I dont know what Milwaukee would do without the Historic Pabst Theater, Turner Hall and the Riverside. Jointly milwaukee is blessed to have these establishments. The wonderful shows we get thru these venues from artsy to dirty punk rock is fabolous. Milwaukee instuitions at its finest. We salute you.
Review Source:Went to see Bill Burr this weekend at the Pabst and I enjoyed the venue. The theater was really neat and the seating wasn't too crowded. We sat in the balcony and have to say the views were just as good as sitting in the lower level. The lines for drinks were pretty terrible right before the show but that is expected. I would advise getting there early if you want to grab some drinks before hand. The one thing that sucked was the bathrooms being in the basement. Made for a tough walk when it was crowded after the show. All in all I was impressed and would go to another show there in the future.
Review Source:Was here the other night for a Bill Burr show. Doors were supposed to open at 8:30 so we arrived right around then. There was a line wrapped around the building outside so we got in line. While we were waiting, a security guard was announcing that if you had will call tickets, you needed to pick them up inside and that there was another line inside. I am not sure why most people wouldn't want to stand inside to wait, considering it was freezing outside. Anyways, the doors didn't open until around 9 and since the show was sold out, there were massive amounts of people everywhere. Everyone seemed to be seated and settled in and if I had to guess, I think the show started on time (9:30).
The theater itself is very unique but super tiny. I don't know when it was built but I think they built it under the assumption that everyone is 5'. The seats were tiny and there was zero leg room. Add to the mix your winter jacket and it made for a tight squeeze. We were seated on the lower level right near an exit door. That was nice because once the show was over, they opened the exit doors which lead right to the street. I think we were out in less than a minute.
I saw Tegan and Sara here last night and it was my first visit to the Pabst Theater. WOW! What an amazing venue! We were in row N on the first floor and the view and sound was terrific. I can't imagine there being a bad seat in this venue. What a great place to get close to some nationally touring famous acts. It's all seating so it probably wouldn't work for moshing or dancing inducing acts.
ONE DRAWBACK: Pretty small seats. I felt like I was flying coach on American Eagle airlines only Tegan and Sara were on the plane too so it made the flight pretty kick ass.
The girl and I ordered a double Old Fashioned and a bottle water and it was under $10 - can't complain about those prices.
I've now been to the Riverside, Marcus Center, and Pabst for concerts. It blows my mind how a city the size of Milwaukee can have so many great venues. No reason to sit at home in the winter bitching about the cold.
The Pabst is one of the icons of Milwaukee that makes me proud.
My first memories were from my childhood when our class visited for a play. I remember looking up to admire the lighting, velvet curtain and plasterwork in awe - the same way I do today. The building is still a historic icon for the city and kept in beautiful condition. There are many restaurants within walking distance and hotels if staying in town. Best of all, the size of the theater lends itself to great acoustics and in my opinion, there really isn't a bad seat in the house. With that being said, I typically take advantages of pre-sale events to get seating in the first few rows. It can make anyone feel like a V.I.P.
The Pabst brings in a wide variety of artists, comedians, events and more. Keep your eye out for an act that fits your fancy and have a night on the town. It is well worth it.
Every Milwaukee resident should have to come see the Pabst Theater at one point in their life. A wonderfully maintained historic theater in the middle of downtown. It makes me heart skip a beat when history is beautifully tied into our more contemporary way of life. The Captain may have been envisioning German operas every night but I am sure he would be happy to see such a great music and theater venue available to the public.
Review Source:I love the Pabst Theater. Â I have fond memories as a child going downtown about once a year to see A Christmas Carol with my family. Â I remember the Pabst being this fancy place, like a castle with deep rich fabrics and chandeliers. Â Felt like a princess in there and it was my castle.
Fast forward many many many years later and now I have had the pleasure to take my family to the Pabst to see A Christmas Carol this last holiday season and I don't think the place has changed a bit. Â Still so fancy and nothing beats the old architecture of the building. Â I have noticed that people do not dress up like they used to and that is kind of a shame. Â We need to keep those places where people need to dress their best and attend a function, nothing wrong with keep tradition alive.
30 years later the play was still great and the Pabst is a wonderful place to go to see a show.
Pabst is a top tier concert venue. Â Timeless decor, cleanliness, no bad seats, excellent acoustics, good drink selections.....wow. Â Each time I see that a band's show moved from Turner Hall to Pabst.......well, its time to pick up some tickets. Â When you want to hear a band at their fullest sound potential, Pabst is it.
