I went to see a show here last night and I didn't know what to expect. After reading reviews on Yelp and asking around most people couldn't give much of an idea of what this place is like. Last night I found out why. It is, for better or worse, unremarkable.
The venue seems like many other music venues I've been to, in that it's an open room with a few bars to stand around. It does offer a balcony to stand on for better visibility, but it seemed small and crowded by the time we got there so we didn't bother.
The place wan't extremely packed so I felt comfortable with the personal space allotted to me, but I can't say this would be the case for every show.
One thing I will say it that the music was extremely loud. I mean, I know it's meant to be at a concert, but even with ear plugs in my ears were ringing. I don't know how other people did it.
I would go here again to see a band I REALLY wanted to see. But, in general, I am not much of a fan of the concert atmosphere. I prefer a more intimate setting to see a show .
It's kind of hard to do anything but love on a place that boasts great music, friendly people, and decently-priced drinks.
Sure it's an intimate (read: small-ish) setting, but I like that. If I want to drown in a sea of half-drunk, fist-pumping, swaying, singers-along I'll go to HOB. The small setting means less lines - to get in, to get drinks, to get to the (gross) bathrooms. And while lines might not seem that bad as long as you can hear the music, who wants to wait in a line? Not I. Also, despite the small space, there are two bars here. Wait time to get buzzed? Vanquished.
Of course, the setting wouldn't matter a lick of the acts were crappy or the acoustics were terrible (e.g. Agganis Arena). The Paradise definitely attracts a variety of musical acts. I've seen various acts here over the years, each drawing a diverse crowd. I really like that they skirt the edge of popularity with lots of the bands. Sure, some you'll hear on the mainstream radio, but you might also discover a "new" band here, too. And the sound is pretty good. It's certainly not the best, but there's a noticeable lack of reverb or echoing. Also, given the size of the place, there isn't a "bad" spot to be in. Well, musically, at least.
I can't wait to be back.
I've been here a bunch of times, both as a spectator and as a FOB (friend of band). Overall it's a good place to see a show, it's big enough that I never feel too crowded but small enough that you feel close to the stage no matter where you are. There is a coat check and a pretty small bathroom, and two bars. The small size of the venue means that it's easy to get a drink in the middle of a show.
Review Source:I went to a random concert of a musician I had never heard of with a friend who had an extra ticket on a Sunday night. Â Wasn't really in a raging mood, and I think that is exactly what the venue caters to: low-key and good, off-the-beaten-path music.
It's intimate but not too small, which is always a great way to experience a concert. Â I felt that I was not suffocating the people around me and could even dance a little, which is always a plus in my book. Â I was standing adjacent to one of the structural pillars on the floor, and while it was easy to float to either side of them to still see, though I could see this being a problem for an oversubscribed band. Â It was also easy to access bar in the corner, though not for those who wanted to slip on anything for taste. Â
Though not stellar in any respect, I would definitely go to another concert here.
Uhhh an establishment that will bring Balkan Beat Box to the United States? I'm all in. The place was packed, the sound was loud, and I was dancing all over the place. Bring some more Israeli bands and I will dance like no body's watching.
Before the concert started, we ate at the bar some quesadillas--delicious. Enjoyed 2-3 beers and then we were ready to go. I would go back and have some nachos!
Been here what seems like a million times, but just attended a show on 3/13/13 (Drive-By Truckers) and wanted to throw up a quick review. I always have a great time at this place and this night was no exception.
I have to chuckle at the reviewer who claims that the House of Blues has better sound than the Dise, and only assume that that person must work for HoB! The House of Blues is a blight on the live music scene in Boston, the sound is atrocious, the staff is rude and pushy, and the drinks are waaaaay overpriced. Anyway, the sound is EXCELLENT at the Dise, the security and bar staff are amazingly friendly and helpful, the beers are cold, and the talent they bring in is top-notch. As nearly everyone else has mentioned, if you are the unfortunate soul who gets to the show late and finds yourself behind one of the two pillars in the main room, you're pretty much screwed. These are not small pillars and they can seriously impede your enjoyment of the show. If not for that, I'd have given the Paradise five stars. Highly recommend the lounge as well, for a few low-key cocktails on a regular night.
I like this establishment for a relaxed evening out. Â I prefer to get some beers next door at T-Pub instead of the cheapo drinks at the bar here. Â The Lounge I hear is nice though, so maybe I'll go there next.
I echo Lizzie E's review - those pillars really impact my live music experience. Â I got to the Alt-J concert late and couldn't get around those pillars. Â I couldn't see the band at all the entire night.
The staff and the bouncer are extremely nice!
