The Troubadour
Categories: Dive Bars, Burgers, American (New), Music Venues [Edit]
Neighborhood: West Hollywood9081 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069 (310) 276-6168
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street, Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: No
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Late Night
- Music: Live
- Best Nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour: No
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: Outdoor Area/Patio Only
- Coat Check: No
21 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
"Can I get a hells yeah? Anybody? Anybody? I know what I CAN get - 5 Coors Lights for $10 on Mondays and a quesadilla so cheesy and…" read more »
177 Reviews for The Troubadour
Always a great place to see bands. Great for up and coming acts, cool secret shows on occasion.
Drinks are moderately priced. Lower prices a couple of bucks and you have me!
Acoustics are great, venue is generally clean.
Parking can put you out a few blocks if it's packed or a weekend. Just get there a few minutes to find parking or use public parking and pay $10.
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Best place to go for a show in LA.
Cheap drinks, great acoustics, reasonably-priced tickets.
What more could you want?
OK, even the bathrooms are clean - are you happy now?
Great, intimate venue. Excellent sound system.
Yes, it can get a bit claustrophia-inducing but it is worth it. I saw some amazing shows here and regularly ran into stars in the bar area. The most memorable sighting? Marilyn Manson (in full costume with freaky contacts in).
Awesome.
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If you get tickets to any concert here, you need to line up early. For all my shows I like to be by the stage to lean on but if I don't care I'll sit upstairs at the tables or the benches off to the sides.
I like the size, some say it's too small, but I find it intimate.
The food is actually good. The guy that cooks it also takes it to you and makes it. I got the bacon cheeseburger and fries. The food was hot and fresh and the guy was really nice.
What can I say about my favorite live music venue in LA? Whatever I blurt out, I'll try to be brief.
Let's start with their calendar. Their online calendar of events is easy on the eyes, intuitive, and easy to navigate (*cough* unlike the Whiskey *cough*), and it proudly displays a lineup of entirely worthwhile acts for your dollar (shows I've attended have usually run between $15 - $20).
As for the website's brick-and-mortar counterpart (aka the real life venue itself), it's exactly what I want in a rock club. Spartan. Bare bones. No frills. It's all about the music, here. Immediately upon entering, you'll find a space that's absolutely intimate, but also allows you enough space to breathe/chill if you hang in the back by the bar, or up in the small upstairs gallery.
A few more notes - the stage is thigh-high, and you can stand close enough to be sweated on if you so desire. The bathrooms? I'd suggest keeping your business to #1 in the interest of self-preservation. Remember what you're here to do: experience live music, not be a heating blanket for a rock club toilet seat.
Oh, and there's always the occasional last-minute, essentially-un-promoted, 'secret' shows that feature truly A-list acts that'll blow your mind, which had previously never dreamed they would play such a small room.
In summary, if the question is whether to see a particular act here vs. somewhere else (say, if they're touring nearby), I'd strongly recommend seeing 'em at the Troub.
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Saw owen (aka Mike Kinsella) play here with Rocky votolato.
This review is on the bar
Cute bar. Waitress was SO friendly. They didn't carry the only alcohol I drink lately (stella) but she mixed a specialty drink of hers for us and it was delicious!!! Too bad I can't remember what it was called but it almost made me a believer of mixed drinks again.
The venue itself - hard for me to review because Mike Kinsella is amazing and can make anything sound good on an acoustic.
But hands down looking forward to my next troubadour show and looking forward to tasty tasty tasty drinks!
If I could review the parking lot across the street I would give them 1 star and 1 star solely on proximity to the venue.
