The Alley is a place that benefits hugely from being the only music venue in a small town. For being off the beaten path, they do a good job booking bands, and, in my opinion, the covers are very reasonable (but I'm from bigger cities, originally).
They have easily the best beer selection in town (and it's not close) and the beer prices are quite reasonable. If you're here long enough to become a local-ish type, you'll probably notice that the bartenders, while easily the most proficient in town, have an outsized attitude that doesn't quite follow from working at a small music venue in a small town.
The problem is sound. First, they tend to over-mic low end sound (specifically drums) and the result is that, if a band has a strong bass sound or a loud drummer, all you hear is low end. It's really annoying, because you literally can't hear the string parts, organ, vocals, etc. On the other hand, string bands sound great there (The Clumsy Lovers and The Infamous Stringdusters both play great shows at The Alley). If they could fix the sound for other bands, this really would be a great little music venue.
John's Alley is a very social place and its easy to talk to new people. Â The clientele was a good mix of people, generally in their 20s and 30s. Â On a typical night they have live music with quality bands, low cover, and plenty of space to dance. Â It is also one of the cleaner bars and concert venues I've visited. Â Nothing else in Moscow ID comes close. Â
If you are visiting town like I was, I would recommend highly John's Alley for an evening on the town.
John's Alley: live music that varies in style from night to night... cover charges that are ABSURD for a tiny town in Idaho... a fun atmosphere for those looking to dance, play ping pong, or get some time on the shuffleboard table.
As Moscow's only real live music / bar available the Alley provides a fun and often-times-hippy atmosphere that you will find both college students and locals on any given night (depending on the music). Check the calendar before showing up though... some nights you can find jam bands, others you may see a classical rock show.
Great atmosphere, amazing drink prices, lots to do. Check this one out!
I came here last week for a live show and was shocked at the large cover charge...12 bucks for a band I'd never heard of!
But I paid it and had a really great time. The staff was super friendly and the place is bigger than it looks from the outside...there is a dance floor, tables and pool tables. It was a bit intimidating walking in there as there's no casual place to just hang if you're by yourself. I ended up meeting awesome people and dancing the night away thought.
John's Alley permanently smells like hippie, feet and stale beer. But that's ok! They don't pretend to be something they are not. They have some fantastic beer specials and selection. Face it, while the PacNW is a hub of micros, Moscow and Pullman are college towns thriving off the cheap stuff. However, Thursdays are micro nights and are fantastic. Aside from the Ale House, it's one of the few places you can go for a decent micro and socially acceptable to be well beyond the legal limit.
The Alley is also one of the very few decent music the Palouse has. Prices are usually reasonable and if it's nearing the end of the night you can somewhat haggle your way in for larger groups. Downside if you're a nearby resident. I used to live down 6th and the Alley was downright obnoxious. If that door is open, everyone in a 2 block area will clearly hear the band up until 2AM. Being a music venue, plan on live performances 3-5 times a week.
Overall, a good asset to Moscow's bar scene offering a different character. Different is good.
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