If you want to sit during shows where there are tables, don't eat before you arrive as apparently you have to buy $10 worth of food (which oddly enough can't just be drinks) in order to be allowed to sit. I'm guessing this requirement is in place to ensure that their kitchen staff has something to do but it'd be handy if the stated this when you purchased tickets, hence the loss of a star.
As a music venue, this is a great location with adequate facilities, multiple bars and competent staff. It's clean, safe and the sound travel well regardless of which floor you are on. In fact, if not for the weird food requirement and the fact it's not metro accessible I'd rate it as my top local pick to see shows at.
As a place to eat... keep it simple. Dishes are plain and will fill the hole in your belly but nothing really stands out as exceptional. Then again, it doesn't stand out as bad either. Just make sure you order at least $10 of it of course... otherwise you'll be eating standing up :)
I'm conflicted on the State Theater as a music venue. Â On the one hand, it's great in terms of atmosphere and not terrible for the acoustics - on the other there's the people running it.
The building itself is amazing, from the upper auditorium seating to the dance floor out front, and all of the small architectural details make this a great building to attend a concert in. Â The drinks were really expensive given the light pours, but I guess that's kind of expected at any concert venue.
The bartenders, security guards, and waitresses - however - were all bad at their jobs and rude about being bad at their jobs. Â The bartender was slower than molasses and gave me shit when I asked for some ones in change. Â No, I'm not going to tip you $5 on on a $10 drink - giving me 2 fives back as change from my $20 was sleazy. Â While I was waiting (for the previously mentioned slow bartender), I was literally pushed out of the way by a waitress trying to get her order in. Â Was I in the service well dedicated to the waitresses? No, just at the normal part of the bar. Â She had her *very own dedicated part of the bar* to order drinks from - but apparently it was 3 feet too far. Â Security was *really* pushy at the end of the show, like told me to get out while I was waiting for my friend to come back from the bathroom (which, apparently, takes 6 years here).
During the show my experience was great - before and after not so much.
Man, I don't know why people give this place a high rating, it's just ok. The night I went must have been a field trip from local retirement home lots of gray and no hair at all and old people tend to be rude. This night was no exception.
To get a table well cost you $5.00 per person with a $10.00 food order and this is on top of the ticket. We are talking $100.00 by now including drinks. After the tables are cleared off, the reserved sign goes as well. Demand you keep the sign on your table and do not let your table get hi-jacked by the gray hairs. As rude as these people are, they also very bold and moved our drinks and my coat. Standing 4 feet away (the entire night) was security and bozo did nothing. We had to raise our voice to get out table back. LAME security! On to the food, the selection is a bit better than bar food but they ran out of chicken before the band even got started. Who runs out of chicken? The food was good and tasty.
Restrooms are upstairs so if your handicap, do not bother going. This night ran is a grand total of $165.00. Tommy Castro and the pain killers are good but lacks any Latin soul, we actually left before it ended.
Live music, dancing, ability to walk about the place, decent food and prices, free water in coolers at edge of bars, old school balcony seating, jeans-t-shirt-leather jackets, friendly staff and fellow music lovers. What's not to love? Used to have about 60 parking spaces in a next door lot but I haven't been there in a year so have to confirm that's still there. The legwarmers are the house band for music and parties, but catch great roots rock from Donna the Buffao and other blues, classic rock, soul, reggae (SOJA) etc bands that come thru. It's got the vibe of 9:30 Club with the relaxed safety of Falls Church and easy access from I-66 and Route 29. Only regret is I don't get to visit and dance there more often.
Review Source:Not my favorite place to see a show. Â But the people and the staff are friendly enough.
Basically the main gripe is with the tables, right in the middle of what should be the dance floor. Â First of all, as far as a concert goes, tables in the middle of the floor have no business being there if you ask me. Â But this being in Virginia I guess you need these so that people will purchase food and be legal and stuff. Â But for a show, where there's dancing involved, just seems foolish. Â
There's a balcony as well with theater like seating so you can go up and catch the show or text or whatever. Â It's a fairly small venue so you'll have no problem seeing the stage wherever you are.
But aside from that, I'm sure that's how others want to see their bands play, so to each their own. Â But I'll stick with my traditional places where if you want to grab a seat you either find one in the bar, or in the bathroom.
Relived my past life as an 80's flash dancer last week, for that .. i SALUTE YOU!
First time here and the stuff you overhear people mention while sipping on your latte at Caribou; its a shithole. Take it at face value, and you'll never understand the sweet sweet honey this charming bumble bee can provide.This shithole is the Wonderland Ballroom of Falls Church. The place is huge, and probably fits about 400-500 people easy.
Chalk filled with a complete rundown atmosphere, old school huge bar, and staff that seem to actually give a fuck. Everything has its charm. Come here knowing this was an actual theater at some point .. so it shows it every where you look.
Came here for the Legwarmers, an 80s tribute band, and they fucking rocked it. Seriously, I was Richard Simmonsing it up while pop locking it to Madonna. The one let down, no top gun music :( One can only wish for such awesomeness. All you bitch-asses complaining about the balcony, harden the fuck up. Go down in the pit .. met some new people .. and get shitty.
The drinks were actually funny. Fat tire - $6.00, Double Jack and Coke - $6.00. Easy solution here. My boy Jack and I hung out all night, and if we kiss and told I'd probably be banished from my sweet yelping world.
A word of advice ... coat check, don't do it. I don't give a shit if its 0 degrees out, you will wait 20-30 minutes to check your coat. Then again on your way out.
Will def come back here again. Can;t wait for White Ford Bronco.
Good entertainment value, I saw Jimmy Herring here and I was able to make my way up to the front row. Great experience. Mad Cox is nearby for some good food and drinks before, but they also have a bar inside. I would definitely go back if a band that I like it playing. It's a different experience from something like the Arlington Draft House or the Birchmere. All a little different.
Review Source:Went here for a legwarmer's show and the staff were extremely friendly, and the place was much nicer than I thought for being so old. Â Sure, you can tell it's old, but it was charming. Â A couple of tips - there will be no parking, so be prepared to find it on your own. Â Also, bring ear plugs, I've been to a lot of concerts, but it's the first time I ever had the "ringing in my ear" sensation afterwards... Finally, it's hard to see on the floor, so just walk upstairs in the balcony section - there's a better view and you don't have to stand all night.
Review Source:Interesting venue as it had been an old style movie theater. The acoustics are ok but vocals get lost a little. The standing area is on the smaller side and the noise level pre-show can get on the loud side. Basic bar/pub food and older decor. There is a $10 per person min if you want to sit at one of the tables...drinks don't count against the min. Not hard to spend though as most items are $10.
Parking can be a challenge. Not a far walk or bus ride from the metro.
Instead of spending all that money redoing the interior I wish they'd used the money to book better acts like they use to 3--4 years ago.The tribute bands get tiresome. Use to book a lot of blues acts,was the go to spot in area for that, but they've cut way back on that in recent years.
Also the sight lines for a large section of balcony were ruined by the redesign.Then again maybe the point of that was to drive folks to a table and spend more money instead of sitting in a balcony seat?
What a great place!.
I Â have been frequenting the State since it opened and have voted for it many times in the past as DC's best venue. Â However, the State has gotten too big for it's britches. Â I guess they hadn't noticed that they are no longer the only venue in town. Â with competition from the [much better] Hamilton, Fillmore, Howard Theater, Bayou, Jammin Java and the good ol 9:30 you'd think they'd be a little more customer focused! Â But no, beers just went up. Â The security staff is surly and the food is way overpriced for ballpark quality food.
Walther Productions clearly favors Baltimore now, so very few decent shows coming through anymore in favor of crappy cover bands and Tribute shows to bring in the walking dead.
Wake up, State. Â when you take your best clients for granted they LEAVE!
I love the State Theater, I've seen a few shows here- SOJA on multiple occasions.
It's got such a cool atmosphere going on, with their vintage neon sign outside. I hear it was a former theater (hence their name) turned concert venue- so the vintage vibe is prevalent, and makes for a memorable trip.
You can never go wrong with good music, flowing beer and good company so  State Theater is always a WIN for me =D
If there is a dive bar equivalent to a theatre, that is what State Theatre is, a dumpy, raggedy place with seriously no thrills. With that being said it is still a fun place to go out and enjoy a no thrills concert.