I've been going to The Dise to see live music for as long as I have lived n Boston, which has been since 1984. An excellent place to see a live event, as you are always close to the stage AND the bar, and the sound system is quite good. And the drinks are reasonable priced!
The only downside would be the two huge columns in the middle of the room. Other than that, if you are looking for an intimate location to see an up and coming act, The Dise is the place!!
I definitely prefer this place to the House of Blues. Smaller crowds, and more likely to be full of people that really enjoy the music no matter if you're standing right in front of the lead singer, or have your back against the wall. Cheap drinks for a music venue- I normally opt for the $4.50 Gansett tallboys. The staff is always friendly, including the box office and bouncers.
The only negatives are the two GIANT pillars in the middle of the floor. If you get there late, and are short like me, it can make it impossible to see. Last show I went to (The Vaccines last month), I did manage to make my way to a spot in the middle where I could see pretty well, but it was crowded and I eventually retreated to an open area near the first bar when you walk in. From here I was able to get from the bar to the bathroom and back to the show without a problem, AND I could still see the stage. Plus, all the tall dudes standing back there were so friendly, and let me stand in front of them because there was so much extra room. I had a great experience. I love going to shows here alone because, well, you never FEEL alone.
Can't wait to go back for my next show!
Paradise is my favorite music venue in Boston. I never get carded, slip right in past the two bars where there are never lines and use my time honored tradition to weasel right up front, which I am not sharing here.
Security is so polite I've never actually noticed them. Probably the best is that they don't cram the club full of people. There's room to dance, breathe, and enjoy the show.
The sound is good and they book a lot of acts I like. I had a great time at Amanda Fucking Palmer last night and will keep coming back.
Parking on the street takes some patience, but it is doable.
The Paradise has been a dingy, but loved Boston institution for 35 years, primarily because it is a perfect venue for bands like Walk Off The Earth. The show there on the 26th was thoroughly enjoyable, from the infectiously enthusiastic opening by The Mowgli's, to the clever and occasionally acidic Julia Nunes.
If you aren't into the stage edge crush scene, the place to be is next to the sound board in the balcony. Alternate with your partner for drink runner, hold your spot, and be above it all. Parking can be a challenge, although we were blindly lucky and got a spot not 30 feet from the door this particular night. Otherwise, the Paradise remains a great, long-standing venue for an intimate eveing with emerging, and smaller acts, as well as your friends.
The Venue: The concert venue is great. Feels casual and relatively intimate, yet there is still a lot of open standing room. I have to give the venue a four... but...
The Conjoined Bar: I was here for a concert recently. While waiting for the headliner, my friend and I went to the bar/restaurant area in the adjacent room. Our bartender, a rude and alienating wench, made our drinks: one gin and tonic and one vodka tonic. Both turned out to be mostly tonic. Although the two selected cocktails have very distinctive tastes, there was so little actual vodka and gin that both drinks tasted the same. I understand it is not easy being a bar tender, but my god, you still have to put some effort into your job. I was reluctant to complain, but since this lazy legumes-for-brains woman was merely leaning against the back of the bar without a thing to do, I brought it back. I told her that it was not a proper gin and tonic. She insolently retorted, "I made it right here. Its a gin and tonic." I explained that it was so diluted with tonic that I could not taste a trace of gin. The dim-witted, intransigent fool still insisted that the drink was fine, passive-aggressively refusing to re-do her shoddy work. While the other staff members were respectful, this particular woman pissed me off. So, my overall experience with this location... a two.
Thoroughly satisfying venue that still manages to be cool. Saw a couple of acts here; ultra famous j-pop singer Utada Hikaru and sweet pop duo The Ting Tings. Although a bit small, PRC is comfortable to move around, dance or wobble. The sound system is loud but clear and its a great venue to stand close to the artist if you get in fast enough. Seriously. I was right underneath The Ting Tings almost the whole night and at one point, Katie White held my hand and sang at me. God. Yes. I imagine that I'll be going a lot more often.
Aside from the physical, PRC gets great acts, foreign and domestic, popular and up and coming. Its a great place to catch a show.
Tip: Don't eat the food at the bar. Bleh, no.
The reason i love this place is because of the bands and artists that perform here! Usually, they are not big name, mainstream, justin beiber status artists; but they are good, classic artists that people have secret obsessions too. Â I have seen Anberlin and Frank Ocean here and let me tell you the concerts were amazing.
My five stars are not for the concert experience, but for the venue. Â Paradies is small but comfortable. Â You will not be pushing around the people next to you. Â Additionally, if you get there early enough there is a balcony level in which you can watch your favorite performers.
