The Vic Theatre

My first time at The Vic was see Danny Brown (for the 5th or 6th time) with femtanyl and Underscores as openers. Entry was quick, security wasn't overbearing, the usher pleasantly helped us find our seat. Every interaction I had with staff was positive. There is an ear plug vending machine near the front doors in case you didn't bring some, which I'm always happy to see. Acoustics were good, exiting was easy. I do wish I got general admission for this particular show, but we had a good view of the stage from the upstairs seats. I would be happy to attend another show here.

The Vic is an absolutely great place to see a concert. There is plenty of street parking and then several parking lots that have a really low price nearby. I parked in a cupboard multilevel lot for $15 about a block away. I saw Tom the former lead guitarist of rage against the machine. The floor is open, so it’s first come first serve and then there’s a large balcony that includes tables. The neighborhood is really nice and very safe.

Nostalgic venue with great songs. The fold up chairs at the club could use an upgrade! Otherwise, this is a great venue to visit, watch, listen and experience. We saw the comedian Michael Blaustein. Our security detail, Ed, it's a really nice guy!

First time at this venue.. it's a great vibe and feel. It was a bit strange to be sitting on folding chairs but it's wasn't horrible and at least they had chairs. Great artist and lighting made a great show.. will definitely come again if given the opportunity!

This venue is a classic. It has a special place in my heart because it was where I saw my first show (Tiger Army, 2007). The charm is real, because there really is no bad seat in the house. The venue is small enough to feel like you’re close to the stage, even if you’re all the way up top. When you are used to larger venues, this one is a bit of a throw-off due to how tiny it is. Not a bad thing, though! My only criticism is that the acoustics can get a little soupy sometimes. Other than that, I’ve never had a bad show here!

Went here for a show to see my favorite podcast. We had never been here before and absolutely loved it. We would recommend the attached parking garage. Very helpful with my injury. Great staff and atmosphere

The restrooms were closed for a while for renovations, and there are some reviews about the not-ideal temporary bathrooms during that time. Writing this review to confirm that the renovations are complete and the new women’s restrooms are so nice (for a concert venue) that it was like entering another dimension. They’re still downstairs, but they’re well lit and super clean, and there are so many stalls and sinks! It was just a joy. I’ve been in a lot of venue bathrooms. These are now the best I’ve seen. Rest of the venue is good too (particularly appreciate the tiered floor with safety barriers to limit crush) and the staff were all great, but the bathrooms are peak.

Got tickets at the last minute for a band I liked, and because I'd never been to the Vic. I loved the staff, never seen happier employees at a venue. The seating was great, nice sight lines. The place is very classic. The bathrooms and lines are bad, and I didn't like the sound quality that much. Parking in the area, haha good luck. Still 5 stars for me.

We LOVE The Vic Theatre! We live in Cincinnati and often drive up to Chicago for concerts at The Vic. We always stay at City Suites Hotel, which is literally right around the corner. The location couldn't be better. We've seen a lot of concerts at The Vic. Sometimes there are seats, sometimes it's standing room only. It really makes no difference. It's a small venue that brings in some big names and nothing's better than seeing a favorite artist up close and personal. Anyone that's coming a distance and staying overnight, I recommend City Suites. Guests park at the lot right across from The Vic, but as guests of a nearby hotel, parking is never an issue. Locals aren't likely to stay in a hotel. I can see how parking could be difficult. Still, once you're in the theatre, you're in for a great show. I always watch who's lined up to perform at The Vic. We wouldn't hesitate to drive up and spend a few days.

I am pleasantly surprised by my experience here! I didn't remember much about my previous visit a few years ago, but nothing particularly good or bad stuck out, so nothing useful exists in the way of prior context. Annoyingly, we had to wait outside in very cold weather, in a security line. However, the line moved quickly, and we were inside within 5-10 minutes. One of the security guards was barking orders at people, while another (the one checking us in) was very polite. The lobby itself is cramped and not much to look at. The marble stairs are pretty and suggest an earlier elegance that they could stand to emulate a bit more, elsewhere in the theatre. By the way, after the show, another power-tripping security guard was screaming at people to leave. No one else seemed to be doing so, in terms of staff, but that was a mood killer and a bit insulting to the paying customers (who were seemingly well behaved and not really loitering in the first place!). It is annoyingly crowded here, no way around that. Doors swing out quite quickly and easily into the second floor lobby/mezzanine, and there's barely room to wait for the bathroom at all. The main issue here is that the bathrooms in the mezzanine have a solid TWO stalls in each. That's it. In what world did this seem like a normal amount? The lines are crazy as a result. There's even space in the women's room for a third stall, but no. Also, the setup is a bit dingy and could stand to be updated (overflowing trash can, large washbasin no one was using that could've been the space for the aforementioned third stall...). It is 4 stars and not 3 because the sightlines are terrific. If you are short and sit anywhere in the balcony, you will be good to go! You can actually see! Yes, the grading is steep, but the tradeoff is that short people aren't blocked - it's incredible, truly. The acoustics could be a tiny bit better but are good overall. It's a big theatre, but it feels intimate. I am very glad that I didn't have a concert/theatre experience ruined by my lack of height, which is too common among theatres!

** ADA SECTION REVIEW ** As a disclaimer, I am a ambulatory disabled person with EDS. I can walk without issue, however I can't stand for long periods of time due to extreme pain, so I have to have a rollator with me to sit down. I have written this review knowing I am still able to walk, and have taken that into consideration. ---- POSITIVES: + Special/"early" entry for disabled people. Allowed us to skip the line and go right in. + Allowed 2 guests in with me and gave them seats to use as well. + No stairs required. + Designated friendly staff walking around to assist with going to the bathroom who checked on us multiple times during the show. + Designated friendly wait staff walking around to take bar orders who checked in on us multiple times during the show. ---- NEGATIVES: - Horrible ADA section placement. While seating was provided (along with some empty space for wheelchairs/rollators), it was shoved in the very back of the venue. The built-in platform we were on was slightly raised from the platform below it, however it was not enough to allow for a sight line above people's heads from a seated perspective. This is a *major* issue for non-ambulatory disabled people who do not have the privilege of being able to stand. Attached is a photo taken from my seated eye line in the ADA section, where clearly the only thing able to be seen are people's backs & heads. ---- TLDR - The Vic Theater is a beautiful theater. They had some wonderful staff that provided great ADA support, however the ADA section was placed horribly and provided no sight to the stage from a seated position. If you are non-ambulatory, I would not recommend this venue for a non-seated show.

Amazing venue. Saw K. Flay show last night and this is an amazing place to see a concert. Will definitely be back this summer for Ramy Youssef and hopefully some more concerts.

Recently, I went to The Vic Theatre for a concert. One thing about this location is if you have to drive plan on arriving early if you want a spot in the parking garage across from the theatre otherwise you are left finding street parking and that can be such a hassle. The venue is on the smaller side, so it was kind of cramped trying to get in and see merchandise or trying to go to the bar. We were general admission on the floor. We find a good spot along the railing to stand, but depending where you stand, you will have people walking through your path trying to get to the bar or the bathrooms. Speaking of bathrooms....it's port o potties. Lesson learned I will make sure I use a bathroom before going to this venue. The concert was great. The acoustics were good. I like that it is intimate but intimate brings its own set of problems. I'll be back for more concerts I'm sure of it.

The Vic was a nice enough place to see a show. The prices for the drinks were ridiculous. Insane. Who is paying $15 for a canned Moscow mule? (I did, but that was begrudgingly.) The bartender was nice, as was the usher, but the prices of the drinks were ridiculous. The place seems to be decent for accessibility, and there's only a few places I'd consider "a bad seat". The chairs were uncomfortable and for the two hours I was seated I knew I'd be stiff getting up. All in all--okay venue. Will return if something piques my interest.

Haven't been to the Vic in a long time. It's a nice smaller venue, which allows one to be closer to the bands, which is cool. Full bar plus beer offerings. The beer offerings are mostly Goose Island and Bud. Kinda lame. The sound was a bit muddy at first but the sound crew got it worked out as best they could. Lighting was good. Bathrooms were outdoor porta potties, enclosed by a tent. All in all, not a bad place to see a band.

Love going to the concerts here! I was here twice . This past time was to see Matt Nathinson who does well at these type of venues. It was exciting because it's something that reopened now since the major pandemic. There bottom is first come first served Some seating in front Standing Side cubicles We sat in the balcony which was perfect seating to see and hear the amazing show! Outside we're venders food where I bought corn which was awesome . There is a bar and merchandise venders inside the Venue too. So when you find someone you enjoy by all means go and enjoy! Pricing isn't too bad. Use the AXIS app

Went to this theater to see a live Podcast show. Tickets were mobile through the AXS app. Theater it self was general admission seats. First come first serve. We were late due to parking so we sat on the second floor. I would sit on second floor again as you could see the stage good. There is bar on both floors. They also have servers come through the crowd and serve drinks. All in all a good theater. Please note the parking situation is horrible. They charge $54 to park at the garage closest to the theater. I booked a spot with Spotfinder and someone took my spot so that really put me in a jam. I lucked out and found a spot several blocks away.

First time at the Vic Theater and first time seeing Sal Vulcano! This theater was definitely on the smaller side and I felt pretty cramped when I got in due to the crowd of people and small space in general. Like most venues/theaters, the drinks were expensive but subpar. A 12 oz, plastic cup of a double vodka cranberry was $22. The staircases were very narrow and steep everywhere in the theater, and the bathrooms were really small and outdated. The whole theater looked better in pictures. The staff, however, were all awesome! There was a long line wrapping around the corner for the show and they got through it promptly. Overall, I wouldn't be too excited to go back to this venue.

Probably deserves closer to 3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up because the location is so good being off the L! I saw comedian Pat McGann here last night and I could not believe it was my first time visiting The Vic. I've seen it in passing a million times, but with so many good music halls/venues in Chicago, somehow our paths hadn't crossed until now. We walked up about 10 minutes before doors opened and there was a line that wrapped around the block. On a 20° night in Chicago, that's never good to see. To my surprise though, the staff working was extremely efficient when it came to checking vaccinations/security, and it went pretty quick! Shout out to those hard working staff members standing in the cold to make sure we were safe for our show! The Vic definitely fits the vibe of a more grunge concert Venues in the neighborhood, and I wouldn't describe it as well kept by any means -- but it adds to the charm, right? The first floor seemed to be filled with folding chairs (assuming it's a standing room spot for concerts), so we went up to the second level for seats. Here we found your traditional theatre venue seating. There were multiple bars on every floor, and servers going around throughout the entire performance taking orders and delivering right to your seat. Definitely would be back to see another show here at The Vic! If you get a chance to see Pat McGann (local Chicago comic) I highly recommend that too! He had the audience in tears.

The Vic. This place is an oldie but goodie. Look - let's not kid ourselves. This lady has had better days. It's steep trekking to your seat. The lobby has that old building feel. But the fact is no matter where you sit, you're going to have a good seat. ANYWHERE! We had nosebleed seats to see Taylor Tomlinson. We still felt like we were part of the action. And the sound was good! that's the signs of a good theater. One that we will return to.

I was at the Vic Theater last night to see comedian Trey Kennedy. It was my first time at The Vic, an iconic Chicago theater over 100 years old. Great venue for a show or concert. Not your typical theater seating--think folding chairs set up in rows, and seating was general admission. The architecture takes you back in time. Very cool! Younger crowd--most were in their mid twenties to early thirties. Lively neighborhood with lots of people out and about on the streets.

I really enjoyed this intimate theater when seeing October London. I just wish they would monitor unruly guest better. Smoking weed and being obnoxiously loud for no reason really irritated me and other guests but the show itself was AMAZING! I would love to go back because I like the size.

We had a GREAT time at the Mr. D comedy show at The Vic! I've been to The Vic for both a concert and comedy show now, and both were great experiences. The Vic is an intimate venue but still feels spacious. I liked the seating arrangement for the comedy show- there were no bad seats! The bartenders were super friendly, and the drink service to your seat was extremely convenient. Can't wait to visit The Vic again real soon!

I've been here for a couple of concerts, not sure what other events might take place here. Not a favorite venue of mine. It is pretty sparse, and when I've been to concerts here there hasn't been seating, just GA. I don't love having to get to a show an hour beforehand just to get a food seat and then stand around waiting, and I also am not sure how accessibility works here (they might only be as accessible as they're required to, or they could be really fantastic when it comes to accessibility, but the venue doesn't give off a super inclusive impression in that regard). I've never been a person who wants to be hanging around squeezed in amongst people; I'd much rather be able to sit back and hang out and not be jostled around by others or fighting for position. I also do not love that they pat you down before you head in. It's not too bad, and the person doing it was very very friendly (perhaps because they knew that people weren't going to be totally thrilled with someone patting them down as they walked in). But still, I don't recall them doing this last time I was in and though I know it's a safety measure, it still kinda sucks. Sound is ok. I was at a concert and took a video for ~half a song to share with a friend, an the video on my phone had better sound than at the show. One thing that IS good about the Vic, though, is that it can feel somewhat intimate which I like in a performance. Not always, but sometimes. Will I be back? Yeah, if there's a performance I truly want to see and this is the venue, I'll have to consider it.

Amazing venue. Beautiful space and great sound. People usually line up outside the building before doors open to snag a good place to stand on the ground floor. But PRO TIP! The second floor is also general admission! I've been here twice for concerts and each time I've arrived after doors have opened and the ground floor is PACKED so that there is hardly standing room in the back. We had no idea there was a balcony level that is open to everyone. To get there, head back to the hallway where the main entrance is, and turn right or left. There are stairwells on both sides that take you to the balcony level. (For ADA, I believe I saw an elevator on the right side, when you are facing the venue as if you just walked in.) We were surprised when we walked up there the first time because there's a second bar when you get upstairs and there was no line! (The downstairs bar was PACKED with a line and so busy). It was easy to grab a cup of water or order anything on the second level very quickly. Across from the bar, you'll see some doors to walk up some more steps and arrive at balcony seating. We were there at 7pm when the opener was supposed to start, and there was so much available places to sit! It was populated but not too crowded, and the view was incredible. The seats are all raised so you can see great no matter where you sit. We even had our own row section so we could put out winter coats on a seat instead of using the coat check. That probably saved us a lot of time when it was time to leave the theater. A few more pro tips: - if you have a coat and want to check it in the coat room, expect a huge line before and after the show! It's in the basement floor. When you enter the venue, go straight to the ground floor area, make a right and walk past the bar, and you'll see stairs going down on the right. Take the narrow stairwell down, and someone will be there checking in the coats. Bring a few dollars in cash!!! They only take cash. I had to stand in line for about 10 minutes to check it in. When I realized there was a balcony floor, I quickly checked it back out before the show started so we didn't have to wait in line again after the show as I'm sure it would be incredibly packed. - Bathrooms: There is a women's bathroom in the basement where the coat check is but it's soooo busy and frequently used. Go to the second floor for bathrooms! Cleaner and no line before the show. - Bar: You can go to the second floor for this as I mentioned. However, there are also staff walking around during the show with an iPad and a tray, so you can order from your seat and they will bring it to you. I'm not sure how they can find people when they bring orders to the first floor because people are standing. That's very impressive. Take home message: just go to the second floor for best seats, the bar, and the bathroom :)

It's a older theater with history so it isn't perfect. If you get seating the stairs are very uneven snd steep. Making it difficult for people who have issues walking. The bathrooms are on the smaller side and you do have to walk stairs to get to them. They are clean which is nice and rare during metal concerts. The staff is friendly, but the drinks are more expensive then other venues. Overall I had a wonderful time.

Went to see a concert. There was parking available at a nearby lot. I believe the show was sold out and it wasn't too packed and overwhelming with people.

They were scamming me and other people. I had 4 Budweisers and two bars charged me with different amount each time. they first charged $10 and goes on with $13,12, and $16 for the same beer. Not to mention that the staff was very rude. (Sep 26th)

They are actually joking with their service fees $35 per ticket, totally fine. Then get to checkout and the service fees, multiple, add up to an additional $25.77. lol you're joking. No thanks. Not worth it. If you're going to price gouge that much, I'd rather not attend your shows. And it sounds like the parking situation is the same. Price gouging. Oof. Embarrassing. Just raise your ticket prices if you're that hard up. At least be honest about the price upfront, instead of trying to hide it and then act shocked when people don't want to go from paying $35, to suddenly your full bill for the evening is actually 3x that amount.

It's been a very long time since I've been to the Vic. Street parking is thr only option, but we found a spot 3 blocks away that had 2 hour meter parking until 10 p.m. There was a very long line to get in at least 3 to 4 blocks long. They had lots of checks, first covid vaccine check, next purse check, next body scan, covid wristband application, scan tickets, ID check for drinks, and finally drink wristband. It is a standing only venue. It has a multi level floor, which in my opinion is dangerous and there were a few trips and falls during the concert. We found a spot on a second tier with a railing, which I appreciated after over 2 hours of standing. The Vic is an old theater built over 100 years ago. The sound quality was very good and a small venue is always s treat. I would prefer sitting tham standing for an entire concert, but it was a good experience.

the staff was pretty friendly to us and the sound was good! my main reason for the two stars is that the ADA accessible area doesn't give you any visibility AT ALL. if you are unable to stand, you won't be able to see anything but the people standing in front of you. the platform is raised *slightly*, but not enough to see over people. if you need accessible seating and are unable to stand, i would just skip this one, unfortunately. the drinks are also very expensive.

The vocal quality in this place is totally muddy. Could not tell what the singers were saying during the little chit chat interludes...couldn't understand a word the opening band said or sang, and only about half of what the headliner said/sang. Tickets cost us like $70, which is absolutely outrageous for a small venue with such terrible acoustics. $8 beers...FIVE DOLLAR GINGER ALE?!? Are you out of your damned mind?! Not handicap accessible, lots of terraced platforms and you have to go to boofoo down a bunch of stairs to get to the bathroom. The only benefit to this entire experience was the swiftness of getting in. I wouldn't return to this venue unless an amazing band for super cheap was playing here.

If there's one thing that separates the Vic Theatre with every other theatre and music venue in the city of Chicago is its interior layout, particularly pointing out its interesting standing room set up. The rows of rails and the different levels can confuse its patron, but I see it as a unique quality. I got to see the riveting duo, that is Panda Bear and Avey Tare (Animal Collective), play their hearts out here last week, and I can assure everyone reading this review that there really is no bad place to stand if you want a great view of the artists performing. The upper deck seating with the balconies are a really nice touch to the theatre as well; reminds me of Thalia Hall down in Pilsen. Wonderful venue

The Vic Theatre is a decent theatre, good acoustics, with Chicago-style architecture inside. I came here for a sold-out show by Alejandro Aranda (also known as Scarypoolparty). The pat-down by security was a bit much, in addition to searching my small purse. I understand the security concern, but I think it would be in the theatre's best interest to install metal detectors to expedite the process and allow for people who come from work who need to bring their bags (and don't have cars to stow their bags during the concert). They do not allow large bags, so pack lightly. I was also appalled that the ushers did not scan my e-ticket. I merely showed them my ticket on my phone and they let me in, even though they had a scanner on hand. I think that is even more of a security issue, more so than the bag rule. Drinks at the bar are very expensive. The best view on the floor is right at the edge of the second level, with a railing that allows you to view the performance above everyone on the ground floor. The staff inside are friendly and nice, but I wish concert-goers could be more courteous and step aside if they see a staff member trying to make their way through the crowd.

I have seen a variety of shows here over the years and the Vic has never let me down. Beautiful Chicago architecture and style. Always great people and good times!

The Vic Theatre is a no nonsense establishment. They don't allow laptops, iPads, cameras, and any recording devices. You are allowed to bring cell phones, but there is a zero tolerance for people recording and taking photos on their phones...hmmm...never mind. There are bars at every turn. You can get a drink before going to your seats, or you can wait until you're inside the theater. There are plenty opportunities to order drinks. There are people walking around taking drink orders. Drinks come in plastic cups. The size of the theatre is nice and spacious. There is lower level of folding chairs, and a balcony. The place is well preserved. Seating is on a first come, first serve. Also, doors opened at 7pm, and the line started around 6pm. It was nice to finally visit the Vic, I'm looking forward to the next visit.

I don't get all the hate on this place. I didn't expect the United Center -- it's a century+ theater, and for what it is, it's a stellar venue. Went to see Ashley McBryde -- the ticket manager, Skid, was very helpful in getting me another ticket at the last minute, going above and beyond to ensure that my previously purchased tickets (which had my fiancé and I sitting separately), were promptly refunded and that we had relatively good seats together. Thank you, Skid -- you're a professional and a gentleman. Concert night comes, and the security was professional. They *did* stop my fiancé for a brief moment because he had a Glucerna bar, but once he explained that he was diabetic, no problem. You WILL need your vaccine card, and you WILL need to wear a mask, but a small price to pay for live music. I was wanded and my drawstring bag searched, but the security was focused and professional-- not a lot of small talk. I'm good with that as a concert attendee. Had two tall boys of Bud Light -- $18 total. Not terribly outrageous by concert standards. The waitresses were attentive and roaming around all night. If you wanted a drink, you could order it pretty much anytime you wanted one. As for the bathrooms, yes, they're small. This is not the United Center -- it's the Vic. I'm not expecting rows of stalls. However, the lines moved quickly, and the bathrooms were relatively clean. Again, this is an older building -- adjust your expectations accordingly. Now, upon leaving, the security DID rush everyone out, but I kind of get that -- there was another act coming in the next night, and we were in a residential neighborhood. This is a great little theater for catching acts right before they hit the really big time.

Great small venue to see a show. Seating very basic with folding chairs. Bathrooms were dated but plentiful. Three bars inside seemed like plenty for such a small theater.

This is a great smaller venue, which is really cool for smaller more intimate shows, so you can really get into the experience. They have a lot of bars located all over the place, so it isn't hard to find a drink and the lines don't get too long. This place is general admission, standing room only, no seats on main floor. I think the only seats are on the four balcony seats on both sides of the stage. There might be seats on the second level. Go to a concert at the Vic if you have a chance.

A classic, divey Chicago theatre that still holds its own, but definitely can make some improvements for folks to better enjoy your concert experience. Came here to see Perfume (a Japanese group) and the concert itself was on fire! However, venue wise- it was a bit rough on the edges: - it felt really small and crowded inside - servers kept going in and out of the standing crowd - no ventilation whatsoever so sweating was a given - poor management of swag line On the plus though, the small size made it easier to actually see the performers on stage. It's also close to the CTA so accessibility is fairly straight forward. Bar inside accepts card for drinks, but bring cash in case the artist you're seeing doesn't accept card.

This is actually my 2nd time here. Nice, decent theatre. They never let u in on time. The washroom is ok, they had the attendant there which annoys me. I'm not paying anyone for paper towels. The decor is nice. Love the color of the wall. Love the stage framing. Acoustics are superb. I drunk before I came here so I'm not familiar with their drink prices. Staff here are average, kinda odd acting. The air definitely works. I'm chilly as I type this review. A nice theatre overall but some oddities which costed it 2 stars.

The theatre was beautiful and well maintained. However, the staff is rude af. When we asked for help locating our seats, they look at you dumbfounded and want you to figure it out for themselves.

I've been to a handful of shows at the Vic and have always enjoyed myself. I appreciate the leveled floor, being able to see over everyone while getting a good view of the stage is a nice bonus! Sound quality is always good and staff is also friendly and nice....something that can be lacking at different venues. If you can, catch a show at the Vic!

Bad customer service online, simple emails are being returned with such attitude when it's the first time people are contacting them...

Have not been here since 1990's and I wasn't thrilled back then. Just visited again on 2/8/19 for LP's concert who I was determined to see in spite of the venue. Parking Garage is across the street and $30 which is comparable to most other music or sporting venues in the city. Another below zero night in Chicago but the line outside moved quickly due to staff who was both experienced and friendly. Men and women are separated into two lines because you are patted down by security but it was no big deal. If you don't like modern day, tight security policies, don't go. Big bags not allowed and I mean mega purses that some women carry. I saw women with smaller purses inside so I'm pretty sure that would be okay. If you don't like bag policy, don't go. Paper tickets, mobile tickets all good at door. Beer high priced but expected. My Daisy cost me $11. Sold out so by the time LP came on stage, packed bodies but everyone was cool. The acoustics much better than I remember. I am 5' tall and was standing at second to top rail on main floor which is General Admission. Great view seeing her and hearing her. No problem at all. Will definitely visit The Vic Theatre again soon. And btw, been going to concerts since Cheap Trick in '78, LP was phenomenal.

I am never super thrilled about having to attend a concert at The Vic since it is one of my least favorite venues. Security is honestly some of the worst here and most of the time are concerned with their conversations then getting paying customer into the venue. One time I was on the guest list and the guy at the box office didn't know his booty from his face, was super rude and not helpful at all. My friend and I had to kill almost an hour before another guy at the box office was able to help us. Keep in mind I waited in line for like 20 mins, freezing my ass off only for security to tell me to go to the box office which didn't have the guest list when doors were open, woof. If you are short and arrive late you are going to have THE WORST view, the floor area fills up pretty fast and once that happens the only good options are getting near the metal barriers on the upper levels but tall people love taking those spots. Sound is good though.

The reason for the one star is simple. There were only 7 working women's toilets in the entire venue. The downstairs bathroom smelled like sewage and my shoe stuck to the floor... I don't know what can be sticky on bathroom floor when your doors opened an hour ago... there was water on the floor because a stall was flooded. The upstairs bathroom was smaller, but way cleaner! On the main level there were two gender neutral bathrooms guarded by security. I asked if those were available and he said no! I asked again, so the gender neutral bathrooms are not available? He again replied no. I love small venues and old Chicago concert halls, but this was an epic fail. Put some money in rehabbing the bathroom situation. I'll never go back there because of this.

Attended a concert here on Friday. There are several restaurants and bars convenient for pre or post meet ups. Coat check is in the basement. This show was all general admission tickets - get there early if you want a balcony seat. I sat 4 rows back. It was great. Sound and view were awesome. Felt close to the stage and engaged with the performers. I stayed at a hotel near Navy Pier. Lyft rides are convenient and inexpensive . In rush hour, it was $20 to get there. Going back it was $10

The Vic is legit! I always enjoy going to shows here and have even attended a few of their movie nights. Most recently, I helped volunteer at a show their that raised thousands of dollars for Puerto Rico relief efforts, so they're also allowing for great philanthropy. The only con is that their upstairs gets very dangerous, as the stairs are narrow, steep, and get very wet from drinks being spilled. I saw a few folks slip hard.

The venue doesn't necessarily do anything outstanding. It's spacious for shows, but it lacks in almost every aspect aside from that. For one, the Vic Theatre Parking garage fills up to max capacity, and finding parking otherwise is a bit of a nightmare. The employees all were a little rude and in general seemed like they didn't want to be there. They also did not check anyones vaccination card. They get you in the building fairly quickly however after using a metal detector on you. The lines go pretty quick which is nice. The bathrooms are pretty small, so be weary of that. The actual show part of the Vic is really great and the sound quality is excellent, but they need better service for sure. They should also make their policies clearer on the website for bags and vaccination records.

An oldie, but a goodie. The Vic's charm is that it hasn't been updated in a couple decades. If those walls could talk.... From decent music acts to comedy shows to brew and view movies, you can catch some pretty rad stuff here. I love it's versatility. I've literally seen The Roots, Sex and the City, Moana's Sing Along and a couple of stand up comedians here. There is nothing modern about it. The newest renovation is the electronic sign on the outside, but that's okay. Lots of stairs, chairs aren't real comfy, but it's small and intimate. The sound quality is good. Prices for beverages are outrageous. My diet coke was $5 in a plastic cup from the soda gun. EW. That was my big turnoff. Otherwise, for $5 you can catch a double feature movie. It's a fun place to go and do something a little different. If you avoid the absurd charges for beverages, it can be an affordable place to see a concert or take your kids to a couple of movies. Gotta love the history and divey demeanor!

As I write this, I am standing outside FREEZING because the event (that I have pre-bought tickets for) has a line wrapped around the building. The show starts in 3 minutes and there's hundreds of people still waiting in line. There has to be a better way to do this. Very disappointed, as these tickets were expensive.

Super disappointed in The Vic. I come to Chicago regularly to see my favorite bands when they can't make it to my neck of the woods and so I KNOW there are really fantastic music venues in Chicago. This is not one of them. The only positive thing I have to say is that the sound wasn't bad-- but that could have been entirely due to the band's sound-checking ability. Cons: TSA-style frisk and pat down before entrance. They make males and females separate into different lines and so you get separated from your group/friends/significant other/etc. while waiting for 30-40 minutes. *There is NO RE-ENTRY HERE! This makes it incredibly frustrating for smokers who want to come, enjoy some great music and have a few drinks and step out for a few minutes. It's totally restricted and the security is a joke. The bathrooms are completely disgusting. I checked them out BEFORE the show started. No drunken visits by anyone yet, etc. Beginning of the night and the bathrooms are abismal. Also something really weird; They turned off the hand-dryers and had a lady sitting in there with buckets of candy (in the bathroom- gross) handing out paper towels for tips. Tacky. The trip down to the bathroom (or up to the balcony) is two flights of steep, slick marble steps. I didn't dare drink a ton and risk having to head down there through crowds of people after or during the show. Parking ramp across the street is $30. I could go on- but I've said enough. I'll avoiding coming here in the future.