Review Source:The Pabst is really beautiful. There's a crazy chandeillier, two balconies and lots of red velvet. You could easily see it being a diverse venue for orchestras, comedians and bands. I have no idea how old a building it is, but you can kind of feel the history, and I really enjoyed how pretty it was. It is also well-kept for an older theater, clean and nice with those awesome red old theater seats.
Let me say up front that we had a great time. Nothing against some of the other reviewers, but at the show we went to, no one had any problem standing up, singing along and jamming out... we did it for most of the show from the first song to the encore.
We did think the acoustics of the theater weren't that awesome. But it could have easily been the type of show we were attending... I get the feeling the theater sound system is probably more geared to single artists, smaller groups and things involving fewer amps.
The bar staff was excellent, and I loved ordering a PBR tall boy (or three) at the Pabst Theater. There's something just right about that. And, drinks were not ridiculously expensive. Also very much appreciated.
I was generally impressed with the efficiency with which the security staff did their thing. Before we entered, someone came down the line to explain that since it was a general admission event, we could choose from the main floor or two balconies. Those on the main floor would be given wristbands, and then you had to have a wristband to get into the main floor seating area.They were very good about policing the wristband thing so that the floor didn't get too crowded.
However, there was one staff member who came down the aisle where we were seated during the show. She joined the clump of kids who had formed an impromptu mosh pit running up the aisle. And then she proceeded to bump into my husband repeatedly while standing there dancing to the music. Then she and another staff member stood there and talked through one of the best songs of the night (that happened to be a slow, quiet song). We were really annoyed. There's nothing wrong with enjoying the music if you're an employee -- one of the perks of the job. But we felt like this woman was really disrespectful of the audience members, and we felt that it was inappropriate for her to be dancing in the aisles while she was officially representing the venue. (Plus, how much could she have been looking for security issues while she was dancing so hard?)
We would definitely see another event at the Pabst. Good times!
The Pabst is a Milwaukee gem. I can't believe the city nearly tore it down back in the day (check out the story on Historic Milwaukee's website).
Not a bad seat in the house. A beautiful theater to see A Christmas Carol, a symphony, a comedian, or the myriad bands and artists that play live on the stage. I'm not too knowledgeable about acoustics and such but I've never had a problem here.
And for those shows where you want to get a buzz on... $4 tallboy Schlitz!
The Pabst is by far my favorite venue in all of Milwaukee, if not my favorite venue I've ever been to.
Five solid stars for the Pabst Theater. Â They host a variety of concerts throughout the year, no matter what your taste might be. The beauty of this theater is unsurpassed. Â Obviously this is a Milwaukee treasure!
If you are attending a show that has general admission - make sure to get there early to get your seats. Â Otherwise risk having to sit in a different seat than your spouse.
A few months ago we had the pleasure to attend a intimate show (Kelly Hogan) in the bar off to the main part of the theater (I believe it was the Cudahy Room?). Â Wow. Â Totally impressed at the awesomeness of the Pabst to not only host Kelly Hogan and recognize her talent, but to offer a free show to us - absolutely amazing. Â
Go see a show at the Pabst Theater and enjoy one of the best venues in Milwaukee. Â $4.00 PBR' Tall Boys are also served. Â And your welcome.
The theater is beautiful, just beautiful. Â Bartenders pour nice drinks. Sound is excellent. Security is present. Â You'd think I'd love this place.
But. I. Don't.
Show after show that I see here, I'm sooooo disappointed. Â Not with the theater necessarily - more with the vibe. Â People are so Wisconsin here - I hate to offend Wisconsinites, but I don't know how else to describe it. Â Drink, Sit, Listen, Clap, repeat. Â That's the way this place rolls.
and it's so disappointing when your favorite artists are in town and you want to go see them and you've had such different experiences in the past at similarly set up/sized venues in other cities.
For example and regardless of the type of show I've been to, you may NOT stand up, or else you will feel like you are blocking other people's view (because you will be) and people will yell at you to sit down. Â You might be able to get away with it for the encore.
Oh well, it's Milwaukee. Â Sometimes it's worth it to see the artist and not have to drive to Madison, Chicago, MSP, etc... Â but for me, if I'm going to spend the money, I'd better enjoy the music so it's going to be worth it for me to go somewhere else.
One of my favorite music venues anywhere in the country. Â The Pabst's is a beautiful old theater that seats about 1300. Â I believe it is a historic landmark. Â The sound quality is excellent and they have great musical acts. They have a decent beer selection which is always a plus. Â The parking is convenient and affordable.
Review Source:A truly stunning theater. The architectural detail in this building is amazing, and the attention to detail is astute. No matter where you sit - and there truly isn't a bad seat in the entire venue - you're sure to be drawn into the beauty that is the Pabst Theater.