Overall, you will find great artists playing here, definitely a place to look out after.
Love. The. Paradise. Â Seriously, how am I almost 30 and never been here before? Â I have seen so very many bands in my day and yet somehow none have ever been booked at this location.
I love that it's a perfect venue size for up-and-coming artists. Â The standing/dancing area is small and intimate; there is no bad place to stand (except behind a pillar) to get views of the band. Â The sound system is extremely loud and I probably should have worn ear plugs, but it was great sound.
The doormen letting you in are efficient in their carding process and are not douches. Â It was one of the least painless entrances into a venue I've ever had. Â
While waiting for the show to start, we learned via the TVs in there that many famous artists, including U2 and Tom Petty got their starts playing at that place.
The location is right off of the T on the B-line, so no need to walk a long way to get there and back. Â Although, after the show the hubby and I walked to Kenmore from there to get some exercise and because we didn't feel like waiting for the train. Â
I can't wait to see another show here!
I'm really not going to be telling anyone anything they don't know from the hundreds of other reviews. In general, I enjoy going to shows at the Paradise and it's one of the easier venues to deal with in Boston as an outsider. If you decide to drive in, it's less painful than working with the House of Blues (parking near Fenway) and cheaper than parking at the TD Garden. If you decide to take public transportation in, the T stops, literally, across the street from the venue, and the trains run often enough after shows to get you out pretty fast. The drinks are reasonable, the staff was nice, the sound is solid and appropriate, and there's places to sit or stand. The four stars is my general rating, it could be better but it's my preferred Boston concert venue
So here's a few miscellaneous notes about viewing angles and standing locations that may be helpful to you if this is your first time going.
-There are couches (or seats) lining the back of the upper level. You won't see a thing but they are there. Not a bad option if you don't have a particular viewing point to protect and you don't want to watch the crew change staging in an intermission.
-If you're on the upper level, try to grab a spot on the rail. This not only gives you the best view of the stage but also something to lean on when the main act finally gets on stage and your back is in knots. There are a handful of rail spots where the view is obstructed, but otherwise, try for that.
-If you can't get a rail spot but want to be upstairs, I recommend either back corner. You can usually maneuver into good sight-lines of the stage, and if you take the corner stage left/viewer right, the bar and bathrooms are right next to you as well as a slight uphill incline. You do feel a little out of the action but it's good for people who get in late.
-Most people will want to be downstairs. There isn't as much strategy downstairs for taller people (like myself), but I actually like the pillars. It lets me have a spot on the floor where I'm not blocking anyone's view, I have some back support, and I can establish a little personal space. Really though, stand where you like. It'll be the same almost anywhere (except the first row): if you're taller than the person in front of you, or you are in between two people and you're taller than their shoulders, you'll be fine. The back of the floor can be a little looser for shows with lower attendance, but unless you're behind the pole, most spots on the floor are good.
As the bouncer told Alyssa J, "This isn't Royale." Â Meaning the bouncers aren't douchey and the line moves quickly. Â The dude even let me line hop because Alyssa was holding my ticket and already in. Â Most other clubs would have made me wait.
Drinks weren't that expensive. Â I really cannot complain about $7.50 drinks at a music venue when I am used to paying +$10.
And the real reason for 5 stars is that the bass here is phenomenal. Â I seriously felt that shit going through every bone, muscle, vein, etc in my body. Â And I was sober. Â
Seriously, an awesome time. Â This may not be the best place to catch an A Lister DJ/Musician but with these bomb acoustics you can really get a feel for some solid up and coming talent. Â With tickets for all shows that I saw listed being under $20, why not check it out?
Oh, and hey college kids, it's 18+ here. Â Enjoy.
Nothing I'll say that others haven't already said.
Got here around 9ish for a 10:30 show (Los Amigos Invisibles). Â It was pretty bare and then at 10 started to get really full. Â Staked out a spot in the front, and honestly, it was awesome. Â Super close to the band, great vibe, etc. .. also left with super ringing ears. HA.
Coat check is $3 cash fyi.
Also, had no problems closing my tab but saw some other people who did.. so.. yikes.
Pluses:
- small to medium size venue (2 floors), great place to catch a show!
- bars are upstairs and downstairs
- some seating off to the side, but really if you are here for a show (especially if it's a good band), don't expect to sit
- close to the green line T stop, literally just a few steps from the T stop
- also, close to Raising Cane's (where they have amazing chicken fingers.. great for a pre-show dinner or post-show snack!)
Deltas:
- two GIANT pillars near the center of the room.. definitely blocks your view (so just make sure you get there early enough to avoid those pilars)
Random trivia: When U2 first came to play in the U.S., they opened their tour at Paradise Rock Club!
