El Corazón

Honestly I was pretty disappointed through my trips to Seattle to discover that the Seattle that once birthed a great punk and indie scene is not the same city it was once. Nothing lasts, but as the city became wealthy it changed things a bit. That's fine, but the music scene suffered a bit I think from all the wealth driving up housing costs. I felt that way until I visited this venue and realized there is still a place where you can find punk, metal, and indie shows with bathrooms not cleaned since 1994 and bouncers who graduated from the 'Courtney Love School of Customer Service", and decently priced beers. and THANK GOD for it. If I see one more dude with a sweater vest complaining to a waitress for messing up his "light ice" request in his cocktail I'm going to scream. At this venue, there's going to be loud music. There's going to be bouncers who act annoyed if you ask them stupid questions. There's going to be oversold shows. This is a refreshing spot in Seattle and I'll keep coming back when I'm in town.

Dingy but def a vibe, no bad spot in the venue extremely intimate. Sound is usually good. Not sure wassup with the pillar in the middle of the stage

Great venue that is intimate with the bands that play there. Small place but everyone there is wanting to be there. Good vibes and a very welcoming

It's a dive bar cement floor rock and roll club where typically the music is way to loud. if you like that then you will love the place. I don't understand how they get big named bands as it's way to small. and the layout is not good. Great for small no named bands .

I've seen quite a few shows here, just saw Front Line Assembly and Clock DVA. It was Wax Trax era jams from FLA, so I was stoked! It was great to see all my fellow GenXers donning their old battlejackets and enjoying themselves. I think I saw FLA there back in 2018 or 2019, too. Not sure about venue/year, I'm getting old 🤷‍♀️ It's a grungy and cozy venue, you can always find a spot to see the stage, even if you're short. There's floor space in front of the stage, and a lifted platform with seating up some stairs that spans the back, facing the stage. You can walk across this platform to get to the main bar and avoid the potential mosh pit area. They'll even block off a section at the front side of the stage for anyone needing an accommodation for a wheelchair or other mobility issues. The ladies restroom is a basic grungy bar bathroom, they've always had toilet paper and soap when I've been so no complaints from me. The stall doors are a bit short, but nothing too scandalous. It's the kind of place you easily want to make sure no one is passed out and/or expiring in a stall. It's that kind of place, sorry, not sorry. The bar has a decent selection, and the bartenders are friendly. Door staff can be a bit stiff, but they're the first line of defense against 🐂💩 so that makes sense. I've never had a problem getting street parking in the area, and there's plenty of places around to grab a bite before a show. I've never felt unsafe in the area and I've seen multiple shows there alone. I'm a 5'6 130 lb (elder)goth woman with intense RBF, so use that info as you see fit.

Me and some friends went to see Gorilla Biscuits last night. Decided to leave during second band because we already couldn’t get a drink, find a place to stand, or move for that matter because it was ridiculously oversold. Fire Hazard for sure. We tried to leave from the door we came in and were told by a bouncer that there were too many people in the building and we had to go out the back entrance. Got to the back entrance and it was another bar. The door guy at this other bar wouldn’t let us out because he thought we were trying to go to his bar. He then carded us to leave, very strange. Corazon was so packed the staff was useless. There is intimate and there is greed. Last nights venue showed the latter. Hope the bands did well. Punks and Metal heads get shit on enough without all that mess.

Went back here again on Aug 19th for a Twiztid concert and had so much fun! Been here twice now and have enjoyed the experience each time. This last time things did go a little wrong but it wasnt anyone fault and you could tell everyone who performed were tired by the time they got to that location. It is a small venue with two bars! I know many complain about the space but all it takes it actually looking up the venue before getting a ticket so it isnt the venues fault you didnt look into it. I've had fun twice now and plan on going back again one day especially if Twiztid is playing again. This last time was an anniversary gift from my husband and my first VIP show so there was nothing that was going to ruin this for me! Look into the places youre wanting to go to before deciding to go. They often have all the info you need on their website.

We had a great time! Paid parking lot close by. Small and near perfect venue really. The only thing I'd say is TURN on some damn fans! Holy hell it gets hot in there.

