The Blind Pig

came here to see wasp eater and olive klug and had a great time! a great atmosphere with a decent amount of seating with excellent views of the stage. definitely one of my favorite venues now and hope to be back in the future.

What an amazing venue ! The staff and everyone involved made our show something special. Highly recommended for any artist to perform at!

Quick note of appreciation for an exceptionally lovely establishment. The pig is as true and beautiful an expression of the Midwest as you could find: dive bar, good beer, wonderful music and movies playing. All those who work there are exceptionally kind, skilled, and knowledgeable human beings (except for G, Molly, Steve, and Logan; they're wretched) It's a pool joint, downstairs from the music hall, with an incredibly democratic sensibility: to play you write your name on a list on chalkboards above the tables, and wait your turn like everyone else. The free popcorn is *chef's kiss emoji*, even when Steve makes it. I would especially recommend visiting M-Th, when the students have better things to do then darken that doorstep. Long story short: nice spot, and if you play pool you'll save a fortune on quarters which you will immediately plow back in to decent tips for the workers.

My mom and step dad brought me here last Friday night. They went there on the first date 40 years ago. I had a blast. The car ride there was fun too. The excitement to see some live bands while blasting 2Pac in the car with a couple people 70+. Thank you for the drinks!

We had a great time here watching a Grateful Dead cover band. It's a really cool venue. There's a completely separate bar area in the basement.

Will never go for a concert here again. The most hostile concert I've ever been to last night. An all ages show full of the most drunk and angry people I've ever seen. I'm pretty sure the people from the bad were also coming up for the concert without paying. People with kids threatening others. Worst concert venue in Ann Arbor and Michigan as a whole. Crammed into a hallway or stuck at the bar looking at the back of heads. Stupid concert venue.

Went to the Beyoncé themed night and it was so fun! Amazing DJ, the crowd was excellent & polite, the bartenders were nice and also dancing along behind the bar. The vibes were immaculate! 🐝🪩

The blind pig in Ann arbor has been one of the hot spots for a great live venue for the least 20 years and I can say they are still doing it right! The place is super clean, the staff are always really cool and good people to deal with. Through the years there have been some serious performances here and I guarantee there will be more in the future! 👍

Get official tickets for the event from the ppl selling it and not from resale. Had a great time but it almost got screwed up bc the person I bought resale from sold me a ticket for the wrong night. Thankfully the manager was very understanding once we explained the situation, but I wouldn't bank on that experience!

Don't trust this venue. Bought tickets to see Messer Chups. When the band didn't show, management would not refund tickets.

Awful experience. The staff are rude and verbally abusive. Such an awful environment & they upcharge drinks and cover.

I had an awesome time seeing a few local bands perform here last Friday night. My BFF's husband is a drummer in one of the bands so we had free tickets which I appreciated. The stage is located on the main floor along with a few tables and seats and a full bar. Downstairs contains the restrooms and a speakeasy type bar with bar stool seating. I love the history of this place. Nirvana, Soundgarden and The Smashing Pumpkins are just a few of the bands that have performed here when they were first starting out. I loved the vibes.

DANGEROUS AND SHADY. Someone slipped something in my friend's drink and when we reported it to the bartender, they did not believe us even though we saw it in the drink. Said we were making a big deal out of nothing and that drugging drinks doesn't happen there, but we literally saw it in the cup. The staff do not care about customers at all and were yelling and shoving through people. Awful environment. ANY other place in Ann Arbor is better.

Very rude bar tender. Aggressive attitude for absolutely no reason. I got discriminated for being gay and my hands were tagged so I wouldn't be served drinks even though I came here sober to pregame with friends so it really didn't make sense why I was being kicked out as soon as I walked in. Made me very upset on how I was being treated by staff, but they did not give the same attitude to the straight guys I came with. Never will I be coming here again.

I met my husband at the Blind Pig so 5 stars for that alone! But in general, I love the Blind Pig. It's a legendary concert venue that has seen bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins and more play on it's small stage. I've had local friends play, out of town friends play, and every one has been a great experience. We've also been here for dance parties, wedding receptions, and other special events to great success as well. It's a little worn, it can get super hot and sweaty, the stage is low and the sound is loud. But that's rock and roll. And as the last true rock and roll venue in Ann Arbor, I'm beyond happy it's here and love supporting it when I can. Free pop corn, cheap drinks, great tunes, good times!