I just recently attended a concert at the Paradise - GlassJAw with These People and Tidal Arms.
Pros:
Paradise keeps the prices of their events are very reasonable.
It is a good quasi-intimate venue to see bands you love.
Ample on-street parking (meters but they're free after six or eight).
Relatively clean inside, not a lot of clutter... just a venue.
Cons:
The staff are lousy (I will explain below).
The small bar gets quickly overwhelmed.
There is this kindergarten-esque line that staff make you stand in front of to create a walkway... but sometimes it's an issue (I will also explain).
While there's a lot of parking, in this neighborhood, it's seldom available.
In my most recent experience, I attended a concert with a heavy band. It was also all ages, not the norm for the 'Dise but not entirely uncommon either. Being in my late 20's and past the teen angst, I didn't want to be in the pit. Neither did my fiancee. We stayed toward the back. When the pit expanded, many of us even in the back were pushed past the line and the "security" (I use this term loosely) immediately made us move because we crossed the line. Ugh.
So we move over and wedge in again. Cool. Then on our right, some fat, angry tough guy decides he wants his own pit. He starts pushing everyone outside his circle and then deliberately rushing people that are trying to get away from him. He slams a girl that couldn't be more than 15 or 16, about 100 lbs. Her boyfriend walks her by us and she collapses on the floor in the back... behind the line. I, being a good dude, run to "security" to tell him that the guy is not in the pit, but basically just randomly hurting people and without even making eye contact (he clearly was enjoying the concert), interruppted me saying, "people can move." I was so flabbergasted because, well, they can't move. It's packed. And children seem to have a hard time running through a crowd from a huge adult.
Mind you, he's ironically standing right next to the sign that says, "no moshing or crowd surfing" among other rules. Wow.
So I told him the girl was passed out and he didn't do anything. I went straight to the bar and was slamming on the bar to get the bartenders' attention to get her some water or a towel, but one bartender was down the far end and the other was ignoring me while she entered her credit card receipts. Awesome. Good thing this kid wasn't having a seizure or bleeding out...
Naturally, my fiancee saw enough to know she wanted to go way off to the side where there were obstructed views but no safety concerns. She wasn't thrilled that the staff were uninterested in the safety of patrons.
So in sum, it's a good, intimate venue in a city with far too few of them, which gives it a four or five star rating for me. But the logistical issues of finding parking or trying to get a drink at the bar, coupled with the staff's ignorance and inability to do anything beyond the minimum, average a one star in there... and so they end up with three stars for me.
This is the cute little venue that could - and did.
First impressions -
Polite doorman! He had obviously decided not to eat the sour patch apples that most other doormen eat. Way to be a rebel!
Smiling ticket taker - now we are 2 for 2 with customer service.
Witty bartender, fast service and, folks, I really didn't find the drinks to be that expensive at all. I ordered a Bacardi and coke and a big can of Papst - cost $11. I really don't think that is that bad. In comparison I ordered a beer and a glass of wine at the Orpheum and it was $20, so this was downright cheap! I had three rounds and by the third round the bartender knew the name on my tab and had the drinks poured before I opened my mouth. I'm not a fortune teller, but I see a big tip in your future :) 3 for 3.
The layout is unusual as others have mentioned, it's wider rather than deeper and there are pillars. But I didn't have any problem getting right up to the stage (Top Tip - You can put your drinks on the stage, but try not to spill anything over the cables or electronic equipment!) I didn't get to see the upstairs as it was closed, but looked like it could be a cute spot to watch from.
On a side note, I went to see Badly Drawn Boy (English, big about 8-10 years ago, mopey songs, famous for wearing a tea cozy-esque woolie hat) and he was AWFUL. The entire gig was a disaster. He didn't want to be there, moaned about missing his daughter's birthday, moaned about the guitar not sounding right, moaned about his backing band (in front of the band!). He stopped playing at least ten times mid-song to bitch and moan about something. I liked his CDs, but it is the first time I had seen him live. Now I understand why the tickets were only $20....
Hey Paradise, another renovation? Â Why not hire someone to really design it and just get it right already?
I liked the old tiers, and found the new layout to be boxy and closed in feeling. Â I do like that you can watch the band from the balcony, but sound-wise the side view is not great. Â That's true of a lot of spots in the room.
The new green room, while hardly swank, is a vast improvement over the former pit, and I hear the bands are loving the shower, wide screen TV and (especially) laundry facilities (something EVERY club should have for the poor, grubby guys on tour!!!)
