Next time an artist I like is here I would definitely go back! read more

The interior of the venue is beautiful. I love the industrial/"gothic barnyard" vibe and those circle hanging lights/chandeliers(???) remind me of something out Hogwarts. I was so shock during my first time here because I was in the front row and there was no barricade!!!!! which is such a strange thing for a venue this size not to have!!!!! I had to literally strain and lock my neck facing up the whole set or else I would've been staring at some legs and feet stomping around. My neck was so sore for the next couple of days :'''( And because I was extremely close to the stage, as you can imagine, the sound was not the best i.e you can't hear the distinction between the singer's voice and the band, it was all just loud, homogeneous glob of music. A perk out of this is that you get to be really close to your fav artist/band and get some quality artist-fan interaction out of it ;) However, I learned my lesson the second time around. I came for Chairlift's last tour and decided to stand further back in the 3rd row, and this is when I could finally truly experience UT's sound, which is quite crisp and powerful. I had no trouble viewing the tall stage as well. At last, the most important make-it-or-break-it question of all time: "Was the venue air-conditioned WELL" Yes, yes it was. read more

Union Transfer - no barricade?? what in tarnation is this?!? be wary of stiff and sore necks in the next couple of days if you choose to stand in first row - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Great venue for a concert! Every spot has a great view of the stage, even in the rear balcony. There are at least two bars available and they can move your tab around so you can order from any one-and service was so quick that I never had to wait more than five minutes to place my drink order. I also really appreciated the back room where one could take a breather from the loud sounds or the rowdy crowd for a moment. There are even screens there so you won't miss what's happening on stage! What a renovation--hard to believe this was an old spaghetti warehouse!! read more

I saw Turnover here a few years ago, and Pinegrove more recently, and I'll be seeing AJJ here in the spring. Large, very spacious venue. Both times I've been here I haven't had too many issues with it being too crowded and with not being able to see. There's a bar and designated areas for drinking (which I prefer at a concert venue). Overall the Union Transfer is a very beautiful venue, and I've enjoyed every show I've seen here so far. read more

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This is a great venue. We were able to get there not long after the doors opened and get a prime spot upstairs with a great view from the balcony. The sound was excellent and the staff were courteous. read more

How anyone could give this place less than 5 stars is beyond me. I'm actually glad you can't take alcoholic beverages past the bar area...this leads to less sticky floors. I hate sticky floors. This adds to my experience. My first trip here was for Gillian Welch back in the fall, my Nanny had just died and I said no no no we must go to the show. My Nanny will haunt me if we spent "good money" on tickets and don't go. What is "good money" by the way as opposed to "bad money"? I was pretty impressed, but I wanted to wait till my second trip to write a review. I missed the yelp event, I think I was in Maine or recovering from traveling, something of the like. One of the crazy amazing things is how well this place is laid out, it doesn't feel like you are cramped in there. They also have a stellar ventilation/fan system going. For instance I smelled trees, and then I didn't. Generally when you smell trees at a show, you not only smell trees for the rest of the night, but you yourself smell like trees. Added bonus during the warmer months little babys ice cream has set up shop in the coat check room! Part of me wishes they would have kept the brass bed that was in the middle of the old spaghetti warehouse, but it would have messed with the minimalist yet gothic urban feel perhaps? read more

I love this venue. Saw the old 97's perform - it was a great show, albeit long...but..that's the old 97's for ya! Alil meh on the area its in, but there is parking around the block from the venue for a nominal fee and there is an attendant there. The bar area outside of the main stage area is great, lots of tables and stools to sit on to grab a drink prior to the show, and we did just that. The bartenders were very nice and friendly, and they had a bartender come around to take empty cups and take orders right there - I thought it was a great touch. I made the mistake of not going up to the balcony, and went down to the stage area.....by the time the old 97's went on, I could not see a thing. We retreated towards the back, up a step and I still couldn't see. Damn being short. The bartenders inside main stage area were just as friendly and poured a good stiff drink. Acoustics were great, so while I wasn't really able to see, I was able to hear and it was nice and clear. Cannot wait to go back - a 5 star venue for me! read more

Union Transfer - Rhett Miller from the old 97's - Music Venues Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania