The Fillmore

I've been here for a few concerts now and the Fillmore is not bad at all.  The bartenders aren't super slow, the bathrooms are clean, and the bouncers try to regulate as best they can.

Standing on the main floor for a concert is ok, but when they're sold out, the floor can be a stifling sauna.  This last time we opted for upstairs.  The views are pretty obstructed, but then we found out about the seating overlooking the stage and main floor, for an extra $15pp, we said yes.  From where we sat, I could see the band and their set list (albeit from the extreme right side).  I thought it was a good deal and will plan to sit in that area again for any other concerts we attend.  

We've only had beers there, so I can't vouch for the cocktails and whether they're worth it.  Parking is easy, as there is a parking garage a block away.  There is also off street parking or the metro.

The Fillmore is a great example of what happens when a ticketing company builds a venue.  If you do not want to be on the floor, and didn't spend a ton of money for VIP seating, then you won't be seeing the stage.  At all.  

The upstairs balcony level is completely roped off to divide the actual views of the stage from the "normal" ticket holders.  The VIP areas are absurd, block all the good views from upstairs, and should be considered offensive to anyone who just wants a good view of the stage without getting sweaty and packed in on the floor.

If I could, I'd organize a boycott.  Go to the 930 instead.

This is one of the best venues in the DC area.

You can park there or train there, something you can't say about other DC venues which would be idiotic to try and drive to. The actual structure is impressive and feels like a real theater, nicer than 9:30 Club, but you pay for nicer.

My back gets real stiff when I stand for four hours, so the fact that The Fillmore has some seating is fantastic. Unfortunately they recently started charging for the seating which is now $20 extra! For me, it's worth it. The seating borders the stage and if you know where to put yourself, you could literally be hanging over the band.

This area is really great too; there is a shopping utopia otherwise known as Downtown Silver Spring that can accommodate any eating needs before or after a show. I also don't feel like I might get shanked in an alleyway! That's always nice.