They suck!!!!! My friend got us tickets for an event, we waited in line, and were told to leave because we came right from work to see this show, but out bags were too big?!? They did have a coat check, but wouldn't allow us to use the coat check to check our bags. When waiting out in the freezing cold to talk to the box office I was told to call a Mr. Mark, a Mr. Skid Mark......like I am a dumbass and they dismiss me with a Bart Simpson phone call setup. Then they refund a pretty girl right in front of me, but because I am a male they barely acknowledged. So a great venue for a rude staff, they will treat you like crap unless you are a pretty girl. Worst venue in the city!!!! Worst customer service!!!! Shitty security guards who enjoy swearing at paying guests!!! This place sucks!!!!!

Tried to go to a show here last night, denied entry because of a bag policy that is *not* clearly stated on the website, which simply says "large bags" are prohibited. What is large? What is the basis of comparison? Security spoke of a "box" at the front of the line, in which the bag had to fit. Since this box is (presumably) a physical object, it should be possible to measure and communicate its dimensions ahead of guests' arrival. Moreover, don't even think about trying to come here straight from work with your laptop or a tablet. Which is RIDICULOUS. If you can put a bomb in a tablet, you can put a bomb in a reasonably big cell phone. (Hopefully I won't give them any ideas of banning ""large"" cell phones with this review!) Worst of all, when I went to the box office to request a refund (denied, natch), I was gaslighted and made to feel as though it was *my* fault for not checking the FAQ page of the venue website, as though this was just Standard Operating Procedure. Yeah, right. I've lived my whole life in LA/Chicago and gone to plenty of shows at major venues in each. Never once has this been an issue. Box office even suggested that I ask Cheesie's up the street to hold my bag. Sure, make *some other* business liable. Pass that buck! It's true that I might have gotten in if I'd followed this advice. But by this point, I was so exhausted that I wouldn't have enjoyed the show anyway. I'm still fuming that these creeps took my money. (Also: this was totally a missed business opportunity. I would have gladly paid $5, maybe even $10 if they'd offered lockers or a cloakroom where I could store my bag, if that meant getting into the show.) Security is also sexist and invasive, with pat-downs for everyone. There were two lines for pat-downs: "girls" and men. First off, I am a grown woman. Any strange old man who calls me "girl" is automatically a creep in my book. Secondly, I'm willing to bet that the security wouldn't look too kindly on someone who didn't "pass" as one or the other. If they haven't had complaints from trans/non-binary people yet, they've certainly got it coming. In conclusion, STAY AWAY. And encourage your favorite artist to never book a show here again.

This place is mid managed. It is raining and freezing cold and they are making us wait in a line two blocks long. NEVER AGAIN!!!

I came here recently to see a stand up comedian and was really confused by the security and seating process. We were seeing Preacher Lawson who appeared on America's Got Talent and this was his first live taping. The security was INVASIVE. A woman literally patted down my chest and thighs. Are we getting on a plane?, I asked. Is there a terrorist on the loose? What in the hell is going on that you need to intimately touch my body to go into see a comedian who is not even that well known! The show was good- Preacher Lawson is really funny and talented but The Vic needs to invest in metal detectors if they think they're at a security risk. Nobody wants to be patted down going to The Vic when rarely anyone gets patted down at the airport. During the security process they had some shrill woman screaming at the top of her lungs about how it was being filmed (we know lady, it says it on our ticket) and that we'd all be on camera. Great but there's no need to scream at the top of your lungs. Once you get inside, seating is not assigned so it's mass chaos. Some people were ushered to certain areas and after standing around for 10 minutes my husband and I just decided to go upstairs where it was less chaotic. I don't know if this was a fluke for them but the invasive security screening was not appreciated.