The old Spaghetti Warehouse has been transformed into what must be the city's best intimate venue to hear live bands. Â The space is just amazing. Â Wooden beams and rafters, a cathedral-ish ceiling, a balcony with metal railings upstairs, amazing chandelier light fixtures & not a bad spot in the house. Â
We went to see Junip and the crowd was such an interesting mix of hipsters and aging XPN-listening hippies and us, haha. Â At any rate, the space definitely added to everyone's enjoyment of the show. Â The line-up looks pretty eclectic. Â Tonight I think it's Black Flag for example. Â Go if you have a chance. Â Plus Prohibition is right around the corner for post-show drinks.
My first (and currently, only) Philly concert venue experience - saw Charli XCX on 06.01.2013.
For those familiar with the NYC music scene, Union Transfer is basically a cleaner, cheaper, and friendlier version of the Bowery Ballroom (UT is booked by Bowery Presents so they have pretty much the same acts).
I kind of don't want to tell you how much I loved Union Transfer, because I want it all to myself. Â It is so very awesome that I can scarcely stand it. Â The parking is close by, seemingly safe, and cheap! Â The show we went to charged only $10 to park which is unheard of for city concert venues! Â I also didn't have annoying scammers flagging me into competing lots like can sometimes happen at another concert venue just down the street ...
The beer was a normal price! Â And they had variety! Â My husband and I each had a $5 Yards Pale Ale during the show. Â My husband, in fact, had two, but I opted for another cold one -- ice cream! Â They had ice cream! Â Seriously, find me more concert venues that serve ice cream -- and Baby's ice cream at that. Â I had never had Baby's before and was a little put off by the flavors, but when the scoop guy recommended the chipotle cinnamon, I was game. Â It was weird, for sure, but awesome. Spicy and sweet all at once.
Finally, the viewing area of the concert was great. Â I would say it's set up similarly to the Electric Factory except you come in from the side rather than the back. Â It's also a little smaller than the Electric Factory while still being larger than the TLA. Â Can you say "just right?"
I have found myself seeking shows to see there rather than just waiting for my fave acts to announce their playing there, and that says something. Â My visit there was top notch and I can't wait to go back.
I'm a little late with this review, but I felt guilted into writing it when I checked out a video tonight from a concert I went to last year at Union Transfer (Heartless Bastards, 3/25/12). Even on a scratchy YouTube video with only 47 views so far, you can hear how AWESOME the sound system is. As a 30-year concertgoer in the Philly area, I can say without reservation that Union Transfer is my favorite venue. (The layout of the place is great, too, and I didn't feel crowded or unable to navigate.)
And like a previous poster, I want to keep the place to myself, but sometimes you just gotta do the right thing.
Great venue.  First show was Charles Bradley Friday night & he rocked. The space was just big perfect for everyone to have a decent view of the stage & performance.  2 bars on the first floor.  Maybe there is another upstairs?  Large 3 sided balcony upstairs that seemed open for anyone to watch as well.  Staff seemed friendly enough, and  womens bathrooms were decent, clean.
Looking forward to seeing more shows here. Â Out front there is a huge bike rack. Â There must have been at least 50+ bikes parked.
i have to say for mid-size spots union transfer is awesome and above average. Â
the venue its self is cool looking and clean, there is a nice separated bar area, an upstairs w/ a bar and additional spots to watch the bands, the sound is great, and i have found the venue staff to be very nice and accommodating. Â
i like how the merch area is outside the main room, and in the summer they have little baby's ice cream and in the winter a nice coat check.
Vegan pro tip:  every time i have been to a  show at UT when the ice cream was there - they have had a vegan option available.
the bathrooms are pretty clean considering its a concert hall. and the backstage little room has a couch and flat screen tv. not bad at all!
This place is pretty awesome for a concert venue. Checking tickets was effortless and navigating around the place was super easy. When you walk in, they have their bar area to left which has quite a number of tables to hang out before the show starts. The beers were pretty good and local. You have the option of either hanging out downstairs in what I would compare to be a general admission area or upstairs along the balcony. The place is small enough to enjoy the show from either one of these areas. If you do want to hang out on the balcony, don't worry, there's a bar upstairs for you as well in case you don't want to walk back downstairs to grab a drink. I can't wait to come back here and see another show.
Note: I don't know if this was only for the show I saw but people were not allowed to bring drinks out on to the general admission area. I did see some with water bottles, so maybe it's an open drink policy on the floor.