Having seen shows here dating back over 20 years it's hard to not just shrug and be like, yeah, it sucks, but it's the paradise.
I can't comment on the food as I've never eaten there, but since the place is hardly marketing up its role as a restaurant, I don't think it's necessary to review the food.
Paradise has great shows nearly every night. I've seen quite a few shows here, from chill indie pop bands to heavy hitters and metal. The crowd is always good! It's a mid-sized venue similar to the floor space of the Middle East, but with the addition of the cool balcony section up top.
Is it wrong that I secretly love this place because it reminds me of "The Bronze" in Buffy? It does. A lot. Also, I don't think it's just me because a friend of mine said to me on her first visit there, "Whoa, it's the Bronze! Where's Spike?"
They have cheap beer and cider and moderately priced mixed drinks, great music, affordable ticket prices, which can be purchased in person and without ridiculous service/convenience charges, and the bathroom is hilariously gross. Seriously, someone hurled in the bathroom during a sold-out show and the staff threw broken down cardboard boxes over it instead of cleaning it. Paradise, indeed!
After reading a lot of these reviews I think that people just don't get what a true rock show experience is about.
You can buy tickets at the box office and avoid those stank Live Nation fees.
You can always find a really decent place to stand during the show.
They sell Pabst tallboys. $4 is better than $7 like a lot of places.
You can grab a snack at the lounge before the show.
The awesome sound system could blow your ears out!!
Multiple levels to stand on with bars on the top and bottom levels.
You have to take it for what it is. Â A no frills, gritty rock venue. Â So don't come here expecting fancy drinks, glamorous decor, and vip treatment. Â Don't expect to not get thrashed around a bit or covered in sweat. Â Just grab a beer and dive into the crowd head first. Â What's the point of going to a show if you don't want to feel the music all up in your face??!
I should preface this review by saying I used to frequent The Paradise when I was younger, and perhaps more generous in wasting my time. Â I have seen many a rock show, and the Paradise used to be solid. Â Used to being the operative point of that sentence. Â The set up is good acoustically, and it's easy to get a good view of the show. Â
Cara and I had tickets to see Peaches last Sunday, and the doors were to open at 7 P.M., and the opening band was to go on at 8 P.M. Â Doors were STILL closed at 10 P.M. when we gave up on waiting and went home. Â Why? Â I'd called twice and been had two crappy phone interaction with the staff. Â I was appalled at how rudely I was treated and that there was NO apology for the delay. Â At all. Â Nor were any of the staff accessible outside to ask what the hell was going on and why the show wasn't already going on. Â On my second phone call, I was told that the doors HAD opened, but I literally was standing outside and saw that the doors were not open. Â Um, hi, don't lie to people-didn't your momma teach you that?
As of writing this, Cara has had crappy interactions with both LiveNation and The Paradise in her complaints in regards to out experience. Â I don't care if you're a rock venue, a bar, a salon-you NEED to give a damn about the complaints and concerns of your customers. Â So far they haven't expressed any concern at all. Â I'm to the point in my life where I am not really okay with standing in line for three hours, regardless of what band it's for. Â I am sure that many a 21 year old will, but I am past that point and will think twice in buying tickets to any show at any venue, and I certainly will avoid The Paradise.
So, my first adventure at Paradise Rock Club started wonderfully. I heard a bit late that Apocalyptica would be in town, and by the time I tried to get a ticket, they were already sold out. Determined to see the show, I braved the rain, and took along a sign that said "I need a ticket please!" and stood outside holding it.
Not ten minutes went by, and a kind gentleman (who must have taken pity on me standing there drenched with no umbrella) asked if I needed a ticket to Apocalyptica. I nodded and he reached into his pocket and handed me a ticket. I went to give him some money, but he told me it wasn't necessary. Awwwwwwwww! Already liking this place because of the cool patrons.
Anyhow, got into the lounge area and had a Cape Cod (w/Grey Goose). It's my usual drink when I go to clubs, and it was good. Not too strong, but not too weak, and $8. Usually pay around $9, so a bit cheaper than normal. The poor girl next to me got a Red Bull sans alcohol, and had to pay the steep price tag of $4. Ouch!
I am really happy to say that they were fine with me bringing a camera. More and more venues seem to be pretty picky about that these days.
Once the doors to the club opened, I headed in pretty much immediately and got an awesome standing spot to the right of the stage, in the front. I stayed here the entire time, and it was a perfect view. My biggest complaint, which could be faulted to the band, was the time on the ticket. Initially I heard doors were at 9pm. But they turned out to be 8pm. The band didn't get on the stage until around 2 hours after... so I was standing for quite a while. Chatted with the girl next to me, but... it was boring to say the least. I would say that it would be safe to get there late, but if you want to be close, you're going to have to go early. Make sure you wear a comfy pair of shoes.