I've been here a few times over the years and never had an experience like this. The show was great, It was Amber Pacific and Hawthorne Heights, this past Sunday, October 13th. My friend and I were talking to the band after and I realized I had set my bag down by the merch booth, when we had taken a photo. I had already walked out and the guy said no re-entry which was fine. I waited on the sidewalk while he grabbed my bag and when he came out with it, he threw it at me as hard as he could for absolutely no reason. And then he hit me. It was completely unprovoked (I hadn't had any interaction with him throughout the night prior) and I walked away in shock. My friend saw it happen and immediately called the police. When he went to ask the guy his name, another guy (who we have identified), actively prevented him from walking by with a box he was carrying. Some of the things in my bag broke and he left a massive bruise on my side and a cut above my eye from where my phone charger whipped me (the bag wasn't completely zipped because it had been attached to my battery pack and the cord was slightly hanging out). I'm still waiting to hear back from management with his name so I can file charges but I'm not holding my breath. I doubt this is an isolated incident.

This bar is so fun!! It's a classic Seattle dive bar, fast drinks, and super chill vibes. I went there with my bf to the shrek rave and it was awesome. The bouncers are super chill too! Great venue for shows.

I don't know why people have such a problem with this spot. They play kewl music and have yummy IPAs. I'm a total beer snob, i have gooooood tastes in beer so I know what I'm talking about. I don't like going the Seattle much. It's kind of scary unless you're in the market for a good time. Plenty of action if you know the spots. Haha. I love hitting up local pizza places after and I look just a cool as a person who lives in the city. Nobody knows and I eat my pizza like a New Yorker so I know people are jealous of that. Give this place a try, yo. There's good bands! Everyone needs to chillax.

I haven't been to El Corazón in years...in fact I'm not sure it had the same name at the time, but my visit this past Saturday brought back a lot of memories. The place is smaller than I remembered, but overall it hasn't changed much. The staff were friendly, the drinks strong, and the bathrooms as dirty as I remembered. Don't come here expecting Madison Square Garden but it's still a great place to see a concert in an intimate setting.

Unprofessional attendance. Unable to do the bare minimum when it comes to security checks/crowd control. didn't even bother with the service. Just had to get out there as soon as I could. Staff made the night pretty horrible. I wish I could give them a worse review.

I think it's usually a pretty good experience, I see a lot of people complain about the staff but in my experience it's only one guy who's a bit more aggressive but nothing over the top (like he's pretty strict about where people line up at, but to be fair there's not any signs so it's kinda a IYKYK sort of thing) But I'm not there to focus on the staff but rather the music. I don't know the name of the bartender guy I'm thinking of but he's a pretty chill friendly dude, always smiling and making people feel welcome. Other than that, I think the ambiance just depends on who you're going to see. I saw Korpiklaani and that was a really great time, getting shoved around in the pit is always fun. only complaint was since it was all ages or 18+ or whatever you can't have any alcohol on the main floor.. bit annoying but not a deal breaker. The bands are loud as h*** so I recommend getting some high fidelity ear plugs instead of the foam ones.

Went to see the Reverend Horton Heat on 3/1/25, walked through security and there was zero room to move around, couldn't barely even walk through to the bathrooms, they clearly over sold the show and had no regard for anyone's safety. Never used to be like this, so disappointed.

Venue was rough around the edges but nothing that was unexpected. All of the employees and security were great people. Drinks were cheap relative to what's being charged at other venues in the nearby downtown and Capitol Hill area in Seattle so that's a huge plus. Can get really hot really fast because of lack of A/C.

We love seeing punk shows here! It is a great crusty establishment....as it should be... very fun place. The bathrooms are a foot away from peeking over the stall and seeing someone peeing.. love all of the graffiti and ya.. the bouncer dudes are rude because that's their job.. they need to be ready for any idiot.. so thanks bouncers

I can say definitively that I am not a fan of this venue. The bathrooms are god awful on the women's side. The toilets didn't flush, everything was wet, it was absolutely disgusting. I only gave this place two stars because the staff are rather polite, and they don't take crap from people that want to be obnoxious jerks. I can also appreciate that the size of this venue makes for an intimate experience with whichever performer you are seeing.

Aggressive and violent door staff. Obnoxious pole in middle of stage. Poor sound, no lights.

Lots of great bands. Generally cheap cover. Drinks are not insanely over priced like many Seattle Venues. Yes it is a dive, but the crowd is usually fun. Parking is generally easy and free. My only big complaint is sound bleed between the two stages. Not sure where a lot of talented young and great older bands would play, if not for this club.