The staff here are incredibly rude every time I've been here. It's a shame because they do have good bands playing. However, my last straw was the last time I was there (and last time I will ever go there), I was publicly groped repeatedly by an older man even after asking him to stop. I then reported him to the staff. However, the staff then got mad at me for making a "big deal" and crying about it. I will never be back.

Great bands but drinks are extremely pricey! Service was good. Cover charge was extremely high, too -$20 to see 3 bands that didn't play for long.

As a disabled concert-goer, I am PICKY about my venues. And for good reason -- how a venue is able to accommodate a disabled patron is everything to a show for me. Faith, one of the managers at the Blind Pig, is an absolute Angel. She's been with the venue since '97, and you can tell how much she cares about the place -- and it's patrons. I've attended quite a few shows here with her as the manager, and every time, she has gone far beyond what the average venue offers to make sure I'm both accommodated and safe while having a concert experience just as wonderful as anybody else might have, including a view of the stage (which is often overlooked with disability accommodations). James is also absolutely wonderful; he is kind and informative, and a joy to speak with. So, if anybody else is disabled and concerned about seeing a show here, rest assured, they'll accommodate you as safely and soundly as possible. I would recommend giving them a call before the show if you're in need of these accommodations.

Terrible service...never go here. So many better, places in Ann Arbor to go. When I asked for my Drink to be remade due to the dirty glass, the bartender scuffed and said "go somewhere else sweetie" beyond rude. I worked in the industry and this places needs a revamp on staff, interior, & presence. Absolutely disgusting.

Seemed that being rude is company policy for the staff. No matter who you met with a smile, you always got attitude and problems back. The bands were the saving grace for the night at this crap hole. LAME!

This was a cool spot! Cheap drinks, decent sound for the acts performing. Lots of big names have performed here so you can really feel the history. There are plenty of places to sit but a big open room to dance in as well. They do take credit cards by the way. Really enjoyed this venue.

Horrible experience. HORRIBLE. We had a few drinks before a show in their bar downstairs. We try to go up and the guy rudely tells us we have to go outside and around. Um okay. We go outside and in the front door. First guy grabs our IDs. Second guy takes our tickets and tells my sister she "better print hers out next time" and tells me to grab a wrist band and points to a pitcher of them. I go to take one and he yells, literally yells, DO NOT TOUCH THOSE...NEXT PERSON WHO DOES IS GETTING KICKED OUT. The worker standing 5 feet from the bands (who I couldn't see due to the people in front of me) just stands there. I apologize and he just stares at me. Why so rude??? It's cash only. The only bathroom is downstairs (where we came from). I go down to use the bathroom and the bouncer guy is no longer there and people are walking back and forth. Why did we have to go outside into the cold again? Overall very bad experience and brought down the vibe of our whole night.

Kind of a meh bar. Shabby and stuff. But not terrible people in the reviews really made it sound like a piss pool. But the bathroom isnt horrific. Def manageable for a quick pee. I do think their bar could use some help, my beer was barely cold. Not a fan of not cold beer. First time in Ann Arbor but the parking was super convenient i stay 4 hours or so, maybe three got charged $6. Not bad. Safe too. Didn't explore much. But I like the blind logo inside the bar. The stage is blah too. But I really enjoyed the show, being so close to talent is so special wow. Loved seeing Poliça and MOTHXR. Bit of a drive for me but I will drop by if I'm ever interested in another show P.S the ticket price was awesome

Fat bartender yelled at my friend for tipping $1 on a $6 pitcher and kicked the whole group out on a power trip, won't return.

Went here for a concert and they took my fake. Asked if I could get in under and they said no (even though I prepaid for the concert)

really disrespectful staff. a bartender dragged my friend up the stairs, cut her knee on the steps, then threw her out the door and--I'm so serious--threw a drink in her face. absolutely disgusting, like what the hell. I'm 21, 100% legal, but I will not be coming back here.

Not a nice place. Poor sound. Rude bouncers. Can't see anything. We rolled up to see a show but they would let anyone in since we had our tickets on our phones. Which the mgr said was okay when we called. Avoid at all costs.

Not sure how this place ever attained such revered status. It was never a great venue to begin with yet all these great bands insisted on playing here. I used to go see bands here quite a bit in the late 80's thru mid 90's. Nirvana, Screaming Trees, Pearl Jam, Throwing Muses, The Chills, Luna etc. Not being tall has it's definite disadvantages at the Blind Pig since the stage is about 12 inches tall. Fast forward to last Saturday night when I drove from Ferndale to see the phenomenal Japanese psych band Kikagaku Moyo. This means the last time I was at the Blind Pig was over 20 years ago. Nothing has changed except the owners. The stage is still about 12 inches tall and I am still short. Slapping up some black paint and some sheet metal around the bar is like putting lipstick on the Blind Pig. The people at the door were dicks too. The place was dirty. This place still sucks. Even many of the people attending this show were so self absorbed they didn't care about ruining other peoples night by constantly shouting over the music. Pretty sure I wont be back. I don't care who is playing.

