Last Exit Live
Audio By Carbonatix
Phoenix has a long and rich musical history, with dozens of venues and events across the Valley hosting a diverse range of performers and styles. Huge arenas, small intimate bars and everything in between; there are a plethora of options. Of course, that can make it hard to pick a favorite, but plenty of opinions abound.
A Phoenix Reddit thread from the end of October asked folks to name their favorite venues in the Valley to catch a live show. With over 150 comments, the outpouring of recommendations included spots with the best acoustics, vibes and locations to those who have the cheapest drinks. And of course, those thoughts were paired with plenty of reminiscing about favorite shows and, no surprise, least favorite venues.
The Musical Instrument Museum was recommended by Redditors as the place to go for perfectly tuned acoustics, and an intimate but more “classical older person vibe.”
“It has great acoustics, a pop-up bar that makes solid cocktails and one of the better museums in the country attached to it,” Phillipkram commented. “I can’t recommend it enough.”
Tonissa Saul
Others chimed in, shouting out Last Exit Live as a must-attend. With affordable drinks, a small stage and a “Super fun house party vibe with a cool patio and garage doors that open up to the bar,” Administrative-Buy26 commented, it’s a favorite for many.
Spots like The Rebel Lounge, The Nile and Rhythm Room all rose to the top as collectively reliable, for their performers and their atmosphere.
“The Nile for Metal. Perfect mix of history/decent enough venue but not too nice (if you know you know),” JusticiarXP commented.
Valley Bar and Crescent Ballroom were also mentioned as consistent favorites for small to medium-sized shows. The venues are under the same ownership and are said to have some of the best performers.
“Crescent Ballroom is my favorite, as it’s small, very accessible, and the food is awesome,” Slimmestjimmest commented. “Great shows will come through there Tuesday and Thursday.”
In contrast, the Van Buren, also under the same ownership, had the most split takes. The mixed reviews can’t agree on whether the acoustics are a net negative or are among the best in the city.
“Love that they have a patio,” Sweaterholic wrote of the downtown Phoenix venue. “Same with Crescent Ballroom. I like being able to escape outside for a bit if it’s overstimulating or I don’t care for the openers lol.”
Luckyman Concerts
Also under-favored was Marquee Theater, as Reddit users note the lack of parking, how fast the venue fills up and a bit of disdain for the slanted floor. With very few defending the design choice, although it makes the view of the stage more universal, it can be hard on the knees.
“Wow! No love for The Marquee Theater? I get it, the slanted floor sucks but I have soo many great memories at that venue. That place will always be #1 in my heart,” LAST2thePARTY commented.
Many Redditors also suggested the “criminally underrated” Mesa amphitheater, for accessibility and seating options, particularly as Phoenix’s temperate climate kicks in for the cooler half of the year.
“I have knee issues and can’t stand too long so I like to sit at shows sometimes and mostly going to metal shows makes it difficult at Van Buren, Marquee, Nile, etc,” CaliBear14 commented. “I’ve seen a lot of good shows at Mesa Amphitheater and I’m always the most comfortable there…There’s something for everyone, pit is there for the moshers, but plenty of lawn seating available for the elder emos.”
You’d be hard-pressed to find one venue that seems to rise to the top as the resounding best spot for a show, but that seems to be a testimony to the vibrant and versatile music that can be heard throughout the Valley.