The stage looked great, and the sound was decent... for most of the show. Somewhere in the middle the drums seemed to get extremely loud, drowning out the vocals and cellos. So... yeah... that's the main reason I'm dinging them a star.
PARKING: There is a lot near the club, around the block, with a steep $25 price tag. However, I was determined not to spend that much, so I drove around a bit. If you pass the club, and make a left onto the next street (you'll pass T. Anthony's pizza), and go to the residential area, you will find street parking for free after 6pm. Before that it's two-hour parking. So don't waste your money, it's not much further to walk.
I would go back again happily, especially to see a favorite band.
I've been to Paradise on exactly four occasions:
1) Mission of Burma, July 2006
2) Rick Webb's Barbarian Party, December 2007
3) Yelp Elite event, February 2008
4) Tapes 'N Tapes, April 2008
Oh, and I went to Paradise Lounge right next door a couple of years ago for Boston Babydolls' amateur burlesque night. I don't go to shows all that much (can you tell?), but all of the shows @ Paradise were extremely decently priced and rocked my box each time.
The setup is optimal for checking out the act no matter where you happen to be. At Mission of Burma I was in front of the stage, whereas at Tapes 'N Tapes I was off to the side, in front of the seats. The latter was pretty sweet because it gave me the option of a) standing or sitting and being able to still see the stage, and b) ridiculing those who only knew that one Tapes 'N Tapes song and decided to rock out.
The bathrooms? Not so amazing, but it is indeed a "rock club". In my opinionhas a long way to go before it resembles that bathroom in Trainspotting. I've seen much, much worse (bathroom @ Rumor, anyone?) To date I have not seen any of the following: dirty needles, hepatitis, broken glass, or despair. However, I have seen some suspicious-looking puddles of water (?), but no vom. Yay?
The bar is nothing to write home about. I tend to stay away from ordering drinks at venues like Paradise (except for that time I was parked right in front of the bar @ Avalon during the Rilo Kiley show and managed to rack up a $60 bar bill all by myself, but I digress), the two exceptions being the Barbarian party and the Yelp event, when the drinks were free. See a pattern forming?
At any rate, I'm sure I'll be back @ Paradise the next time a band I fancy is coming to play and I feel like congregating with dirty indie kids.
Ok Paradise, your bathroom stall door was hanging upside down and your paint is peeling but, you're a ROCK club and that's ok. In fact, we should all be thankful that we're not trudging through piles of vom, dirty needles, and broken glass. I bought my ticket to see Robyn for a measley $15 ($26 after taxes, etc) which was more than worth it. What I didn't notice immediately was that I had purchased tickets for an 18+ show. What's a girl to do? My experience @ Girl Talk earlier last year had left a putrid vommy taste in my mouth. But this worked out ok, we roosted stage left and then saw more gays here than one normally would even outside Club Cafe. Â
Drink prices were "eh", far cheaper than Avalon but when I'm getting a meds cup sized portion of vodka and soda water for $7, it leaves a little to be desired (and by little, I mean a lot because I desire MORE). We were let in without any harassment from the bouncers (Middle East, I'm looking in your direction) and took a spot on one of the side boxes adjoining the stage. The sound was pretty great here and it didn't seem as if there were a bad seat in the house. Robyn sounded phenomenal, we even had to question whether or not she was lip syncing because the sound quality of her voice was so dead on in comparison to her album. She engaged the crowd quite a bit, even locking eyes with us for uncomfortable amounts of time. And then Adam had sex with her. The end.
Ever since the close of Avalon, I hasn't been to a concert venue that I really enjoyed. Â Until Paradise.
Came here for the Sara Bareilles concert with fellow Yelper Trish.  They were letting people in through the lounge, because, we were informed that there is new management and there are no longer any shows being played in the lounge.  I thought for a minute Trish was going to cry.  lol  She spent a good 20 minutes lamenting the demise of the Paradise Lounge, and owed to start a petition to get acts back into it.  Bless her.
Anyway, cut to about 30 minutes later, we go to the bathroom. Â Trish informs me that there are doors on the bathrooms stalls again. Â Hooray? Although, her stalls door was on upside down.