This place is what you would get if the Electric Factory and the TLA had a baby. Â It's much larger than the TLA, but it's situated similar to the Electric Factory. Â Unfortunately, it takes it's mother's genes and doesn't employ seats in the bar/balcony area. Â The acoustics here are pretty decent. Â The place itself is retrofitted from an old restaurant which is pretty cool. Â There are plenty of areas where you can get away from the music/stage and hang out (though I don't know why you would do that. Â The upstairs bartenders were very friendly. Â The booze/beer is decently priced unlike other venues (coughelectricfactorycough). Â It was my first concert here and I definitely want to go back and see another show.
Review Source:This venue is ridiculously cool and has everything that I'm looking for in a medium sized venue.
Huge open, airy space with really neat details showing off the old building that was originally the Spring Garden Farmer's Market in the late 1800s and has been a bunch of other really cool things as well (a spaghetti factory? cool). There are big, open exposed beams, open and spacious bar areas both upstairs and downstairs, a little booth that sells Little Baby's ice cream (pretty sure this isn't open all year round), and a bunch of other really cool details. The place is just pretty, and doesn't have that dirty, run down feeling that the Electric Factory or the Troc have.
Personally, being a person facing vertical challenges, I have a fond love for the stadium seating thing all the way in the back of the top floor. Honestly great view, not cramped, and the sound is perfect from up there.
This place makes me hope that all of the bands I'm hoping will visit Philly will play here.
My first visit to the Union Transfer was on Saturday, 4/20/13, to see Joy Formidable play with You Won't and Blood Red Shoes. Â I was excited to see the show there after reading all of the positive reviews and I was not disappointed.
Just as a Yelper before me wrote, it is much cleaner and not run down like the Electric Factory. Â There was space to move around, although I am not sure if the show sold out or not so that may change with a sold out show. Â One of the nicest parts about it was that the merch was reasonably priced, as well as the drinks. Â The tickets for the show were only $20 too!
Not that this is a review about the bands themselves, but Blood Red Shoes were awesome! Â I had never seen or heard them before but what a great surprise! Â They hung out in the lobby after their set and were very friendly too. Â I hope they come to Philly again.
So back to Union Transfer - This is a great, easy to get to venue with great sound and a friendly staff. Â I brought my teenage children since they wanted to see JF too and initially I was a little uneasy since I had never been there. Â However, there were quite a few young adults/teens there so that put them at ease and alcoholic beverages were not allowed out on the floor area so that created a friendlier atmosphere, for the younger crowd anyway. Â I will most definitely go back and can't wait to see another show there!
Love this venue. First experience was in November 2011 for Los Campesinos!, and have seen several other shows since then.
Respectable establishment, well organized when it comes to lines before shows, as well as keeping patrons informed via social media and their websites. Customer service as well as the folks at the Box Office are really great, and helpful. Will Call is painless if you're ordering online (or a show is high-demand, it will be Will Call-only), and getting tickets when they go on-sale at noon on a Friday is always a fun and easy way to do it, as well.
Ticket prices are very reasonable for the size of the venue, and the quality of the acts. I can't say that I've ever paid more than $25 for a ticket (with fees), which is great on my college student budget. Encouraging to see that there are alternatives to Ticketmaster (they use Ticketfly).
It's a short walk from the Spring Garden stop on the Broad Street Line, if you're coming by SEPTA, and they have a fenced lot in the back if you've a car (I believe parking is $10, the meters in the front are free after 6, if you can get one of the few spots), as well as plenty of opportunity for locking up your bike safely right out front (my personal preference).
Being under 21 (20, as of this writing), it's great to have a venue where I can see acts I love at a good price. I can't speak to the quality of the bars, or the balcony, due to my age. Compared to other venues that I have attended in Philadelphia, the patrons are amazingly respectful to both the venue and it's proprietors (employees, security, etc), as well as the acts and the other customers. I've never had any problems with drunk folks, or anyone spilling beer on me, which is fantastic. Or maybe I'm just lucky, I don't know.
Shows that I've seen at UT:
- Los Campesinos! (November 2011)
- Trampled by Turtles (April 2012)
- The Temper Trap (October 2012)
- Sufjan Stevens (November 2012)
- Purity Ring (January 2013)
I'll keep it short and sweet.
-Easy, painless will-call. The employees were helpful and the line to get in moved fast.