The acoustics inside this theater are absolutely incredible as well. We last came to Pabst for the Glen Campbell Farewell Tour and the sound coming from that stage was better than any record or digital download of the same music.
There's not much more I can say that hasn't been added already. The Pabst Theater is well worth the drive from Chicago, and if you happen to live in Milwaukee, all I can say is lucky you!
Not many cities in the world can boast having such a beautiful venue. Milwaukee, we are really lucky.
Not a bad seat in the house, and the sound is fantastic.
I almost thought about downgrading to 4 stars because the bathroom situation, especially between acts, is AWFUL, but then I decided that the good outweighs the bad by like a gajillion times, so 5 stars it is! Besides, once I'm too old to not wear adult diapers, it will be a non-issue.
The Pabst Theater is a downtown classic. It is an architectural beauty, with its dome and the decor of the interior. Recently we went to see Ira Glass here to speak about his show, and back in high school, I also saw a play here.
The acoustics are great thanks to the Pabst's relatively small size and the dome. We were seated off to the left side on the second level and the stadium seating really helped us to have a great view. The setting is intimate enough that there really didn't seem to be any bad seats in the house.
Overall, if you have an opportunity to see something here, you can enjoy it both for your show and the beauty of the venue itself.
The Pabst deserves an update and an upgrade, because this place brings in artists that MKE would never, ever get to experience otherwise. I'm sure its a confluence of factors... beautiful, historic theater coupled with a talent buying team that really knows what they're doing.
Jeff Mangum. Are you kidding me? JEFF MANGUM CAME TO MKE.
I still hate the gallery seating -- which is where I unfortunately ended up sitting last night -- but it matters not. This place draws and is doing something extremely excellent for the city on the whole. Worthy of all the stars!
The last of the "holy trinity" of Milwaukee live performance venues...just may be the best! That's saying a lot because I really enjoy Riverside and Turner, but...I love the Pabst...sounds great, the inside is stunning, and the prices for drinks are just right.
I've been here for one concert, a stand-up comedy show, and the Christmas Carol play...no matter the performance, the view and sound are great. The seats up top in the balcony level can get a bit cramped but that's a small price to pay for less expensive tickets with a still great view.
I'm always excited when I find out a band/comic I want to see is performing here. There is just something indescribable about the total experience of the Pabst. Even if you don't live in Milwaukee, I encourage you to attend a show here -- I know Chicago has decent venues but the Pabst gives you the same (if not better) experience with less cost and less hassle (traffic, crowds, etc.). Viva Pabst, Viva Milwaukee!!!
An absolutely stunning venue to see a music concert. My new favorite place to watch a concert in Milwaukee. I don't know what it is about theaters in the Midwest (esp, St. Louis, Chicago, Omaha, Minneapolis) but our region really has some beautiful pieces of architecture. The Pabst Theater is no different and as soon as you enter you can't help but feel the depth of its 100-plus year existence.
I went to see my favorite band, TV on the Radio, a few weeks ago and enjoyed every second of it. They let us in maybe an hour or so before the start of the venue for open bar and a chance to pick out our seats. PBR Tall boys are VERY cheap. The opening act sucked (unfortunately Broken Social Scene didn't open for them in Milwaukee), but I had fun laughing at the band's oddball theatrics. The headlining act was spectacular, and the theater acoustics were very good. Can't wait to go back to see Chromeo and Mayer Hawthorne next month!
What a great venue for music, comedians, or theatrical performances! Went here last Saturday to watch a comedy show, and I was impressed with the beautiful historical architecture it gave.
I wish I can review the Pabst with some of my Theater 201 knowledge I learned last semester, but as with most college material--you forget them as soon as you walk out the door that day :-)
The only thing that's iffy is that the bathrooms are located on the lowest level of the place! And after a few drinks, in heels, and you're seated in the balcony, THAT IS A TRAVESTY! But the bathroom was kept nice and clean, plenty of stalls and the stalls are covered from floor to ceiling so no peeping toms or drunken girls can ruin your 2 minutes of peace.
My favorite music venue in Milwaukee, and one of my favorite venues anywhere, for that matter. This place is a shining example of what a historic theater can look like in the modern world when its run by people who care about the theater itself as well as attracting top touring acts.
The acoustics are great, sightlines are phenomenal no matter where you're seated, it's intimate yet doesn't make you feel claustrophobic, and best of all, a tall boy of PBR is dirt cheap and damn good.