I recently attended one of the 1,000 shows the 80's tribute band, The Leg Warmers do every year at the State Theatre and I must say I not only enjoyed myself I enjoyed the venue.
The staff is friendly and for the most part douche free, nobody was being obnoxious or over the top with their actions, they allow you to move about and have a good time as long as you aren't bothering anybody else or blocking a fire exit.
Bartenders are cool and will try their best to make all the drinks that you're looking for. They have multiple bars and it is a little confusing because some of the bars are cash only and some will take credit cards, they usually have a sign above the bar letting you know what the deal is. Â There is also an ATM downstairs for use if you need cash.
Couple of downsides, they only have one bathroom per sex, it is upstairs and it is small, going during the intermission of any show is going to be a hassle but just leave a little early and you should be okay or if you don't mind standing in ridiculously long lines then it shouldn't an issue.
Another downside, is parking is non-existent, they don't have their own parking lot from what I understand so parking is quite a struggle. You can find parking in the surrounding neighborhoods but that is always a crap shoot.
For the most part the State Theatre is a fun place to see a concert. Definitely recommend one of the many Leg Warmers concerts if you're a fan of the 80's, people dancing off beat to music and people dressing like Maverick from Top Gun.
Finally went to the State Theatre and  enjoyed it, but......................
We arrived early to have a bite to eat before the show began, time to chat with friends, etc. The piped-in music was so incredibly load we couldn't hear each other during dinner. Â It was astonishing given the size of the venue, which was bigger than cozy but not an amphitheater!
The food, though not the best, was very generous in serving size for the price, a good thing.
But, the noisy pre-event will probably nix another attempt. Â Next time we'll just arrive in time for the show.
The State Theatre is a historic movie theater converted in to a concert venue. Â It's a good place to see a show, although I must admit that the acoustics could be better.
Recently I saw Whitest Kids U Know perform their comedy routine here, and it was a very entertaining experience. Â While the line outside wrapped around the door, it didn't feel too packed inside.
I've been to a few shows here, including the Leg Warmers, and always had a good time. Â I will admit, however, that I have never tried the food -- and probably won't.
I have been very skeptical of the State Theatre. They seem to house the Legwarmers, an 80's cover band, every weekend, and not only that they sell it out consistently. Add to that the fact that it is all the way out in Falls Church and I've never really had any reason to go here even though there is occasionally an act that I'd like to see here. I finally got past my prejudice when the greatest live band that I've seen, Fishbone, decided to make this their DC area stop.
When I walked into the club I was actually quite surprised. It is a dump (and I mean that in a good way). It just has a kind of worn down feel, and it doesn't feel corporate at all. There is a very small pit section at the front, with a much bigger seated section that had tables and food. Food looked like standard pub fare. There were also some stools for seating along the bars on each side. The hall is much wider than it is deep. The second level is big, with movie style seating in the back and stools on each side. The stage itself is about 4 feet off the ground, and fairly deep. Fishbone had 7 musicians on the stage and it felt fine. The sound quality was pretty good on the floor, but a bit heavy on the base and with too many echoes upstairs, making it hard to hear the vocals.
So I have some problems with the venue.
1) The location. It is incredibly annoying to get out to falls church. The drive wasn't bad after rush hour, but it is still decently far out on the metro.
2) No concern for those of us taking metro. As I mentioned, we drove to the concert, and it is a good thing that we did, because if we hadn't we would have had to miss about 40 minutes of the show, including the highlight. The venue is 3/4 of a mile from the metro (according to their website) and the last train into the city from out there arrives well before midnight. The show went till 12:15 or 12:20 on a Thursday. There is no way to make that work with metro.
3) The sound. The sound was ok on the floor, though vocals were always soft. On the balcony it was horrible.
4) Ambiance - Show was just underpopulated and lacked real energy. Hard to say how much of that comes from the location, or how much of it is just that Fishbone is an old band and doesn't have the energy and following that they used to.
At the end of the day, it is a totally solid venue, but there is a reason that they play the Legwarmers and people past their prime. I wouldn't stay away if someone I want to see comes, but I'd have to really want to see them.