My wife and I came here to see a local Cure tribute band called Lovecats and had a great time. El Corazon is connected to The Funhouse and you actually enter there. Everyone at the front was nice and checked ID's, etc. I was actually frisked before entering. Hmmmm....been a while since that has happened to me. There was a local opening band (JV) that had a lot of energy and cool matching silver outfits. Lovecats was great and the lead singer had the look and dancing style down. We met him afterwards and he's a nice guy. El Corazon has their bar on the far end of the venue with one hard working friendly bartender serving up drinks. She did a great job. A full bar offering as well. The stage isn't too big but the bands we saw made the most of it. I like that there are places like these still around and fully support them. The small music venues are disappearing rapidly so I hope this one stays. Of course, the outside area is sketch with street parking, homeless camps and trash all over the sidewalks but I think some of that adds to the ambiance of a grungy/rock/punk type of venue.

The grizzled grey bearded person taking money at the door is easily the rudest person that I've ever handed money to. I know it's hard, standing at the door, taking money, I've done that job. It can truly suck. But if you are that unhappy, maybe that is not the right job for you? And I know it can be triggering when someone asks a difficult question like: "Is it OK to park out front? The signs are unclear." or "Do I need a stamp?". I feel your pain, having to answer such questions can be too much. Especially right after taking money from that person. I mean, what was I thinking, asking those questions?! You are there to take money and nothing else. I clearly crossed a line by asking those questions. My bad, dude. I hope your employers help you to get the help you need. There are resources out there. Hang in there, buddy. It gets better.

The staff is aggressive and mean. They screamed in my face when I asked what the rules were about leaving and coming back in. It was embarrassing and disrespectful. I watched a lot of people get treated poorly by staff too. Being a smaller venue I would think that you'd take pride in making sure your guest are well taken care of but I can see that is not the case.

El Corazon and all of their stuck up staff members are seriously LAME. If you want to see an artist in Seattle.. try to stay away from this venue if possible. The acoustics are horrible, theres not enough room, it's dirty as FUCK and the staff members have to be some of the grouchiest people I've ever met. I love my heavy music but if bands book here in the future, unfortunately I won't be going along with many other displeased metal heads tonight. Hopefully the can get their act together soon because this is not the venue I once knew and appreciated.

Went here for the living tombstone concert and it was so packed you could not move in the crowd. I left when the fire martial came and hope the place gets shut down.

Iwant to put this in because people in these reviews are hating on el corazon, this place has been a hot spot for PUNK SHOWS for years on years. Yes the bathrooms look crazy and "messy" but that is because bands have added history to them the people have added history it is all part of the subculture. I've always had a fantastic time at El corazon the prices are never crazy high and the pits go hard. Stay punky yall

This is a pretty good place, for a dive bar. One of my favorite bands from South Dakota was touring again and playing at El Corazon. Well there isn't much that can pull me out of my fuzzy robe and slippers on a Wednesday night at my age except for that sweet sweet promise of antiquated emo beats. The drive to Seattle is always only half the fun then we moved on to parking. There are a few lots in the area, always overpriced but what can ya do. We didn't have any issues getting in with our tickets and headed towards the back to keep from getting squooshed. There are two stages, the larger one and then a smaller one that we were able to stand on to give us a little bit of elevation from the crowd so we could actually see. The lighting and acoustics were good for a little place like this and I did dig the seedy feel of the place with the black walls and band stickers plastered on every square inch There were a few different places to grab drinks. The "cage" as the lead singer of the band referred to the caged in bar to the left where people can drink and listen to the band, and then a couple other places in a room off from the main band room. The bathrooms were what really killed it for me. Obviously I don't expect a place like this to have the highest of sanitation standards, but the stalls were made for grade school children. Even squatting you could look over at the person next to you and right down at them to see what color knickers they were sporting for the night...eh I think I can hold it till we get back to North Bend. Other than the place being a bit run down, hard to find parking, and the mini potties, we enjoyed watching the band and didn't mind that there was only standing room and no seating. It was just kinda what we expected.

This was my first time at a small music venue since Covid hit. I went there last night and saw little miss nasty, Gina and the eastern block, and raven black perform. Everyone was super nice, including everyone that attended and the groups that performed also. Thank you El corazon and I'm hoping to come to another show and have another blast like last night.

We went and saw the Falling Doves last Wed. They were damn good. The venue wasn't bad. It's just another dive bar. For $10 and a couple of Montucky beers and bourbon; it was a great bday

Grungy Cool and Super Cozy. Not a bad spot in the place! It's like the bands are playing in your living room only awesomer Just saw 10 Years and the show was the Best I'd ever seen them do! Seen them 4-5 times prior at places like Showbox. Wish more major bands would play here. Staff is fun and friendly too

Festa estranha com gente esquisita. It's a small avenue with grungy style, nice place to enjoy local bands and mosh pits. I love going there and seeing so many different people with several styles enjoying the same band and having a good time. Anthropological experience.