Anyway, cut to us going back into the lounge area. Â A line has formed....wha? Oh well, we had been there until before those bastards. Â So we just kind of waited on the side. Â There was a group of some other girls waiting as well. Â Well, this douche to the right of us decides to make a scene about how we're cutting the line, and called one of the other girls the "C" word. Â (Mind you, this asshole was arguing about getting prime seating to a SARA BAREILLES concert....yeah, and he was with his GF btw). Â Anyway, after that battle we decide to hit the balcony. Â I had never been on the balcony before. Â
Sitting on the balcony made me realize there really isn't a bad seat in the house (Unless you get stuck behind the two poles). Â You can see the stage from almost anywhere. Â I think next time I'll go for the bench seats on the side. Â There are booths in the balcony, but I was afraid of losing my area on the balcony. Â Drinks are expensive, and while I SAW the bartender pour a lot of booze into my cup, I really didn't notice....
The concert was awesome, except, when Rachel Yamaguta was on, they screwed up the sound and we couldn't hear her half the time. Â When Sara was up, they kept everything so DARK. Â I don't know if they were trying to create a "mood" but it made my eyes hurt from squinting.
Even with those minor glitches, I had a great time at the concert. Â I look forward to a few more shows there. Â And hopefully Trish's influence will bring back the Lounge to its former glory.
The Paradise Rock Club is one of the best venues to catch local and national acts in Boston. Though it is small, the club is very versatile - the space is suited to the hushed academic wordplay of The Decemberists' frontman Colin Meloy as much as the stomping energy of Mute Math or Band of Horses. Â
If you arrive early enough, you can get up front, which is a completely surreal experience considering some of the acts that stop here will go on to play much larger venues. The beer prices are very reasonable and the staff is typically very friendly.
One thing I always hated before I was able to legally purchase "adult sodas" was the enormous X's that are drawn on both hands by the doorstaff. It took the better part of a week to get those off.
Though I prefer to be right up front, the balconies do offer a cool perspective. Just be wary of the ceiling support poles - they can obstruct the view.
One of the poles used to have a sign (facing the stage) that said "Paradise Rock Club. Boston, MA." I think it was Matt Nathanson who commented on how unnecessarily hilarious that was - and how indicative of the touring lifestyle it is that a sign would be necessary to cue performers as to where the hell they are. "Good evening.......Boston......Glad to....be here?"
Probably the best venue for rock shows in Boston, definitely my favorite one, I've seen Graham Coxon, Bloc Party, The Futureheads, among others.
Latest one: the Bravery, loved it.
I'm so glad it turned out to be a great show, I needed it, after failing in my attempt to kill a fly the size of a bat and failing at NES paperboy and yelling obscenities in Spanish, "chingado! pinche puto paperboy...cabron", so what if I want to deliver the newspaper into the red houses? Â Ever heard of color blindness? I'm not color blind, I was just wondering. At least Waldo was found, finger up, sucka.
As Liz pico de pinche PUSSY D. pointed out, you can enjoy and see the shows no matter where you're standing, the sound is really good, you can actually breathe, move and rock out, yes, even my tiny self is always able to do that at this venue, this is really important when the singer is kind of hot and by kind of, I mean really HOT, you obviously want to watch him and fantasize about making babies with him and by making babies I mean having the best BANG ever, alright we can just talk, after banging of course. And I also like to watch drummers do their thing, because drummers are my thing.
But of course there's always the person who decides to stand in front of you, what do you do? You kick her/him, you tap her/his back, stare at or you just tell them to move. Period. It works. You don't have to be a DICK, good manners work.
Bathrooms: I used them twice last night and used the same one, stall # 3, with a broken toilet seat. I remember the last time I was here, it was stall # 2 the one with the broken toilet seat. Extreme make over. Nice.
It is truly a paradise.
Its official! The Paradise is my choice venue for rock shows. The Middle East and TT's are very near and dear to my heart. But pound for pound The Dise is where I want to go for a show.
I was here this past Saturday night for the Dinosaur Jr. show (utterly amazing) and I forgot how much I loved this place. Its just a great set up for a intimate show and the acoustics are perfect for deafening your eardrums. Â
My mood usually varies when I go to shows. Sometimes I just want to chill and let the music come to me - maybe have a seat and hang out in an area where there aren't too many people bummpin into my sh!t and spilling my drink. Other times  I'm "Mr. In Yo Face"- all into the music and gyrating my body in awkward motions with the belief that I have  rhythm.  Ive usually had a few draanks at this point (speaking of drinks... 16oz Pabts are $3!!)The Paradise accommodates both my personalities with a few seats right of the stage if I want to get there early and sit my fat ass down or I can chill in the balcony section and watch the show from my peddlestill, judging everyone.
You can also go to the Lounge up front and grab a drink or two or seven, if you get there and aren't down with the opening acts or even pop your head into T's right next door and gnaw on some grub while watching some sporting event on the TV.