I paid the guy $20 and he did not give me my $10 change right away. When he parked the car in a tough spot for us I assumed he gave my sister the change when she got her keys back. Instead he had her pay him again!!! I did not discover this until later when I asked my sister for my change. So $30 for parking was a downer for us.. ughhh.. I guess I shou'dve been more skeptical of parking lot managers :(
I recently tried to go to the Troubadour to see some live music and have a beer with a friend. The admission fee was $15 which was fine because I had heard rumors that Flea and John Frusciante were going to perform that night. After I paid the admissions I walked over to the security guard who said "let me see your ticket first timer." I looked at him puzzled wondering if he was trying to intimidate me or just greeting me as if I had never been before. I proceeded to give him my ticket and then emptied my pockets to be searched. Soon after I gathered my belongings into a pile in my hands the guard was picking through my wallet and pile of change and eventually pulled out a bag of medical marijuana I had purchased earlier in the day. He took it from me and told me to leave. After a ten minute argument with him and about a ten second conversation with his boss I had my money and my medicine back. I told them that I would never come back and I would share my story about there severe lack of customer service. To make a long story short, if you don't like security guards that say things like "this is my house" I would not recommend this bar.
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The place has been a such a gem for showing great bands before they break huge. I saw Queens of the Stoneage here and also waited in line to see Metallica showcase Jason Newsted as their new bassist in 1988 (It sold out five people before me in line). My Mom came here to see Elton John in the late sixties and met Linda Ronstadt out front.
So many different acts play here but mostly in the rock vein. I did see an Electronic act the last time I came, but I wasn't impressed with the sound although it was a full house.
One visit may not be enough to fully appreciate the venue. Drinks are little bumped up in price but the bartenders do a decent job. The tickets are always cheap even when purchased through Ticketmaster.
The Troubadour is my favourite venue to see a band in L.A.
I love The Roxy and The Whiskey a go go but they hardly ever seem to have any decent bands play there anymore.
There are also plenty of options to go and eat before the show around the area.
I prefer to pay and park across the street and will usually bring a few beers in a cooler and have a few before the show. The attendant is cool and I'll always offer him one. He hasn't refused yet btw.
The venue itself rocks, small enough to see the sweat on the band members forehead even from the back and for the lightweights the wooden seating on the balconey still offers a great veiw of the show.
The staff there are always nice, even the doormen are cool ffs!!!!!!
I've seen some of my best shows ever there from The Wedding Present to Madness and from Johnny Marr to Camera Obscura.
The sound can be a bit questionable at times, but this is real rock and roll people, if you want perfect sound and a nice seat 5 miles away from the stage go to the Hollywood Bowl or the Staples Center
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First somewhat negative review. I came here to watch the "Comedians of Comedy" concert. The positive: Got to watch Patton Oswalt, Brian Posehn and others. Great, great show. The negative: Zach Galifianakis canceled and most of all, no seats. It's a comedy concert not the bloody Sex Pistols on stage. Spend 500 dollars and fill the place with chairs and make your patrons comfortable. My feet were going to fall off after the show. And what about those women who wear high heels. Don't forget their unnoticed plight.
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Dear Troubadour,
I love you. My dad used to go visit you in the late 60s and 1970s and many, many moons later, his sweet little daughter would get close to the stage that rock stars would sweat on her.
I love how you've remained vital no matter how much West Hollywood/Hollywood/LA has changed. I really believe the each trip to see live music at the Troubadour makes up for every time I've had nosebleed seats at a giant arena.
Yes, you are one hot, crowded place and there's nowhere to sit (well, there's the Loft), but every thing sounds really good and there isn't a bad spot in the house to check out the performers.
Remember all of those times when Mrs. DD and I (before she was Mrs. DD) used to come see you on the weekends? Those were some of the most influential musical experiences of my teens.
Oh and remember when Mrs. DD and I used to run into people from North Long Beach and we'd all pretend like we didn't see each other?
Aw, but you know all of that, don't you? You're modest and unassuming, but how many places can say that they've hosted such diverse acts such as Miles Davis, Joe Strummer, Richard Pryor, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Guns N Roses, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Fiona Apple, Johnny Cash, Elvis Costello, Queens of the Stone Age, The Strokes and the Comedians of Comedy? Not many.
I saw Amanda Palmer from the Dresden Dolls perform most recently. The icing on the cake was seeing her perform Radiohead's "Creep" as she strolled through the crowd with a effin' ukulele. Priceless!