So... many... hipsters... Cash only bar. Not really a fan.

Probably the worst place I've ever been to in Ann Arbor. Owner couldnt be more rude and employee shoved my friend out the venue. Still in shock that people go to this place

For what it's worth, it's a dive bar and music venue. I have been to better but that is a lot of the Blind Pig's charm. Great place to people watch, play pool downstairs and blow off some steam slam dancing. Don't wear open toe anything here. you will regret it :)

Cash only is the rule, and the drinks flow! Free popcorn, but no food at all, so grab dinner before you come for the band. The sound system is loud but clear. There is a bar downstairs, and that is where the bathrooms are. Being a small venue, it is a more personal experience to see a band. This was our first time here, but we will go again for sure

Love this place - been playing here for years and the staff is just incredible (especially Ramone and David). Great place to check out some tunes and have a drink

I have mixed feelings about the Blind Pig. Sometimes they are great with great artists playing, other times the staff makes the entire place feel unwelcomed and awkward. If whatever musician you want to see is playing somewhere else close, I'd go there over here. Cheap drinks and the people that go are nice, but when it is bad, it is really bad.

There's things to like and things to not like about the Blind Pig. It entirely depends on if I'm drunk or not yet. Sober I am not a fan of the Blind Pig. We've been to a couple of shows there and it's been way too crowded. I hate super tight packed crowds. I can't get to the bathroom, I can't get to the bar, I start to panic and can't even get out the door. Ugh. A couple drinks to relax first? The Blind Pig is a great venue. You can feel the excitement of everyone there. You can see and hear the music from everywhere. And free popcorn? Always improves my mood.

It's sad that a place once so revered is now just a rundown venue with a raging superiority complex and staff that can't even pretend to respect their (paying) customers and the performers that want to bring them business. The biggest issue here is how incredibly rude and obnoxious the staff are. To summarize: they literally throw your IDs back at you, they refuse people entry because they just don't feel like letting you in (even if you're on the performer's guest list, over 21, completely sober, and ready to pay the cover), they cut shows short because they just don't feel like staying the whole time, the bar service is absolutely terrible, and they're generally incredibly rude and disrespectful when speaking to their customers and performers. In addition, they completely rip off the performers, especially local acts. For a set of local bands that brought in 60+ people, the group made a total of $4 between all of them despite the $5 cover. Some other things to note: The venue is dirty. The bar is cash only. The only food they offer is over salted popcorn. They don't have any guest bathrooms so you have to go downstairs and walk through another bar to get to one. If you're looking to hear great music, support local artists, or just have a nice night out, I'd highly recommend looking elsewhere. There are some great local venues that have awesome music, but sadly, The Blind Pig is no longer one of them.

I've come here many times over the years for concerts, as well as The Bang, and I was here this past Saturday night for the Halloween Bang. Although I do like the Hard Lessons (opening band), my friends and I agreed that it would have been better if they had just stuck to the normal music/DJ for most of the night ... we like dancing on the stage too, and the Hard Lessons played from about 11pm to midnight and then the entire Blind Pig was open for dancing from 12-2. Fun place to catch a concert, though, and the cover charges usually aren't too bad - The Bang is usually $5 if you are 21+, although since this was the Halloween Bang it was $8 or $11 if you are under 21.

The bouncer is very unpleasant, it's a fun place to go for concerts...but honestly, the bouncer ruins the entire experience

Bouncer at the front door taking tickets was SO RUDE!! Huge difference between doing your job and being a complete DICK!!

The staff was extremely rude to not only my group but others as well. I recommend literally any other venue in Ann Arbor.

If a national act, outside the jazz/classical realm, comes to Ann Arbor they will most likely be here, the Ark, or through the University. While it has a somewhat charming old ambience, they seriously need to improve their sound. First of all, why is it always way too loud (bass, drums heavy)? I just saw a musical act end their set EARLY due to cacophonous, jarring sound. It was a rock band, where we should have been able to hear the guitarist/singer and keys clearly. NOPE. As I know musicians around town, many have complained that it's too loud on and off stage and distorted. Get with it! You're the only real rock club in Ann Arbor.