LEGWARMERS CONCERT: 14 April 2012
Last night a little dancer came dancin' to my door
Last night a little angel came pumping on the floor
She said, "Come on baby, I've got a license for love
And if it expires, pray help from above because"
In the midnight hour, she cried more, more, more
With a rebel yell, she cried more, more, more
In the midnight hour, babe, more, more, more
With a rebel yell, more, more, more, more, more, more
Check out my SWEET outfit (pic attached)...
Buy your tix in person to save on fees.
See the Legwarmers!
They also have other cover bands. I took my parents to see the Neil Diamond guy and they had so much fun.
Parking sucks, but there's nothing you can do about it. There are spots in the neighborhood, across the street, and at Applebee's.
This place IS NOT Metro accessible. If you're taking the subway, you'll still need to take a cab or the bus.
This review is for for time spent at State Theatre during the 80's tribute band, The Legwarmers.
TIME AFTER TIME I have dropped by this little shindig, in Michael Jackson attire, to celebrate the 80's and be FOOTLOOSE and fancy-free. It brings me back to a time before THE END OF THE INNOCENCE that I used to have. State Theatre- you ROCK THE CASBAH and you're just a HARD HABIT TO BREAK. I know that the 80's are over, but IT'S STILL ROCK 'n ROLL TO ME.
Now this place is hella crowded on LW nights and it's hard to maneuver once things get rolling. With a little PATIENCE, it'll take you some time to get into the bar once the curtains are up. Drinks are of average price and usually are not skimpy on the good stuff.
Value your hearing? Don't stand by the speaker near the front of the stage. It was like someone took a SLEDGEHAMMER to my ear drums and left me hard of hearing for a couple of days. Nonetheless, I'VE HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE.
There are so many oldies and goodies that have come to visit this little place. Blondie, Bangles, Don McLean, Blues Travelers, Everclear, Eve 6.
Caution:
New policy prohibits re-entry during the show= lame. No sneaking out to Clare & Don's during intermission for a quick drink at the outdoor bar. :(
I went to the State Theater last night to hear 3 bands play for the Mardi Gras Madness Party sponsored by HiBall Events. Â The State Theater isn't a bad venue. Â It's actually pretty good. Â The only reason I didn't give it more stars is because it definitely isn't the best sound system in the DC area. Â However, for service and their music lineup, they're a-okay. Â The place is pretty unique because it's an old theater turn music venue. Â There was a mummy outside the theater promoting another band, "Here Come The Mummies". Â It was hysterical.
I heard Down Wilson, White Ford Broncos, and Herr Metal all in one night. Â It was great to hear all 3 bands play in one theater. Â If the dance floor in front of the stage gets too crowded, you can easily go up to the balcony to hear the bands. Â The only issue I had is the microphone wasn't loud enough for one of the bands (this is actually a big deal). Â I'm hoping when I see the Legwarmers in April, the microphones will be loud enough to hear the lyrics. Â Again, I only experienced this issue with one band.
There are restaurants around the State Theater for those looking to dine before or after the show. Â The parking is free which is great and it's easily accessible from I-66.
I'm definitely going to attend more performances at the State Theater. Â It's a hidden gem in Falls Church.
I visited the State Theatre to see Hanson - yes, I know you're jealous!
Bad things - doors opened at 6pm. I arrived at 7:00pm, and the line wrapped around the side of the building twice... Umm, that I don't get. Also, the food line, merch booth, and ticket-taking area were all crowded in the teeny-tiny lobby.
Good things - Cider (Woodchuck) on tap! Mmm... Also, balcony seating. One thing that annoys me about 9:30 is that there is no seating anywhere. At least here, us lazy bums can have a seat up top while the young'uns go wild int the pit!
Other - On the Sunday night that I went, the only thing available on tap was Woodchuck. my date and I each got one (for $5), and then the next time we went back to the bar, it was gone as well. Really?
Impressed again. Everyone here is just so darn nice! Loved the organic white wine the front bar was pouring.
I also saw a different type of show here last night, a bluesy band. Before, I'd only seen jammy/electronic acts here, and I because of the close seating, I think the State does really well with a band that engages the crowd and tells stories. Didn't hurt that the band wailed, either.