One downside-ballet flats + concrete floor = sore legs.
We have a history and you know some of my secrets. Don't ever change.
XXOO,
K
I've been to the Troubador many times when working with bands, but very few times at an actual concert-goer. I was there this past weekend to see my friends in Honorary Title. Good show, and a decent venue. There's bar up front where you can sit down and watch the bands on a plasma if you don't want to put up with the loud noise, or you can go to the bar inside with a decent view of the stage. There's also an upstairs balcony, but I didn't really go up there. Apparently they serve food until the last band is finished, and the prices weren't bad. Unfortunately, the drink prices WERE bad, but it's Hollywood, so what do you expect?
This venue definitely lived up to the hype I have heard. I particularly liked the bar out front with the merch tables where you could enjoy a drink with a friend and still listen to the music. The tickets were cheap but the drinks are not.
Came to see Matt Pryor and Chris Conley and (for some reason) was given a pass to the deck upstairs, a church pew on a side balcony with a great view of the stage. Great sound, lights and the crowd was appropriately full of genuine fans. Perfect night. I will seek out more opportunities to come here.
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Went here about 3 years ago to see the Goo Goo Dolls perform. If you like being up close to the stage without paying a fortune for it, this is for you. If you like being crammed into a small room like a sardine can, this is the place for you. I thought it was neat for a first-time experience but other than that, I am not a fan of places that could be a potential fire hazard. My friend, who is 5'1" got elbowed in the head a number of times so if you're short, bring a helmet! =)
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We used to come here as children to see punk bands - I stopped being a regular when the hair metal bands ensconced themselves here in the '80s but it does hold fond memories...
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This is the best place in LA to see your favorite band.
I should preface this by saying I do not consume music in large/stadium venues as I have given myself a lifetime ban from the peanut gallery. I actually like to hear and see first hand vs. watching a large screen monitor with 60,000 of my closest friends.
The Troubadour delivers - booking an eclectic mix of talented musicians and always attracting a laid back crowd simply there to soak up good music. The place is so small and intimate you feel like it is one step away from seeing your icons play for you and your friends in your garage. No matter where you are sitting or standing, you have a good view. And the sound system is always right on.
Favorite show so far: Catpower. Great set with no meltdowns!
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One of my favorite spots for a show! I love driving there, finally hitting the end of Beverly Hills, seeing Doheny and knowing I'm there. This place is awesome because it's so small. It can get a little cramped, but I've never been stuck next to anyone who was an ass. I did once go there and this girl had a pissy stink face the whole time, but I think she's was trying to pretend to be cool.
I prefer nowadays (that I'm getting older) to get there and cop a squat upstairs. The upstairs seats are like this little secret that take everyone forever to figure out about. It's as if no one is sure you can go up there. And they hand out bracelets or stickers or something for the upstairs bar, but everyone gets them and everyone can go. I love how you can see into all the "special" areas, like where the band hangs out and where their celebrity guests sit to watch. And, no, I'm not one who really cares about celebs, but it's always a curious fascination to know who listens to who's music.
But, yeah, overall, this place rocks.
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The Troubadour ROCKS! Pure and fucking simple!
Me and a friend, a couple of years ago, went to a special "surprise" Static-X show.
We get there, the line is pretty intimidating, everyone was running late, etc...
We only had the security staff keep us company. You haven't lived until you have seen bouncers break out into the "running man", while waiting to get in. That was ill.
At first we were pissed that we were at the end of the line, but changed when they announced that everyone that's 21+ gets to go in RIGHT NOW. Cha-ching! We got our drinks, and made for the barricade. This place is small, so we scored our spots nice and early.
When the band finally hit the stage, it was madness. I was lucky enough to strum Wayne Static's guitar when he put it right up against my face. I strummed, he fretted the notes. Nice! Towards the end of the show, Tony the bass player stage dived right into our loving arms. Luckily for us, he'd lost a ton of weight by then.
It was such a great show, experience. I haven't been back since, but it's those type of shows that you really never forget.