-Beers are reasonably priced compared to most concert halls/sporting events.
-Spacious main floor and wraparound balcony allows for different views of your favorite band.
-Excellent sound. Every show I've been to has has a decent midrange punch without the heavy, muddy bass you get at a lot of live shows. I don't know if its the room acoustics or what.
Overall, it's a great place to see a show. Whenever I find out some of my favorite small-to-mid level bands are coming to Philly I hope it's Union Transfer.
Dare I say best venue in Philly. Â Being very partial towards venues such as the Electric Factory, Trocadero, and Theater of the Living Arts for longer than a decade my first show at the Union Transfer might top them all. Â Yes this place rivals everyhere from the North Star bar to the First Unitarian.
First of all it was incredibly spacious and roomy. Â I was seeing a show where the majority of the people at the show were 21+. Â Plenty of room near the bars, which there are not just one, but more than three. Â Excellent craft brews are a reasonable 5 - 6 bucks for a 12 oz pour. Â Way better than the 5 bucks for a PBR can at many Live Nation venues. Â
So spacious that I was able to get to the front side of the stage relatively easy and had space around me and it was a sold out show. Â Great sound quality from the venue. Â Awesome acoustics. Â Not the best location but ended up parking on the street.
I finally had a chance to experience Union Transfer, the former spaghetti warehouse, home of the Philadelphia Marathon pasta dinner. Â I bought tickets to see MIKA on a Monday night, which is a random night for a concert, but I was pretty stoked.
The venue is open, and being 5'2 I had no problem seeing MIKA on stage from my spot on the +21 bar level. Â There's also an upper level where I'm sure you can see even better, but I wasn't sure if I could get an edge spot...since at my height I literally can't see a thing if someone stands slightly in front of me. Â
You're able to get tix emailed to you or at willcall - pretty sure that UT only uses Ticketfly for their sales. Â You just hold your ID up for the grumpy dude in the window and he hands you your tickets, easy peasy. Â
Soundwise, MIKA sounded great, and bar-wise the tap selection is nice and local, which you won't find at a large venue like Wells Fargo. Â You also won't find that unique acts that Union Transfer brings in at a place like WF. Â
My only gripe, is that the security staff was kind of annoying with their flashlights on the wristband thing throughout the show. Â In a dark room, it stood out....and in an intimately quiet room the "KKRRHHHTTT OVER!" sounds from the walkie talkies were disruptive. Â What was more disruptive was when the security team huddled together for a loud chat and some drinks while MIKA was still performing. Â This probably isn't an issue for louder musicians, but it was for a three man band, primarily featuring a piano and some conversational moments.
Union Transfer quickly became my favorite Philly venue! I've seen a few shows here and have had a great experience at every concert. The place is clean and inviting, always a great time!
Every staff member has been very friendly, from the bar tenders to the ID checkers. They get bonus points for their COAT CHECK! Yes, a coat check! That is an amazing addition to have, especially when you see shows in the winter months!
What I love most about this venue is the space. You can watch the show on the floor, at the bar in the rear of the floor area, or from the balcony. If you need to get away from the crowd for a bit, you can go into the separate bar area where you can still hear the music and watch the stage on TV screens behind the bar. The bar also has a great selection of craft beers.
I love seeing my favorite bands pop up on their event calendar and hope to get there more often in the future.
I've come to see a handful of shows at UT, and I've never had a bad experience. The sound quality is amazing, on point every time. The floor space is big, with enough room to feel comfortable moving around and clear visibility of the stage from various angles. There's a bar, which is s little overpriced, but what you expect to find at a venue. Coat check, check. Oh and heads up, if you're under 21 you can't have a dag outside.
Review Source:I have now been here twice, once for an event and again for a concert. Â I used to frequent the Spaghetti Warehouse as a kid and am glad I can enjoy this spot again as an adult. Â I think it's a great use of space and the line is usually quick and stream-lined. Â They always have good beers and good bands, so I cannot complain.
Review Source:Only been here twice but it's already one of my favorite venues. Conveniently located on Spring Garden, the commute is easy from South Philly and street parking has not been troublesome (this is especially if you're already familiar with the area thanks to Starlight Ballroom). However if you are impatient and don't mind $10, there is a lot behind the venue. I enjoy the multiple levels to view the stage (balcony and the rear of the venue are my favorite areas). No problems with the sound. I also enjoy that there is always a bar nearby when I need a drink. I see they have Little Baby's ice cream and other snacks in the lobby. I like their bar area where it's fun to lounge until the openers are done. Definitely hope to see more shows here.