I've been to the pig for many hip hop shows & after trying to attend the Flying Lotus show last night I will never go there again. I drove out there from Royal Oak & got there at around 10:30. There was no line & the place was half empty when I walked to the front door. The peon workers checked my friends & my IDs, gave us a bracelet, & then stamped our hand. After this they decided to tell us that the show was sold out. After looking inside & seeing the place with barely anybody inside I turned to the peons & was like "why did you check our ID's if you knew you were sold out?" They couldn't even muster a response. Turning around in disgust, the peons asked us for our bracelets back which we graciously refused. After this terrible customer service, I have vowed never to spend my money there again. Beware of this shithole.

My feeling was that the bouncers were quite rude. Their attitude suggests they think they can treat their customers however they please. There are stories of the bouncers being as rude as possible. That's a big deal to me. Beyond that, there's no redeeming quality about the place. It is rather dirty, too.

I love bars that even after a good long scrub are still doused in sin. I love people of a non-bullsh*t ilk who are intolerant of falsity. I love stages that are less than 100 square feet. I love gregarious dance parties where everyone is laughing and I love angry post-metal shows where people are in their own worlds. And I do not love The Blind Pig. The booze is not cheap enough to match the 'dive scene.' The staff aren't hard enough or interesting enough to warrant them being asshats to everyone who walks in the door. The music isn't good enough to charge upwards of $15 cover. The Bang is an identity-lacking sh*tshow of hackneyed music and self-absorbed millenials. If I must, I'll go here. But I much prefer making the trek out to Detroit to feel at home amongst peeling paint, foul-mouthed rocker women, and generous whiskey shots.

This is one of the worst venues I've ever been to. Staff is completely unorganized and no one really seems to know what is going on. We called in before the show to ask if we could present our tickets on our iPhones to which the lady replied that it would not be a problem. However, when we arrived at the door, the bouncer tried to argue that this was not the case. After arguing with this stout, bearded man for over 10 minutes, he decided to deny entry to me and all of my friends. So, I ask you, Blind Pig, to closely review the people that you have chosen to employ at your establishment because a lot of your customers' nights were completely ruined.

The blind pig is a horrible venue. My friends and I were kicked out by the staff here even though we were on the guest list of a pretty big band, we had exited the venue to help move some equipment and upon trying to get back in they who were not 21 or older back in. They never made any mention of that went we entered the first time or when we were exiting. They were rude about it, and also locked the doors to the concert before it was over so those over 21 could re-enter. The facility it's self is small smells like a urinal and fills with smoke fast.

I met my boyfriend at the Blind Pig! And then we saw a ton of shows together. So yeah, I have a soft spot for the Pig. Sure, it's small and crowded and dirty and the sound system isn't great. But you can also spin that as "intimate and having character." :) Some of my favorite shows include Animal Collective, Broken Social Scene, The Sights, and Paisley Product, aka Midwest Product (RIP) and Dykehouse playing Prince covers. The Bang! was also the best dance party in town (I write this in past tense because I haven't been in a while, but I bet it's still awesome). Ridiculously fun with a killer playlist and a new theme each month if you want to get into costume. After you get in, go downstairs to the Eight Ball and grab a cheap pitcher of terrible beer (i.e., Old Style). After drinking your fill of said awful beer, make your way to the bathroom (my favorite graffito: "DON'T F*** WITH WISCONSIN"). Sidle your way back up the narrow staircase past a bunch of burly guys going downstairs. Grab some free popcorn if you dare (I may or may not have eaten a lot of it in the past). Enjoy the show.

I fell down the stairs. I fell up the stairs. I slurred "WATER!" at the bartender at least 20 different times. I left cigarettes burning in ashtrays and got lost in hallways. I tried to eat popcorn through the pantyhose on my head and probably made a mess. And no one kicked me out. The Bang! is an amazing dance night, and The Blind Pig is an amazing bar.

If you think this place is a dive, you need to get out and see some more music bars. If you think this place is any good, you need to get out and see some more music bars. Only game in town equals a minimum of 3 stars. But 80s decor, terrible acoustics, amateurish sound mixing, and no more than half a dozen acts a year worth seeing prevents me from rating higher. Do yourself a favor and head to the Magic Stick in Detroit instead. Or if you are up for a road trip, the Empty Bottle in Chicago. Even though I live 3 minutes away, I'd drive for better options.