The stage is a 6 inch raised platform. The floor has a gigantic support beam directly in the middle in front of the "stage". The bathroom stall has walls that are only like 3ft tall so you're staring at a line of sweaty dude nipples if you are unfortunate enough to need to use it. Where Nirvana played like 30 years ago, and they haven't updated since. Wish Seattle had a real metal venue. I asked them in a FB comment if they ever planned on adding an actual stage or not humiliating bathrooms, and they deleted it, so I guess not. Try deleting this lol

I've been to several events at El Corazon but this will be my last. Venue is rough, but that's part of the charm and I've never had issues with the bartenders or staff. However, every single time the lining up to get inside is a shit show. They need to put up a sign as simple as "line starts here if you're a ticket holder" Nothing like showing up early to wait in line and then be forced back to the end so you wait another half hour in the cold and rain. A simple piece of paper taped to the wall would solve so much

Not the best venue to begin with but the security/bouncer staff is by far the absolute worst. While waiting for my girlfriend to come out of the bathroom, I was physically pushed to leave. I dropped personal belongings in the trash due to this and after trying to retrieve them, had my arm put behind my back and was taken out. Absolute atrocity. Management did not care at all.

El Corazon is, far and away, the absolute worst concert venue in the county, maybe even the state. I would rate it 0 stars if that were an option

got groped, harassed, and a fight broke out in front of the stage, staff did *nothing*

Saw fishbone earlier tonight. Great band. Minus 1 star for the many posts & pillars that block your view. Minus 1 star for letting photographers stand on the edge of the stage for long periods of time obstructing your view. Minus 1 star for having no warning for the stupid step up going into bar section of the music venue side where people trip all the time. Minus 1 star for the shitty attitude of the asian bartender on the music venue side. The other bartender was alright though.

Although they have some killer bands... The staff is rude! Especially the woman behind the so called bar... Dirty and bathrooms are disgusting. Too bad Jinjer isn't playing at the SODO! So much more class.

I have been to El Corazon a few more times since I have written my first review for the place. I occasionally was starting to like it ever so slightly because the other shows that I have been to have had a small turnout in audience numbers making the shows intimate in nature and enjoyable. Ventilation is never too great here. I was here one summer and it was stifling and my most recent foray here was stifling as well because the show was sold out. I went to see Killing Joke with opening band PIG. PIG was a nice bonus. I saw them once before when I saw KMFDM and really liked them. I was not aware that they were the openers so that was a pleasant surprise. As I said the show was sold out and the place was packed. There was lots of shoving, drinks getting spilled in people's clothes and hair and rudeness in general. I was kind of surprised that a bigger venue wasn't picked. El Corazon still tops on an intimate setting but when it comes to sold out shows good luck trying to even see the performers and count yourself lucky if you aren't wearing a couple drinks from other patrons.