Review Source:Came here for the Dan Deacon concert a few weeks ago, and was really surprised at how great this venue was. Vegan concessions from hipcityveg are much appreciated-my non-vegan friend and I loved the caramel popcorn and sweet potatoes we got. Although the top balcony was closed for the concert, the staff graciously opened it up when Dan Deacon asked making it one of the best concert experiences. Overall, clean venue, good food, and great music-can't ask for more!
Review Source:Just attended my first show at Union Transfer and I can't complain about much.
To start, I got to the venue an hour early and was able to park directly in front of the club, on the street. Â From my car to the main entrance was a five-second walk. Â We were off to a good start. Â
The venue is really nice inside...really high ceilings, pretty wide open and very clean. Â There probably isn't a bad spot in the entire club to be watching the show. Â There are areas along each wall for 21-and-over, which stretch to probably about five feet of the stage. Â A friend and I snagged one of these spots, so we were close enough without having to worry about being on the floor (and being run over by people slamdancing).
The floor area in front of the stage was smaller than expected, even smaller than that of TLA (from the looks of it), but that didn't bother me. Â It's an intimate venue...and that's not a knock, either.
The staff are incredibly nice. Â The security guys checking us at the front door engaged everybody in some small talk, and the one complimented me on my Flogging Molly T-shirt. Â The bartending staff never got short with me, despite the fact that I needed the list of beers on tap repeated about 10 times over the course of the night.
Bathrooms were remarkably clean.
The sound was among the best I've heard at any venue.
Things were well-organized. Â The first band hit the stage at 7:30 on the dot, just like the ticket said. Â Bands set up and broke down with a purpose, and the evening moved along at a brisk pace. Â Whatever this club is doing, others should take note. Â This was one efficient setup.
Oh yeah...NO BARRICADE! Â This is the first show I've seen in AGES where a barricade wasn't separating the audience from the band.
My only gripe (and one I wish I didn't have to deduct a whole point for) is that a couple of security guys were actually trying to stop people from slamdancing. Â I even watched one move into the pit a couple of times to shove away slamdancers who weren't even remotely close to him.
Perhaps a little talk with security about exactly what to expect at these types of shows would solve this issue. Â I wouldn't say the pit security was particularly brutish...just an annoyance.
To their credit, though, they weren't doing anything about the crowd-surfing or stage-diving. Â That was a breath of fresh air.
If they take care of the one slamdancing issue with security, they're easily getting a five-star rating from me. Â But, as it stands, I'll be back.
Excellent concert venue! Â It feels very intimate without needing to be climbing all over each other. Â Great sound system. Â Apart from one large pole on either side, it looks like there is good visibility of the stage from any point in the room. Â It is spacious and airy and not once did I feel even remotely claustrophobic. Â The best thing about this place is that the beer is not marked up like in other concert venues and is about $4-$6 for a bottle.
I went to the Pentatonix concert there a few weeks ago and was surprised to see that folding chairs had been put in the main area and along the sides. Â I suppose they take them out or leave them there depending on the tone of the concert.
One weird thing is that re-entry is only allowed for 21+.
Union Transfer is a great-and VERY welcome-new addition to Philly's music scene. Â The building is very minimalist, but the decor they do have is pretty cool...think old time movie theater. Â The show area is not too heavily adorned, but it doesn't matter. Â The acoustics are great. Â I especially love their bar section. Â It is roomy enough that you aren't bumping into fellow concert-goers, and also elevated so you can look down amongst the sober youngsters. Â Great beer selection too...I love that they have Yards on tap.
Also, if you were worried about the parking situation, fear not. Â There is plenty of free street parking close by.
All in all, I can't wait to see another UT show!
This is one of my favorite places to see a show in Philly, and I've been to a number of shows here. They book a lot of great bands, and prices are reasonable.
It's one of the most physically comfortable places I've been to see a show: the space is pretty open and well ventilated, with super high ceilings and fans. Â If you want to be in the very front, it's not usually difficult; you only have to show up a little earlier before doors open.
They only allow re-entry for 21+'s (I'm not sure why), have a coat check, and sell Little Baby's Ice Cream during the summer months and through September (you have to try it!). They have a separate bar section toward the back of the venue.