If I have any argument for this place...is its lack of bands that I want  to see. I mean how many times can you see the Sheila Divine there?
If you're coming for a concert where you want to sit back to get in the mood until the headliner goes on, prance in early and snag one of the tables on the side of the room. They've got serious views of the stage, tables to set your drinks down on and chill, and the space is pretty narrow so until it gets really crowded you won't be trying to peer between the U's of people's heads. A spot at the balcony is excellent albeit the two big poles that I inevitably get pushed behind. Remember girls, elbows out!
If you head to the bar they'll serve you up pretty quickly. I choked the first time I paid $9 for a tablespoon of shitty vodka in a 6oz plastic cup. I'm calculating a Benjamin to get drunkey. Stick to beer.
Seeing Cinematic Orchestra here confirmed that indeed the sound was clear and perfectly decibeled. With Avalon gone and the Roxy being the next big venue without seating (Why do they book bands at the Orpheum where no one can dance??) I think they'll get some spillover which is fine by me.
I gotta add my praise for the Paradise Rock Club. I've watched bands from the 2nd row, the balcony, and the side seats, and I enjoyed every show and every view. The Paradise has a thing for booking the bands you thought only you knew about, who are on their way to hitting it big. Also, I spotted the widely-feared mooninite sign at the Paradise's 2nd floor bar a whole year before the bomb scare in Boston. I bet they've taken it down by now, but it goes to show that the Paradise is ahead of the game.
My only qualm is that the shows start too late into the night! This is no Avalon with doors at 7, and crowd shuffled out by 10 so it can turn into a club full of meatheads. No, at the Paradise, shows with 3 bands often start at 9 or 10. Â When I saw Phantom Planet at PRC a while ago, they didn't go on 'til 11:45(!) thanks to multiple opening bands taking up valuable venue time. I was only able to catch around 4 songs before I had to catch the T back to Davis.
Shows here are still worth every penny. Go to the Paradise and spring for a cab on the way home.
I much prefer seeing shows at the Paradise than at Avalon. Â The open layout of the 'Dise makes every spot a good one to see the band. Â Its a little grungy, but that adds to the charms of the place. My favorite area is in one of the 'boxes' on either side of the stage. Â Bring your crew and dance like crazy!
As stated, the drinks are  priced well, but they do not accept debit cards, cash or regular credit only, so plan accordingly.
Besides being on hectic straight up Comm. Ave, this place is perfect!
If there's a wait outside before going in... grab a burrito at Qdoba or some neon clubbing top at the Jasmine Sola Outlet (yeah right) from next door!
The BEST thing about this place is that you can stand back from anywhere and have a great personal view of your favorite artists.
Downstairs on the main floor to jump around and go crazy or the side middle seats by the stairs or even upstairs to just lean from.
Plus how can you beat the ticket prices!
Never had to wait on insane lines for the bathrooms or for drinks either.
Love it.
P.S Â Watch out for the girl who humps the speakers up front. We spotted her a couple of times at different shows.
I've never been a big fan of the Paradise. Â Back in the day I used to always be bothered by the huge pole smack dab in the middle of the audience. Â Now that I'm and old fart and more into hanging out towards the back and avoiding the sweatyness of the crowd this place has grown on me a little bit. Â
The Paradise is set up with a  nice sort of mini balcony thing that wraps around the back of the room.  Here you can stake you claim for a small section of drink space and leaning room.  And yeah, they do pour their mixed drinks pretty well, for a price.  The poles can still be a nuisance here but find the right angle and your all set.
The place has had an ebb and flow of good acts. Â Back in the day it was quite the spot to see the up and coming bands before they broke huge -- then it was the place for mid tier indy rock -- then it was all about the brit pop bands -- then some drunk Patriot dove from the stage and it wasn't even open for a while. Â Now, it still seems to get the majority of the still-haven't-caught-on-big-here bands from over the pond mixed in with the older still hangin' on indy rock bands. Â Bands too big for T.T.'s or The Middle East, not big enough for the Avalon.
If I had my choice I'd prefer seeing shows at other venues -- but this place has a certain low-key charm. Â [I'm probably keeping a star off here for getting man-handled by a testosterone soaked security goon for no good reason (wrist is still a little sore sometimes) but that's another story we won't get into.]
I'll make this long review short and sweet, because with my current blood to caffeine ratio I need to speed through more Yelp reviews STAT:
I love this place. Â Happy Endings, Hot Lunch, there are so many chill things going on here. Â Friendly staff, local Boston "celebrities," great entertainment, and a packed dance floor make it a must stop on the road that is Boston's party scene.
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