El Corazon seems to be like a slow, overly aggressive little brother who doesn't seem to know any better .. SITREP "DIVE! DIVE! DIVE!" NO. That is not a command with the KLAXON HORN alert indicating that a SUB is SUBMERGING, but rather the heads-up that we have entered the "DIVE BAR" ZONE! I'm glad venues like El Corazon exist, because it seems that they are at least busy bringing some noteworthy bands that I want to see. I just noticed that KFMDM, POWERMAN 5000 and SLICK IDIOT are coming back in the next few months, and I'm excited. Ostensibly still one of Seattle's premiere Rock venues to come listen to bands and have a great night with friends listening to kick-ass music. But times change. And not always for the better. In 2007 (my pre-Yelp days), I would have given El Corazon a full five (5) stars. A year from now, if trends continue, it could be one star. Right now, I'm splitting the difference. THE SET-UP Oddly shaped space distribution. And because it's all age shows most of the time I've been there, it actually makes for a worse music-attending experience if you are trying to enjoy an alcohol beverage because then you are relegated to the "Old Person's Section" (over 21) which has a pissy view of the stage or you can try to follow from the TV monitor. Either way, it sucks. But having said that, and if you have the will of mind to forego the drink and enjoy just watching the band, then you have to endure many indignities by rude security staff. THE ENVIRONMENT Most people would tell themselves, "I don't care what the place is like cause I'm just there to see the band!" Well, fine. And if you can delude yourself that your enjoyment of watching the bands is not constantly interrupted by being unnecessarily jostled around by over-eager security looking to start trouble (yes, I said that right - it's the SECURITY you have to watch out for here at El Corazon), and if you can convince yourself that your comfort is not being diminished by lack of ventilation or circulation of air, you may do okay here. What I'm saying here could easily be construed as nit-picking because, really, what venues don't have their issues, right? Well, it all adds up in the end, and of late it just seems to be "adding up more" against what this venue used to be. THE STAFF El Corazon seemed to promote a more fan-friendly environment for attending this venue in the past. "The Hottest Chicks in Metal Tour 2007" was a downright fun ecstatic romp as the tour - centered in supporting Lacuna Coil's album "Karmacode" - was a sold out success at El Corazon. I even had a staff member here notice I had dropped my car keys before I even noticed and pleasantly returned them to me. Wow. Those where the days. But since then in the intervening years, it's not QUITE as friendly, not QUITE as much fun. I tend to favor Industrial shows and I've noticed at recent events featuring OHgr, CombiChrist and VNV Nation, that staff have been particularly rude in it's behavior to patrons AND, surprisingly, to members of the BANDS! And when one member of the security starts to scam on a pretty girlfriend of a patron or a band member, and that boyfriend tells the security person to knock it off, watch out! You get read (shouted) the "riot act" as if you were interfering with their security duties, and you risk being ejected - which happens, and which seems to lack justification. [It always seems that the most brutish individuals are the ones that get drunk on their own power in the little fishbowls that give it them.] SO NOW YOU'VE BEEN WARNED! But I have to psych myself up now just to go to enjoy these music experiences at EL CORAZON. For me it's like going over to my Aunt's house for Sunday dinner and you know she's prepared the most magnificent Italian feast of Lasagna, Raviolis, Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread, bottles of Chianti, and Tiramasu, but the PRICE of attending this family feast is having to listen to the mad ravings of your delusional & mentally abusive uncle, and his right-wing evangelical agenda on how the country sucks, how Obama sucks, how your side of the family suck, and how you suck. THE LOWDOWN I take a deep breath, walk through the doors of El Corazon, and just try to tune out the bad stuff, and focus on the good stuff....

Wish i could give it no stars.. Sound still sucks.. Bathrooms are still and will probably forever be disgusting..The staff is somehow even more rude than before which I didn't think was possible. The bartender at the bar near the stage was so rude and belligerent, pretty sure she was drinking. (Omnium Gatherum show March 15th)...I really hope metal bands start looking at other options for venues and realize this place treats their fans like garbage..

Went to EMO night here over the weekend. Waited 40 minutes to use the restroom. I wish I was joking. All four of the toilets were backed up with only one that was semi useable but did not flush. It was degrading. Mens restroom was being swarmed by guys and girls so that wasn't an option. There was no employee taking charge or helping at all. Would NEVER return

Grunge Rocks original Seattle venue, well when it was called the OFF RAMP. However it's 2014 and El Corazon is still around. Unfortunately this isn't one of the better venues in town. After you get over feeling nostalgic from its past history, you'll find it to be a dump. One of the positives is the stage is tiny and your up close to the band. The bad news is two fold. #1 it's a very cramp venue if people decide to show up which creates issue #2 and that's the worse which Neanderthal, skull crushing security staff that's the worse I've ever scene. Now management needs to watch the movie ROAD HOUSE for lessons on security and tell these bozos this is a job and not there personal MMA venue where customers are the victims. I actually witnessed a security person club a dude over the head his flash light when they should have escorted him out long before it got to that point. Also the venue tends to over sell and your packed in like sardines which is a hassle. For those who enjoy dive bar venues, you'll love it. But if you desire to be treated like a human I suggest maybe another venue for a positive experience.

Its a great concert venue but just save yourself the hell and do not go to any sold out shows here. Especially in the summer the venue gets way too overcrowded and hot. I have witnessed many people being carried out most likely due to heat exhaustion. I can't even stress how much thise venue sucks when it's sold out. Theres many other venues I've experienced sold out shows. Nothing compares to how hot and crowded el corazon gets. Smaller shows are always great and staff is always super nice

I never knew that this venue was here until I received notification that Jay Aston's Gene Loves Jezebel were going to be performing at this venue. Luckily, I am in walking distance, so I didn't have to worry about finding a spot to park. This place is what I think of when someone says "dive bar". Lots of stickers on the wall showcasing different bands who have been here in the past. The sound was good for a small venue, but the only issue I had was the fact that there was music playing next door that we could hear during the performance. Will definitely attend a concert here again if one of my bands I listen to decide to go there.