Sound is good. Sometimes the wait between bands can be a bit too long, though. Security is pretty attentive but they don't frisk attendees or check bags at the door. Bathroom (the women's, at least) has about a bajillion stalls and is clean. I
I've only ever had one bad experience here, and I blame that on a few folks around me (apparently Grimes attracts kids who take MDMA/like dubstep/fist pump). But this was no fault of the venue. Union Transfer is a great place to see a show. If you're thinking about seeing a show here, do it.
I started out with a pretty bad impression - when we left home in southern Delaware, it was lovely out, and I was dressed accordingly, but by the time we got to Philly, it was raining and gross. So we show up at the venue about 15 minutes before 8:00, and not only are there not nearly enough awnings to offer any shelter (what awnings there are are quite small and quite high off the ground) but when we walked into the foyer, through the unlocked door, we were unceremoniously booted back out into the rain after a minute or so by an unapologetic employee who then made a big show of locking the door behind us. Yeah, nice, dude.
But... the venue itself is beautiful, inside and out. Parking was super convenient - there's a lot directly behind it, and we zoomed right in and parked for $10, no problem. It was a pretty small lot, though, so I'm guessing if you're not there before the doors open, you're out of luck.
We parked ourselves along the railing on one of the balconies, up near the stage, and had a great view of the entire concert. We had a frequently visiting waitress who kept us supplied with drinks all evening, but we're great tippers, so I expected nothing less.
At one point, some drunk idiot climbed up on top of the trim that runs along the rail, looked like maybe a 6" wide ledge up there, because she "just wanted to seeeeeeeee..." which is when we realized the head of security was standing right behind us. He took care of it quickly and way more politely than I would have.
The only major negative was the women's bathroom, which was already pretty filthy within 5 minutes of the doors opening. I expect them to look that way by halfway through the concert, but within 5 minutes?
And the 2nd opening band went hog wild with the smoke machine, to the point where people from the crowd downstairs started yelling "NO MORE SMOKE" every time he flicked the switch. Not sure how much of that was a venue issue and how much of it was a retarded band issue, but even up on the balcony, my eyes were burning and I had a headache after a while.
But... compared to other venues we've been to in the city, it was pretty good.
So much fun!
It kind of looks like an old church inside which is pretty cool.
I saw Circa Survive at their sold out Violent Waves show. The crowd was well behaved, it wasn't overly crowded and I could see pretty well despite my small stature.
I had so much fun! Plus, I was able to walk from my fave NoLibs bar The Abbaye.
I'll be back for more shows.
Quite possibly the best concert venue I've ever been to. The acoustics are fantastic as there is no problem making out any of the words from the bands or any of the instruments. I also don't think there is a bad view in the entire place. My girlfriend and I decided to head upstairs to the balcony and watch from there. We had a perfect view of the stage and it wasn't crowded at all.
The shows are cheap, as are the drink prices (for a concert venue, at least...especially one in Philly.) I can't wait for more artists to come here that I like, hell I might even come to check out some random ones because I like it here so much!
My only complaints would be a lack of seating options in the balcony/bar area. It would have been nice to sit somewhere and there was plenty of space up top where more small tables and chairs could have been placed (at least for this particular show). Also, our tickets and the website said they are supposed to have post show happy hours (with some really good deals) but when we went to the bars located in the back after the show they told us they weren't doing that tonight. Why have it on the ticket for the show if you aren't having it?!
I like Union Transfer because the drinks are priced normally (which in and of itself is incredibly surprising and exciting), they have an awesome tiered balcony so I can get a good view of the stage without having to be shoved into the middle of the crowd on the floor (I'm short so I'm always stuck behind some tall person), and it's spacious.
The sound is pretty good. The interior is nice and has yet to be sullied. There are several bars so I don't have to wait a billion years for my drinks (and miss the artists in the meantime). They also pretty much only book solid artists. It's a much needed addition to the music scene here in Philadelphia. Union Transfer definitely took us to the next level.
First time at Union Transfer was on Monday night 7/16 for the Best Coast show.
This was an all-ages show, and as a middle-aged relative geezer, I still had a terrific time in a great [relatively] new venue for Philly.
I arrived about 7:30p for a show w/doors open at 8. Line wound around the block, but venue staff use the time to check IDs for those 21+ on the line who want to drink. Â
[Aside: I can't believe how many younger people still smoke. Lots of under-21 kids puffing away. Boo. Â But, no smoking inside, so that's cool.]