This place is an absolute DUMP. I was truly disappointed by my experience there last night. First I must say that it is an absolute shame that a historic theater such as this is in such an unsightly manner. There seems to be no sort of attempt made at restoring the theater to its previous looks, which I know for many would be a big draw. I had really been hoping for some sort of "living history" moment, but that was not the case.
Where the night really took a down turn was when dealing with the staff. Security at this place was extremely rude and very bossy. I was surprised. It was not as if the place was crowded, and the folks who were there were neither rowdy nor causing a lot of trouble. I really wanted to just tell them to lose the attitude because they work in an absolute s**thole, not somewhere truly boast-worthy like the 9:30 club.
Drinks were priced typically for this area, about $4-$6 a beer. They had other drinks but I didn't really pay any mind to the prices. They also have food but BEWARE, avoid eating here like the plague! After the show, I spoke with the band who told me that the State Theatre had catered for them and that 3 out of the 5 band members had gotten severe food poisoning earlier in the day!!
This place was truly revolting and I definitely won't ever return here, even though I would have loved to see Blondie play here next week.
I've been to The State Theater to see both bands and comedy acts. I think this is a great venue because it's low maintenance. By that I mean that it's easy to get to, easy to park, easy to get in (I've never waited in a long line), no dress code, and seat yourself if it's a comedy act or dance up front on the main floor if it's a band. It's a small and intimate venue and it's a good view from pretty much anywhere you sit/stand.
I usually go up front for bands. Â Most recently I went to see Jim Norton and I sat in the seats upstairs in the upper balcony (we didn't get there early enough to get a table downstairs). If you go for a comedy act or something that will require you to sit, get there EARLY! I can't emphasize this enough, because only the front row in the upper balcony is spacious. The 2nd rows and higher are all like sitting in economy on American Airlines. And not the row that has the exits either. If you or any of your friends are 5'10 or taller, there's no way they'll be comfortable and you'll need the front row which is the only spacious row. The front row of the seating area in the upper balcony has a ledge to put your drinks down, and none of the other rows had that, which was clutch in my time of need for my fries and drinks.
The food at the bar downstairs is one star. They had limited choices, so we all had the cheeseburger with fries and the burger is just dry beef that tasted like cardboard and nothing on it. Not one little tomato or lettuce, and you cant make changes to it other than ketchup and mustard.
I know they have a full service menu option in the main room downstairs if you sit at a table, and I will say that I didn't have anything from that menu, so maybe there are some good options there that are better tasting.
If you're going to see a comedy act: MAKE A RESERVATION FOR THE TABLE!!! It's so worth it. You can sit down and eat from the regular menu and have a spot with tables to sit down on the first floor.
Overall, great local venue with no drama and no fru fru. Just a good space, with good views from every spot. Get there early, and you'll have no complaints.
I HATE, and I mean HATE it when some business tries to trap you into buying extra junk.  I like(d) the State because it has atmosphere but  this is the third dreadful experience and I have had it.  The show was some ancient (like me) country rock group and we left when they announced they were going to do the half hour version of some dreadful song. Â
What really frosted me was that they would not tell us if there were any dining tables left at the ticket booth and, you guessed it, there weren't any.  Of course, we could eat at the bar.  I wanted to leave and come back but they don't allow readmits%%  This limited our dining choices to  previously prepared chicken sandwiches and fries kept in a warming oven.  So, we have dreadful music, decrepit surroundings and high school cafeteria left overs for food.  A horrible experience at a premium price.  What more could you ask???
I recently went here for the Jim Norton show. Â The State Theatre was an OK venue for comedy, but not ideal. Â I really wished I had gotten there a little earlier because we were forced to sit on the upper balcony. Â The acoustics were fine up there, but it was difficult to see lil' Jimmy. Â
The multiple bars around the theatre were appreciated, and we didn't have to go far or wait in line long to buy more liquid refreshment. Â The views I saw from the lower level were excellent, and I like the "dinner theater" configuration for some of the tables. Â
I have heard good things about the State as a music venue, and judging from the acoustics of my trip here, I'd tend to agree. Â Will come back.
