Michelle P.
Yelp
I was a little taken aback when I checked into Union Transfer and saw it had a 4.5 star rating out of 252 reviews. Admittedly, it's been several years since my last visit, however I was intrigued by the high rating. I haven't seen a ton of well received concert venues in general, let alone in Philadelphia.
It almost felt like my mission to find a flaw in my experience. I'm happy to report, this venue is as good as everyone says it is.
Check in was a breeze. The bouncer frisked my purse quickly, but thoroughly, my ticket was scanned by the next employee and then finally the next staffer checked my ID and stamped my wrist. With that, I was on my way to the larger bar to the left of the entrance.
Although our timing was poor, arriving between sets, we were able to walk right up to the bar and order. There were a few other bars throughout the venue. Perhaps that helped stagger the crowds and allow for speedy service. The draft and canned beer list was solid; and inexpensive for a concert hall! I was thrilled to enjoy a can of the Star Hill Northern Lights for $7.50. For a 6% IPA, I'll take it!
Having arrived at the venue on the later side, we weren't expecting too much in terms of a good spot to stand. Our group divided and conquered to find the best available spot still remaining. I was about to rally the troops to the balcony, when I received a text that they found a gap large enough for our whole group to comfortably stand about halfway down the floor. We positioned ourselves next to the elevated section, which gave us the comfort of a partial wall to lean against.
I was fearing my next decision, which I think helps to push my overall experience to a 5. I used the restroom! Despite the room being dimly lit, I did not wait in a line, stall was clean and there was soap! Those things sound like basics, however I was expecting a long line, a pee covered seat and then to have to make use of the antibacterial gel in my purse.
The (New Found Glory) concert began and the rest was history. Usually, even if my experience has been less than stellar at a venue, the actual show changes my tone a bit. As an already happy camper, I was able to enjoy a great concert, in a great acoustical space.
The show ended after the typical concert curfew of 11pm. The crowd politely and relatively quickly shuffled out the door.
I've provided my list of positives for Union Transfer, but cannot come up with a single negative relating to my experience. I could only hope that more of my favorite artists can pay this GA gem of a venue a stop along their tours.
Not for nothing, knowing this was the former Spaghetti Warehouse location, I did have quite the hankering for a pasta dinner throughout the evening.