The neighborhood is scruffy, but decent, and street parking is plentiful. We parked about  two blocks away, free on the street.
For the duration of the show, my wife and I sat at a high-top bistro table at the edge of the concert-area-bar, and we had a decent view of the stage for the entirety of the three-act show...even with other bar patrons leaning on the adjacent rail....got a nice show from a guy standing behind his girlfriend, the two of them grinding together so aggressively that it made my back ache just watching them.
I think [but am not sure] that there are 'bullpens' on either side of the show floor for 21+ drinkers. Â This is pretty cool. Â It is pretty strictly enforced, as we saw young guys from the opening act -- Diiv -- denied access. Â Ouch. But hey...
We had several rounds of beers -- very good bottle & draft selection. Paid $11/round [$6 for a Yards IPA, $5 for an Amstel] which isn't a mind-blowing deal, but not a stadium-complex-caliber gouging, either. Very nice cocktail server in the bar area took our orders, and we tipped $2/round. Â Server was very gracious.
Of all the non-arena venues in the area [TLA, Elec Factory, Troc, et al], this  will probably be my new favorite. Wish there were more seated spots, but I'm an outlier in that regard and I understand why they keep the viewing areas pretty clear.
Big, positive, vibe for Union Transfer.
Union Transfer is everything I want a music venue to be.
It is intimately spacious, with a cool atmosphere, and literally devoid of any spaghetti remnants. The 21+ crowd has access to two bar areas (with decently priced draughts) as well as the upper balcony level. The layout is expertly designed so that you have a great view from all points of the house. They host a wide smorgasbord of artists, so you can most likely find something for you. You can get Little Baby's ice cream just steps into the lobby area. And the post-show happy hour ($2 Miller, $3 olive drinks, $4 Jack Daniel's drinks) is definitely worth sticking around for a little while longer.
What really separates UT from all other venues is the quality and freshness of the sound. I'm not sure if this is a result of the way the acoustics bounce off the architecture, an extremely high quality sound system, or the Philly fairy just wanting to bring something good to this historically decrepit neighborhood...but I like it. As a musician, it left me with happy ears.
Do, however, be aware of the types of crowds you might encounter coming here. At any given show, be prepared to run into the one guy with glow sticks raving in the back, the small group in front failing to start a mosh pit, and at least four couples awkwardly trying to grind out of sync.
Zrooooom to the top of my favorite places to see shows in Philly goes Union Transfer. It was only a few months ago that I was standing in Union Transfer at a Yelp event, screaming to everyone in sight, "How have I not seen a show here?!"
That has all been rectified now, about a handful of times, and I have nothing but good things to say about this place. This is just a dope place to see a show- the sound is consistently great. The venue is nice and spacious; feels part-warehouse, part castle court, to me. Or almost churchy? Well, maybe I just like the vaulted ceilings and rafter beams. I don't know. I do know that upstairs or down, general admission style, I have easily been able to snag a good vantage point for view or for showcasing the moves. I don't know if there's a bad spot in the house.
Ticket prices are typically between $13-$25 to see an excellent variety of bands coming through. So, maybe you are not sure that you're into some band or other, I for one, am all about giving a new (or new to me) band a 15-dolla-or-so chance. Dude, I have taken the 23 bus straight up there in no time from South Philly, on a last minute whim. Bought a ticket at the window and had an even better than usual Thursday night for m'self. Â I've begun to stalk their calendar.
I would be hard pressed to plan a place like this. I love that there is a concert venue in this part of the city as It's easy to park along Spring Garden for free.
I came specifically for the Rob Delaney comedy show. It was fantastic and UT was almost the perfect venue for a show like this. I say almost because the folding chairs, while comfortable for a folding chair, were a little uncomfortable after an hour or so of sitting. I'll admit that as much as I loved the show, I was ready for it to be over when it was because my butt and back hurt.
I liked the "no assigned seats" aspect in principle but because I attended alone, I was afraid to get up to get a beverage or snack for fear of losing my great seat,
As far as snacks and beverages go, I'd like to try the ice-cream they offer there sometime, it looked good. I'll usually pass on concert booze. It's often a little overpriced and crowded. I suggest hitting the nearby Institute, for a pre and post game beverage when seeing a show here.