Meh... yes it's only place in town to see some of these established acts, but please put some money into the place. I think I saw some of the same garbage hanging from the ceiling that I saw 10 years ago. Sound was OK... but never rose above OK and we had a difficult time hearing the vocals from any of the bands that played the evening we were there. Don't plan on drinking much unless you bring lots of cash. It's crazy in this day and age to walk into a bar and find out that they don't accept credit cards... but I do give them credit for some cheap beer specials. I guess there are times when I have to go here to see a favorite band, but I just don't enjoy it the way I used to..... I must be jaded by all of the better clubs that I've been to in Detroit, Pontiac, Ferndale, and New York.

The security is horrible. Very disrespectful to woman. I've been to many venues in Michigan and never seen so many instances of rudeness from a staff. Will never be going their again.

I am so torn on how to review the Blind Pig. It's an institution, it's history. It isn't a corporate, antiseptic venue with no soul. To the contrary, this place is full to the brim with "soul" although it's also full to the brim with dankness and smelliness and asshole door guys. They're also cash only which is obnoxious. I understand it, but it's still obnoxious for a mid-level music venue. The raised level on the side with the stools is the best place in the house if you don't wanna pack in on the main floor. The bar is too small and I never look forward to going up for anther drink. My tip: buy two at a time. I do have to agree with Sara G's opening lament. I wish there was another option for decent national acts because I just don't love going here. I do, however, appreciate it and I would be sad if it wasn't around.

The setting is just right for the type of venue it hosted. But the big guy at the door & his help were unnecessarily rude to me & the women I was with. Not a good look Bro

I can't remember how many times I've been to this place. Obviously there's something that keeps me coming back. First off, The Bang! parties are held here. If you haven't been to one, I highly suggest checking one out; they're themed dance parties that usually end up in all kinds of debauch, laughter, and insanity. What else can a girl ask for? Shows! What I love about the Pig most is that they bring in really great artists consistently; yes, they had Nirvana way back before Nevermind was recorded, but since then the Pig has been getting exceptional musicians month in month out. And beyond that, it's the sort of place I'd go to even if there wasn't a show there; $3 pints anyone? I can't say the same about most of the venues in Michigan! It's a dive for sure; what else can you expect from a sowing ground of grunge? Complain if you like about the bathrooms being messy, or the door guys being curt; I'm reluctant to go to a place that has exceptionally clean bathrooms and exceptionally pleasant greeters. If those greeters are actually Maitre Ds, you can be sure there's nothing fun happening inside the place! If your senses get in the way of your bar or music experience, then DTE or the Fillmore may be more to your liking. If you want to get downright filthy and dance your butt off, then the Blind Pig it is!

Came here last night to chit chat with friends, we hung out in the bar downstairs. $7.75 pitchers of beer, pool tables, dart boards, totally run down college bar that takes cash only. What nice it was crowded, pushy, the staff wasn't that friendly and there is no need to dress up or take a shower for that matter....everything you look for in a college bar. FYI at about 10 pm there was $5 cover, upstairs was dead but the downstairs was hopping. If I was out in AA looking to have some fun bar hopping this place would be on list for sure. Enjoy & wipe your feet before getting in your car

Came here on a snowy January night with a few friends to see Midwest Project. One of those nights where it's so snowy that you can't make turns while driving without skidding 10 feet out of your lane. The band was doing Prince covers. So I feel like I missed out on the whole scene thing a little bit. In hindsight I could see how the place could get a bit indie, but the crowd was really mixed when we went. It still was a grungy place - the kind of venue where you don't really want to put your coat down because every stable surface is drenched with Coke and beer stains. There are some dark corners where all sorts of interesting creatures probably live. Combine this feeling with Darling Nikki and awkward hipster dancing, and you have a memorable experience... just not one you're sure you'd want to go through again. I had a decent time, but for some reason, I wish I had my money and time back... maybe we just needed to pre-game harder.

Extremely disappointed by how incredibly rude the bouncers are!! I went to go see my friend's band and was nervous to try and get in (even though I am 21, had my ID ready and was a paying customer) because I saw the people in front of me get turned away and yelled at for absolutely no reason. My friend, who is also 21 and was being very polite, was turned away because the bouncer was determined from the get go that he would not let him in because he had had a few drinks before the show. This is the second time I have been to this venue, excited to see a show, and have been talked down to by the bouncers FOR NO REASON. It seems like a chill live music venue in Ann Arbor would want to create a positive experience for students and the community. I love this venue but will sadly never return due to the absolute douchery of the staff. PLEASE do not support this business.