I love the State. Definitely one of my favorite concert venues. Relatively easy to get to and from, convenient nearby parking and some decent restaurants nearby for pre-functions or dinner before the show.
The owners did a terrific job on the restoration & renovation. I wish they would do the same to the Old Town Theater here in Alexandria.
Instead of the dinner tables or the balcony, try hanging out at the bar to the right of the stage. Great sight lines and easy access to refreshing beverages!
When it comes to music venues in the DC area, fellow Yelpers, this place is often overlooked and under acknowledged. This used to be an old movie theater that has been lovingly tunred into a music venue., The second floor balcony has all the old seats so you can sit from above and peer down onto the crowd and band. Down stairs you find a lot of small tables for eating and drinking that have excellent views of the stage and dance floor. The dance floor is average size, and right in front of the stage. A full size bar lines one wall and another the opposite. What's not to like? Drink, on!
I've always found the staff to be friendly and helpful. The food is good, although I must admit I have not sampled a great deal. And to top it off, the building is well maintained, historical which all add to the over all experience.
Oh, parking: good amount of street parking and some nearby lots (Applebees) which you can use on the weekends. After a show, hit Clare N Dons next door for food and drink on their patio.
So, if you haven't been, get to getting!
The State Theater is a nice discovery in Northern Virginia! I've seen more than one act here and I love it. Although there is not a lot of room, there are tables setup for some shows. State features a lot of cover bands and acts from the past as well as new and up-and-coming music.
Great venue!
I like The State Theatre. I think you will probably like it, too.
Most of the other reviews have covered the venue in-depth, so I'll mostly skip that, as they are fairly accurate. I'll emphasize that the balcony area is a nice touch. If you've been rocking out on the main level and want to chill out for a few minutes, it's nice to be able to stroll upstairs and sit down for a few songs.
Here are some things I like about the place:
They host a lot of cover bands. The best known example is probably that The Legwarmers play here two nights in a row about once a month. They are an 80s cover band, and they always sell out. A good chunk of the crowd (at least 25-30%) dress up in full 80s gear for the shows, so it's a lot of fun. Last night I met a group dressed as Devo (complete with flowerpot hats and sleeveless shirts) who will be coming as the Ghostbusters next time. There were a few Cobra Kai running around. We saw Ferris Bueller, too. Lots of headbands, lots of leisure suits. The crowd sings along to most of the songs, because they only play the most popular 80s hits. Oh, did I mention the band dresses up, too? It's an experience.
They don't jam pack people in, like some other venues do. When a show sells out, you can still walk around the place instead of being packed in like an immobile sardine. Comfort of the customer over maximum profit is a great decision.
They sell their tickets themselves, and do not use the abomination that is Ticketma$ter. This keeps prices down, as they aren't charging $12 "convenience" (never seemed convenient to me) fees. You can buy the tickets online at their website for willcall, and they are working on setting up their system to allow you to print from home. This is a forward-thinking move. Good times!
The drink prices are reasonable. You aren't paying $10 for a tiny mixed drink. Most of the bottled drinks are 2/3rds what you'd pay in D.C., if not half.
They have water coolers set up at each bar, with cups right next to them for self service. This is fantastic, and I commend them for taking this step. Makes things go much smoother.
Line management - the willcall line goes in a completely different direction than the entry line. This is a smart move that not enough venues do. Keeps things nice and clear.
The ticket prices are extremely reasonable.
Great website.
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I can't think of much to say that is negative. Parking can be kind of tough, but it's not that bad if you are willing to walk a few blocks, as you should be, to burn off some of that high fructose corn syrup that is in almost everything we eat these days. I suppose exiting can sometimes be slow, but that is true of most venues, since people tend to arrive at different times, but everyone usually leaves at once. The tough part here is that the entrance borders right on a well trafficked street, and people tend to mill about.