Mi Corazón, sweet scent of Doritos Nacho Cheese, urinal cakes, and unlaundered outworn 30-yr old concert tees, you are dark, dank and broody, and that's ok. Beloved metal, rock, punk and grunge bar of Seattle's music scene.

GRACELAND FOREVER!!!! Perhaps the On Ramp if you're about 10 years older than I. I hadn't been to El Corazon in many, many years until recently and my how things have changed!! Back in my younger years you could get right up near the stage, The Graceland allowed stage diving depending on the band's preferences, El Corazon always frowned upon it and these days there's an extra barrier that prevents you from doing so. An intimate venue at one point is more like a cage where you can look at the pretty animals, but you most certainly cannot touch them. It's kinda a bummer and my heart goes out to this generation of young music lovers - you missed out! All and all it's a pretty okay venue. Bartender was actually really great and all of the bouncers were pretty chill. It'll never be the Graceland again and it'll never have the same intimacy as it once did (unless ya'll remove that extra barrier!!!) but it's still a pretty A-okay place to get your music on.

The El Corazón is a Seattle Nightlife and live music stable. So many bands play here, that it's sometimes hard to keep track. Getting there might be a bit iffy (finding parking is hard, walking on a dark street with some sleeping homeless people, etc.), but well worth it. Their shows are mostly all ages, which is great for the younger crowd (and the older ones who already can bring their own kids), if you feel like they are getting to close you can always escape to the 21+ funhouse. I like that this venue has a good sound and a good-sized stage, as well as the possibility to see the acts from different parts of the venue thanks to a raised area in the back where you often find the merch tables. The security peeps are always relaxed and friendly, which gives me a good feeling coming here. Two bars make sure you never go thirsty! The only thing I really detest are the restrooms. Oh boy... no door to the restroom itself is one thing, but stalls in the hights of kindergarten restrooms are just a NO from me. This is how I imagine using the restroom in prison. You can almost make eye contact with the person in the stall next to you.

Went here for the first time to see Dillinger Escape Plan. The band was good however I must say this was the worst venue I have ever been to and I've been to many venues. First of all, the amount of people that were here was way beyond capacity. I'm not sure I've ever felt so claustrophobic. Even during intermission, I grabbed a free cup of water and took it outside to drink just to get away from all the people for a moment. The security guard told me I couldn't bring the little plastic cup of water out there. I quickly slammed it and walked back inside to somehow make it in the corner of the venue to catch a glimpse of the view. I'm sure I would have had a better time if it was less crowded, however there was nothing that stood out about this venue either.