I've had the pleasure of seeing bands like Wilco, Fleet Foxes, Grizzly Bear, Pavement, and many others at the Pabst. Artists love playing there and Milwaukee is fortunate to have such a stellar venue.
Love love love this venue. Â Its beautiful historical design has been well-maintained in its current style. Â I've been here for comedy shows as well as concerts, and the acoustics are phenomenal regardless of seating. Â The bar actually has decent prices for an entertainment venue as well and features a variety of local breweries.
Tip: If you've got a fear of heights, perhaps consider not sitting in the top section, as it is a pretty steep view down. Â However, sitting at the top does afford a better view of the gorgeous chandelier!
Very beautiful inside and out, although I was very disappointed by the crammed seating, my knee caps were in the chair infront of me, and there was no elbow space to speak of. The show was hilarious, we saw Jim gaffigan. Laughing that hard kept me well distracted from the cramped quarters. I do not drink but
The alcohol was seemingly cheap, and everyone quite literally "raved" about
It.
Perhaps with a beer or two, this place might get a five. But ive been to many more beautiful, and spacious theaters to really over glorify this place.
The Pabst Theater is a really interesting place. I saw comedian Mike Birbiglia here last weekend and was blown away by the gorgeous, ornate interior--complete with busts of Beethoven and Wagner and an incredible chandelier--and definitely appreciated the fantastic view of the stage from my less-than-spectacular seats. I must say, though, that the third level (where I sat) houses some of the most uncomfortable seating around. To call it cramped would be a gross understatement. The first and second levels are far more comfortable.
Overall, this is a great venue and a beautiful, historic building. Definitely check it out!
Hands down one of my favorite places to see a concert. The intimate setting makes you feel as if you and some friends are at a private jam session.
Now I have been to tons of concert venues, music fests and hole in the wall places and nothing can really compare. A review here can't do the majestic theater any justice.
Plus, every time I have seen a concert here I have had the opportunity to meet the talent after the show. Usually whomever plays there comes out afterward or before the show to greet the concert goers.
If you have an opportunity to see someone here go for it. Not to mention there are great bars and restuarants surrounding the theater. Ideal.
I can't believe I've lived in Milwaukee for seven years, and didn't make it to the Pabst until last Friday! Â I saw Sara Bareilles, and it was one of the best shows I've ever been to. Â It can't be said enough, there isn't a bad seat in the house. Â The theater lends itself to a very intimate vibe that's hard to come by. Â The theater itself is gorgeous, with red velvet seats and beautiful chandeliers. Â The staff couldn't have been nicer, and drinks were priced well. Â You can also bring drinks into the theater, which is increasingly rare at most venues. Â
Sara and her two opening acts (Holly Conlan and Cary Brothers) could not say enough good things about the Pabst, and you got the feeling that they genuinely loved the venue and looked forward to playing it again. Â I'm kicking myself for all of the shows I've missed, and I plan to make up for it in the near future!
This is a Milwaukee gem! Â This is my favorite place to see shows in Milwaukee. Â Everything about it is great. Â
There is lots of convenient parking in the area. Â Its across the street from the safe house - convenient for a beer before or after.
The people who work there are great and the drink prices are reasonable for a concert. Â This is a classy looking place, and you can get tall boys of pabst or schlitz and drink them unironically!
the theater itself is awesome. Â Pretty good acoustics. Â it is warm and intimate - not a bad seat in the house.
Enjoy!
What a great little venue! It's beautiful inside, and like someone already said, there's not a bad seat in the house. Drinks are very reasonably priced and the staff is so nice. Parking is directly below the building which is ultra convenient. I really enjoyed my evening here.
Some tips from me to you -
1) The box office is located on Wells St. between the Pabst and The Rep in an alcove area, but the sign over that area only says The Rep and you have to get close to the doors to see that the door on the right has printing indicating the Pabst Box Office is located inside on the right. The building it's inside can be accessed from Water St. or Kilbourn Ave as well (same building as The InterContinental Hotel).
2) You can buy a discounted parking pass from The Pabst's box office for $5.
3) If you're entering the Pabst from the building lobby instead of directly, when the employee checking your ticket tells you to go to Door A on the right, she means go all the way down the hallway, turn right to go up the stairs where the bar is located, and then you'll see Door A (as well as Door B). I noticed a lot of confused faces, so I figured I'd point this out.
4) After the show, use the restroom in the lobby of the InterContinental hotel instead of waiting in line at the venue.
Wonderful venue.
Drove up from KY for the New Pornographers show and was not disappointed. Â That was a little bit because Neko Case is super awesome and a little bit because the Pabst is a great place to see a concert. Â The list of upcoming shows made me a little jealous of native Milwaukeeans - they are clearly doing something right in the bookings department.