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See you at the next Legwarmers show! Drop me a line if you have an idea for a good costume! Don't bother suggesting Humpty Hump, I already did that last night:
<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D2-jVU5Lqxx0&s=895c7b275f7359217055992908d4d00630488786c8fb57e4bf5ef4bfee5b88e2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/w…</a>
;)
Were it just for the music I would give this theater 5 stars. It's an old movie theater and still sized as such. I was in the middle of the audience and felt like I was in the front row. And was able to stand right in front of the stage to get pictures. It was also small enough that I was able to let go of my teenagers and still be able to spot them in the crowd.
The down side was the food. Skip it! Even the chips that came with the queso were on the soft/old side. And they didn't have a pinot grigo by the glass.
Overall though I am very impressed and will definitely go back!
Had fun here during a Legwarmers concert late March (I "heart" 80s tribute bands!). Â I especially love it because it's not too far away from where I live.
I large, almost sterile-looking Majestic-like theater with a small lobby-bar yet a large concert area with multiple levels. Â Bars flank the floor, and if you get a standing room spot on the floor by a banister, you're right about the lower level for perfect concert viewing. Â If you're into chilling out and just observing the crowd jumping around, the upper balcony level has ample seating. Â
Women's bathrooms are few for the type of concert, but they were clean and nice.
Love this place. Non-smoking and great sound. I've never had the food and don't quite get the whole "dining at a rock show" thing, but I guess there's not always 'rock' shows there. Last time I went was to see Lez Zeppelin.... which you have to see next time they're in town.
There's plenty of bars on both floors and plenty of parking. Buy your tickets at the box office if you can and you won't get stuck with those ridiculous "service" charges by buying elsewhere.
Also, go to Argia's next door for yummy Italian and great martinis before or after the show. Avoid Broad Street Grill after the show. Looks cool, is truly lame.
Like the Uptown in D.C., this place is a refurbished movie theatre. The main difference between the Uptown and State is that live music is featured at the State, unless they are showing a Skins game on the screen,
Since it is on the small side, if you even think you want to see whatever act is playing, go ahead and grab tickets early because shows sell out quick. State features the kind of acts that played 9:30 "back in the day ." I just checked the schedule and am planning on seeing Blues Traveler here in a few weeks.
Great place to go see and hear live music, because it is not the type of deal where everyone crunches up at the front of the stage. You can  sit in on the lower level, there are chairs in the balcony or you can stand in the "main" area and not get trappled.
Very much an old fashion theater venue, the place simply feels old and classic. Â Here's an example...upon visiting, there were two members of their staff trying to take down the "now playing" sign, dodging cars in the rain, as they had to walk onto the road to be able to remove each letter of the sign one by one. Â I couldn't help but feel bad for them thinking "wow your job sucks dude"
The atmosphere of the theatre? Â Like I said very old. Â There is ample seating for small parties in the dining area, and a standing area right in front of the stage. Â Acoustics aren't too bad, but if you're sitting in the dining area, make sure you don't care about being blinded, cause I lost track of the number of times my eyes felt violated by the rotating spotlights.
The food is pretty good, and like someone else said...there's no smoking in the theatre.
The State Theatre is a great thing to have in the D.C. area. It's relatively easy to find by car, and they always have a slew of interesting acts. I saw the Stella comedy troupe here, and I've heard they have a crazy New Year's party every year. I just drove by yesterday and Lez Zeppelin and Bjorn Again are playing soon. Both are very interesting tribute bands. I wonder if the Mini-Kiss, the Kiss tribute band comprised of Little People, will be appearing here soon.
I like the layout of the State Theatre, and it's easy to get a good seat if you arrive early enough. If all else fails, you can sit on the floor in front of the stage and watch. The space is small, so things can be pretty loud, but it's all good. The food here is OK, pretty much your regular bar menu with bottled beer and other fine beverages.
Recently caught the English Beat at this venue. Â
Wonderful older style theater converted to use for live shows. Â Fantastic selection of beers including Magic Hat #9 (havent seen that beer locally - its from Vermont).
Occupancy probably maxes out at 250,but thats plenty for most of these shows. Â Parking can be a big challenge so arrive early and park legally.
You can reserve a table and sit through the show and have dinner too. Â I know that they have a kitchen, but at this time I have not eaten here so I cant talk about that (stay tuned).
TIP: Ear plugs - the space is small and the electronics can be large. Â Keep your hearing.. the show will still be plenty loud!
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