My minor complaints aside, Union Transfer is a boost to this area of the city, and Philly in general. I'll definitely keep a lookout for upcoming shows I recognize ( which isn't a lot since I'm such an old fart.)
Finally getting to review something I actually know about - venues.
I spent the majority of my life seeing bands play. Â I loathe the "concert" feel of being lost in a crown of sweaty, drooling fan who just want a piece of the band from afar. The only true way to experience a live show is where the musical act can interact with their fans on a one-on-one basis. That give and take is what makes the experience more than just a performance.
The union transfer is handled by Bowery entertainment and r5. Â Sean Agnew gets all the credit in the world for working his ass off to make philadelphia a premiere place to see everything from the DIY punk show to a first class act in a larger venue. However, every R5 show has that DIY close-knit feeling. Â How he has taken the Union Transfer which roughly holds 1000, complete with a top of the line sound system, and classed up the previous hole that was the spaghetti warehouse in such a fashion that an old jaded punk rocker like me still loved every part of it is not an easy task. Â I'll come here anytime.
Face it, the TLA and Electric Factory are both awful - Huzzah to the union transfer.
How anyone could give this place less than 5 stars is beyond me. I'm actually glad you can't take alcoholic beverages past the bar area...this leads to less sticky floors. I hate sticky floors. This adds to my experience.
My first trip here was for Gillian Welch back in the fall, my Nanny had just died and I said no no no we must go to the show. My Nanny will haunt me if we spent "good money" on tickets and don't go. What is "good money" by the way as opposed to "bad money"? I was pretty impressed, but I wanted to wait till my second trip to write a review. I missed the yelp event, I think I was in Maine or recovering from traveling, something of the like.
One of the crazy amazing things is how well this place is laid out, it doesn't feel like you are cramped in there. They also have a stellar ventilation/fan system going. For instance I smelled trees, and then I didn't. Generally when you smell trees at a show, you not only smell trees for the rest of the night, but you yourself smell like trees.
Added bonus during the warmer months little babys ice cream has set up shop in the coat check room!
Part of me wishes they would have kept the brass bed that was in the middle of the  old spaghetti warehouse, but it would have messed with the minimalist yet gothic urban feel perhaps?
Union Transfer is the best music venue in Philly by a large margin. The best sound, the best lights, the best use of space & booking most of the best shows.* Best everything.
I think all of that enthusiasm is called for. The tickets are cheap (mostly $15-$20). There's never a hassle getting in. They book cool bands. I like how the three bars are situated. The sight lines are great, especially from the balcony. It doesn't get weird gross sticky musty hot during packed shows. Shows generally begin on-time. (These are all sly digs at other venues in Philly of similar size/booking some of the same acts, I guess, but the guys running UT seem to have paid attention to how to improve upon all these things.) I've been to several shows here just because I trusted it would be a pretty good time based on the venue; was not disappointed.
I think you should go see music here.
* I guess I should qualify the last portion of this statement with "assuming you have the same general taste in music as me, a person on the internet you do not know."
I finally got to check out Union Transfer this week and I have to say, I was impressed! Â I heard it was an open floor plan with no seating, so I was wondering how they were going to handle the Henry Rollins spoken word show. Â They had rows of chairs setup on the floor downstairs and I chose a stool up on the balcony.
Even at a sold out show, the venue felt spacious and not overly crowded at all. Â It's a beautiful old building with great acoustics. Â Even when I went to the bathroom I could still hear the show. Â Service was great and we were served drinks at our seats in the balcony area. Â Prices were about average.
I was able to find free street parking only 2 blocks away. Â There was a food truck parked outside, which was a nice surprise. Â I had a sandwich while I waited for the doors to open.
The women's bathrooms were clean and empty. Â Perhaps because I was at a Henry Rollins show and the dude factor was pretty high. Â It was a pleasant surprise.
This is officially my favorite Philly venue so I'm going to keep it short and sweet.
Let me start off by saying that I have been here a few times and will indeed be back for more! Much more! Actually I already have tickets.
The bars are awesome, yay for a venue where you can actually access a bar and drink and see the band! Finally!
The upstairs when open is pretty cool but the floor is super sweet!
The acoustics are pretty banging too! You can see and here the band from almost everywhere!
The only thing I don't like are some of there bartenders, they seem to be newbies and just can't get it together, but other than that, the place is still fairly new and growing so I will give them a pass.
Now who wants to go to shows with me???
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