The theater itself is just gorgeous - lots of amazing little details and architectural features to study while you are waiting for the curtain or sitting through a sub-par opening act.
This was a general admission event, so I was a little nervous when I saw the queue out the door, but there was not a bad seat to be had. Â Great acoustics and a very intimate concert experience.
A server came by selling beer while we were in the lobby waiting for the theater doors to open. Â I splurged on the $4 Schlitz tall boy since my friend bought her last PBR. (It came with a history lesson on the quality American craftsmanship that the 1960s throwback 16 oz can represents. Â I'm pretty sure that the major technological advancement to the tall boy was the extra 4 oz of beer, but it entertained me while we were waiting for the show, and was therefore worth the extra buck. You should check it out.)
The server was also taking drink orders and delivering beers once we were seated, so you didn't have to climb over your neighbors to get a drink from the lobby. Â Well played on that one, Pabst.
Saw the comedy group Broken Lizard last week, and this theater was great in just about every aspect. Beer prices weren't outrageous(and many Chicago venues would be wise to take note and make their alcohol prices more reasonable, i.e. *cough* Metro), enjoyed reading the history of the theater on the hallway going into it, clean bathrooms, and a general seating policy throughout the whole place! It was a nice bonus that they did have many Wisconsin beers in bottles that are only distributed within the state. Other than the temperature inside the theater briefly getting too cold during the performance(enough I had to throw my jacket on, but after some thinking, won't deny it the 5th star since it didn't occur for long), and that they were slightly late in opening the doors from the plaza, I didn't have any probs at all.
And don't get confused like I did for a good 10-15 minutes on where the Pabst will call booth is, its located within a newer enclosed plaza between multiple buildings on the block, and the plaza entrance is set back in the middle of the block on Wells St., inbetween both the Pabst and another theater building of some sort. You may want to wander through the enclosed plaza and check out the lobby of the Milwaukee InterContinental Hotel while waiting for the doors to open, which I'm glad I did to pass the time before the Pabst opened the plaza doors.
Absolutely one of my favorite venues in the city. Â This is an insanely beautiful space with literally not a bad seat in the house. Â It feels smaller and more intimate than it probably is and the sound is fantastic. Â
The drinks can be cheap if you like PBR, I've been given free water and have never had to miss anything ever at all for waiting to go pee. Â It's easy to bus/bike to, and while providing cheap parking underneath, free parking has never been hard to find in the vicinity. Â
There are constantly shows booked here for me to go to/wish I had the money to go to and the performers all seem to genuinely love their experience here. Â The seats are comfortable and if you want to stand up and dance there is room, as well as usually a gathering down front. Â I have not a complaint about this venue.
This venue is gorgeous! I had been here years ago but forgot what a beautiful theater this is. The chairs are comfy, and there's not a bad seat in the house. More importantly, the sound quality here is phenomenal. I didn't realize how not-so-good the sound at other venues is until I went to a concert here.
Other perks are the cheap nearby parking (free evenings at 100 E Wisconsin) and the clean bathrooms.
What a great venue!
I'm not a midwesterner, and this was my first trip to MIlwaukee proper. Pabst was really easy to find, even with the Marquette interchange construction raging. Of course I had directions, but even if you just knew the exit number and a couple of street names, I think you could find it.
One HUGE plus for this theater is the parking situation. The Pabst has parking beneath the theater, and when you take the elevator up, the elevators open into the theater lobby. A great amenity that I have not encountered in Chicago theaters; it's nice to not have to trudge out into the snow when you're on your way to a show. Also, the parking was dirt cheap - $5 if you had purchased tickets to a show.
I went to see Kathleen Battle, the legendary coloratura soprano. The venue was not too large, and her voice resonated beautifully within the space. The theater was beautifully decorated, both inside the concert hall and outside; along the walls to the concert hall, the management of the theater chose to share history of the Pabst Theater (the 4th oldest continually running theater in the US) - framed memorabilia along the way highlighted stars who once visited the Pabst, including Katharine Hepburn and Sarah Bernhardt.
One more thing - small, but significant - whoever designed the layout of the washroom was genius. While it doesn't have a huge occupancy (if you want to see an amazing theater washroom, you have to visit California Music Theater's Music Circus), it has a flow-through design - instead of people fighting their way to come back out the way they came, there is an exit door right near the washbasin area. This was really helpful in keeping congestion down before the show.
I look forward to visiting the Pabst Theater again soon. Maybe I'll try a different genre of music, in order to compare the sound of the hall.
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