By the Val Hallen guitar-wielding Viking god of rock with Southern Californian mannerisms of the Justice Friends! This Venue has a lot of memories due to how many times I've come here. Its only good manners to make a review for the generosity they have given me throughout the years. So tune your eyeballs to max and *mic check* your brains, cuz were doing one solid Pee-Wee push up for this place! *Poodle judges me hard* o.o (But I mean its not the first time my dog has judged me. He is very sassy!) Atmosphere: "El Corazon" which roughly translates to: Small venue in Seattle, where a bunch of people stand in line in the cold to see their bands for the first or multiple times, surrounded by the homeless traveling caravan of Seattle underneath the bridge that its next to. (Which is always amazing to see that in hard times people come together in the cold! Way to go! thats why I make sure I bring spare change. [and some people keep saying it mean "The Heart" but I'm pretty sure thats just what crazy people say when they have been dehydrated for days and make weird sounds with their kazoo to find water in the ground.]) It does look sketchy at first, but after the third time going there you really don't bat an eye. The Venue is really small and you immediately see the stage to your left, on the opposite end of the stage is where mostly all the bands set up their merchandise. (You know like the one time you wanted that "The Ghost Inside" hoodie but didn't want to lug it around or wear it due to how much heat everyone else was producing. [Seriously gets hot in there! ._. Do they even have the heater on? I bet you they don't. lol]) To the left your introduced to their bar section! (Which is I think fairly knew in the recent years. No longer will you go the other side where the bar is cut off and not be able to see your favorite band, due to your addiction to alcohol. Now have the luxury of being fully exposed to the artist as you show your lack of control in substance! I love options. :3) Due to the size of the Venue you will be in contact with a ton of people. (So if getting rubbed up against other people is not your thing. [and I pray its not someones thing on a daily basis. *Heavy Black sassy independent Woman accent* "You nasty."] I would not recommend going here.) This place is a bit dusty and dirty, but not overwhelming (Like the bad hoarder episode in Second season. Jeebus lady, you don't need to keep a collection of all your old handbags. o.o) and makes sense with all the foot traffic that goes through this Venue. The bathroom is a masterpiece of stickers of bands that have come though in the past years. (Although really small space to go do your thing. [The pee-stand for the guys is just inches away from one another and so weird when your inches away from another person linguine noodle.] and if you go do number 2, just pray no-one is tall because the bathroom stall doors are so low that they can just see you and all of your glory. lol [So many awkward eye contacts.]) Security/Staff: The security is always respectful and organized. I could say that I've seen people that just start really trashing and harming people on purpose in the crowd. (Like a horse kicking for the first time, except you realize your a donkey and no-one likes you cuz we came here for the artist not your shenanigans.. Carl.. .o. hate you.) The security will escort them out and deal with the problem efficiently. (I may say that it has gotten better throughout the years.) Staff is ok, I mean its nothing fancy but they're just trying to get the job done and go home. (But I would be bitter or bland after non stop idiot stunts pulled in this venue.[Go home! You earned that Tequila sunrise! I got you fam. :3]) but besides that, they do pour heavy handed and thats why its always welcoming to go to the bar and pay the amount they ask. (But it's still pricey. Shocker right? lol) Sound/Lighting/Bands: I love the sound in this place! Ive never had an issue while listening to the bands playing here. Due to it being a small place the sound over engulfs every inch of that place and still manages not to lose the tune. (Although Mac Daddy Guitar Pick [A magical floating guitar pick] says to practice Safe Ear Music endangerment Noise. So do use ear plugs. #SEMEN) A lot of big name bands play here, in which I love the atmosphere because its probably the closest you'll be next a band you completely love. (and in between songs, they can't ignore you yelling like a teenage girl that is trying to get back with her ex after the football game behind the bleachers.) The lighting for the main bands is always a spectacle and I have not gone home disappointed. Conclusion: If you were ever in the mood to sweat your heart out in a cramp space with the same fanatic spirits as yourself, pounding heavy hand drinks (for a pricey cost) and yell your heart out like a lunatic that just escaped the asylum... this place is very welcoming Venue. .o.

A staff member named Rocky physically assaulted me twice at the La dispute show on Saturday night. He was the short man checking IDs for the bar area. He grabbed me and shoved me in a very agressive way and then got violent with me a second time when i asked him not to touch me. It is so dangerous to shove someone in such a busy venue, I'm glad I caught myself and didnt get stepped on or worse. He grabbed and shoved me twice instead of just asking me to move. Staff need the self control to not get physically violent with a patron. This is not a safe venue to attend if they allow this person to stay staffed here. I have gone to shows and bars for years and never had a staff member feel the need to use physical violence against me.

This review is specifically for El Corazon - not to be confused with The Funhouse that it shares a building with. El Corazon is one of the few venues in Seattle that consistently have All Ages shows. As both an artist, and somebody who was once a teenager who went to shows every weekend, this is a HUGE plus. There are still 21+ shows here now and then, but mostly All Ages. Here's the biggest improvement to El Corazon over the past couple of years: Oh, but you want to enjoy a beer while watching an All Ages show? That's totally fine! After years and years of neglect, El Corazon FINALLY opened up the unused bar area to the left of the stage and now has a full-bar behind this fenced off area. You're gonna have to finish your beer before you return to the main floor tho, but at least you can still see the stage and don't have to go next door anymore! The sound system is fine. The space isn't huge so sometimes it gets a bit muddy at a rock show, but it's still better sounding than Showbox Sodo. So El Corazon isn't perfect. Parking leaves something to be desired, and there is usually a homeless camp under the highway one block over (do NOT leave valuables in your car). But El Corazon's pros mostly outweigh the cons.

This place is straight trash. I came here and they were so terrible and racist. The guy checking IDs at the entrance to the bar got up and walked away with my ID to outside the venue and accused me of having a fake. I'm clearly of age and my ID was in fact real and they were just harassing me. They would not give me my ID proceeded to call the police on me telling me they were obligated to hand it in. They are complete assholes and racists. No one should ever go here or play here.

El Corazon has a strange setup & layout here. I won tickets to go see The Dirty Heads live at El Corazon. Great bands perform here but this place is not a good location for fans or bands. This is an all ages venue so I saw little boys and girls under 21 yr old with their parents. If you needed a drink, you had to go to the bar in a different room but you can not bring your drink to the live band area so you are force to watch the band on a tv. The crowd is mostly white and I can count how many asians on one hand. The place is over crowded and it is very hard to see the bands in the back or by the door because you are fighting little kids to watch the bands. I think it was over the capacity because we could not get back into the 21+ room and over to the bar to get another drink. It was pretty cool that the bands New Politics and Dirty Head came to greet us & shake our hands probably afraid of my friend that looks like a scary asian yakuza. lol The bouncer made me go back to my car just because my keychain had a swiss army knife but when I came back...he didn't even check me again...inconsistent plus do I look like I need a weapon? :P I still had a good time because of the music but this isn't my first choice venue to see my favorite bands live.

If your favorite band is playing, then five stars, no problem. There's nothing here to prevent you from enjoying a good show by a good band if you dig punk or metal (or both). But in the summertime, this place really is a cesspool. It's such a rabbit warren of rooms all strung together with no ventilation. There's no air-handling equipment anywhere, and there's no chance of a cross-draft with only two doors, and those separated by foyers, hallways, and kitchen. 9-10 months of the year it usually isn't uncomfortable, but in the peak of summer--even our mild summers--it boils over in here. You're sweating as soon as you walk in, and once the band gets going and the crowd starts bouncing, there's no possible way to acclimate to the heat. You just stand there and drip. What this place is is a reclamation project. It's a random bit of commercial real estate that got turned into a music venue about 25 years ago, and the sweat and smoke and noise have coated the walls ever since. It's pretty hard to move around when it's packed for a show, because virtually everywhere you try to walk (starting with the foyer) is long and narrow, and people are always trying to go both ways through every space. Bottom line, it's hectic as hell in here, but for the right band that adds to the intensity and power of the show. I've seen far more good sets here than bad, but I would never come here to eat, drink, sit, or use the restroom.

Either I'm getting old, or this place is not worth my trouble... or many others' for that matter. I have come here plenty of times in the past, and always felt that the setup was not ideal. The venue is small, and they often pack it beyond endurance. I've been to some smaller shows there, and it's fine - you can breathe and move among humans. However recently I came to a sold-out metal concert, and it was insanity personified. I was pushed so many times that I just had to stop paying attention. Some dude kept pushing me in the chest with his elbow while hugging his girlfriend. When I finally pointed that out, he proceeded to move a half an inch forward but that was no help. There are security guards, the so-called "peacekeepers" which made me flashback to The Hunger Games, and they're no better than their fictional counterparts. There was some problem they had to run for to the other end of the club, and they shoved me out of the way like I was not even worth an apology. The sound is awful. It's beyond loud (which I expect and welcome, sure), but it was also NOT good quality sound, and it was hard to get into the music and detach from the awful reality described above (normally, even with distractions, I am able to do it). Add to that hard to find parking. I give them 2 stars for booking great bands but I literally wish they didn't even exist, so these bands would go to some other venues. I would pay good money to see the same bands in larger venues, like Showbox SoDo or WaMu or anywhere else for that matter. Seriously debating hard whether to see a truly favorite band of mine that's coming there in April. The fact that I'm still considering going back to that cesspool is remarkable, and speaks to my love for the band in question, but I'm also sorely tempted to spend my night at home where I can breathe and not be shoved by bigger humans. Or, literally I may have to go to Portland or even San Diego to see this band in a different venue.

I came here for a Children of Bodom concert. This venue was in a seedy area, and the inside was dingy and dirty. And somehow, I loved it! The pit in front of the stage is wide, and has an upper level a couple of steps up for additional standing room. The bar to the left was modest, and has a list of different drinks that they offer as specials, depending on the day of the week. It doesn't have many beers on draft, and their overall selection is pretty minimal. However, from the bar you're able to get an *excellent* view of the stage without having to be involved in the whole pit area scenario situation thing. Which is something I used to like, but I'm no longer a spring chicken. The bathrooms are what you would expect to find in a location such as this, and the actual stalls are short, so if you stand up you can readily see your neighbor relieving themselves. I would definitely come back here to see concerts in the future, since the pricing was pretty reasonable.