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I luuuuuuuuurv this place. Not too small, not too big, just the right size. The sight lines are good from all over. The accoustivs are pretty damn good. I've seen dozens of shows at the Troub and I don't think I've ever seen a bad one. Certainly not because of the venue anyway. I usually walk outside with a smile on my face. There is a lot of the DIY ethic going on here. It's just down Doheny from the Roxy but God, is there ever a world of difference between venues.
The Troubadour is one of those places that when I'm on the fence about seeing a band finding out that they're playing the Troub will push me over the edge.
The beer selection is not as good as Spaceland but there's plenty of close free parking and it's easy to get in and out of. This place is the complete package.
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I love it here! The first time I went was last summer to see the Noisettes, and I fell in love with the place. So much history, so many pioneers of rock and drugs walked through this establishment, it's a little surreal to a Texas gal like me :)
Taking a piss, I think to myself, I wonder if Jim Morrison sat on this toilet?? Then I realize they have probably gotten a new one since then...
The upstairs bar is pretty sweet, and couches! Awesome for someone who stupidly wears heels to a sold out comedy show *ahem*
Last time I was here was for Foals, they were so amazing live! And the lighting made it even better, my sis got some great pictures. Oh, and I accidently hit the lead singer in the face...but he jumped into the crowd feet first, and my arms were flailing about ( cause I dance like a cracker) and he just connected BAM went flying, it was pretty awesome. He didn't mind, just kept going like the pro he is.
Parking is a breeze here too, right across the street is a cool lot with a crazy foreign guy, but he's safe :)
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As intimate as it gets without being totally cramped dive bar-style where you have to deal with some crappy band you didn't want to hear. The only difference is, great bands play here and the best part is you can actually see and hear them in all their glory on the wide, raised stage (especially if you're short like me).
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Hands down my favorite place in LA to play shows.
The stage is very roomy and wide and the drum riser is my favorite kind. The sound on stage was always top notch and the sound guys always knew what they were doing. I love the way my kick sounded when that place was empty, it's like being kicked in the chest 20 times a second. I have a big kit so I always appreciated a riser that could fit it along with my air mover and gig bag.
Only downside is the general staff. On some of the bigger tours we came here on, the staff would just be dicks to us and the kids. Why would they fight with the bands that play that in effect give them their jobs? I never got it.
I've only seen a few shows here and I can safely say it sounds way better on the stage than in front of it. But this place still has some of the best sound of any venue in LA.
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Fuuuuuck this place. I've been here a few times before, and ok, it's a good venue as far as sound and acoustics go, but I guess the ultimate lessons are a) buy tickets beforehand and b) get your drink on beforehand. I went with two of my compadres last night to see the Detroit Cobras, and right off the bat the night started sour. I approached the ticket booth and asked for two tix. I proceeded to hand over my credit card when she THROWS it back at me and grunts "CASH ONLY". Look, I know she hates her job and life, but what the F. So when I realize that I don't have enough cash for two, and the third friend steps in to help me out, the ticket bitch starts saying "HEY HURRY UP THERE ARE PEOPLE WAITING". Excuse me? Are you for real? SHUT THE FUCK UP!
After that terrible exchange, I needed a drink promptly to forget about her big greasy face. Since we got there pretty early, we decided to walk down the street and get some drinks and food at an Indian restaurant first (review to follow shortly). When we returned to the Troub, I beelined it to the bar and proceeded to order the first (and last) round. This is when things got even more aggravating. Upon ordering a Jack and coke, the chick pours SPLASHES of Jack into the glass and fills the rest with cola. She couldn't screw up my Baileys on the rocks, thankfully. BUT she goes on to bitchslap me by requesting 18 dollars. For two shitty poured drinks. GET ME OUTTA HERE ALREADY.
Luckily the Cobras put on a good show, otherwise...yeah. NO.
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This is my favorite Los Angeles area music venue.
I've been to countless shows here, mostly punk/rock bands. The place is nice and small, has good sound, and usually a good crowd.
I've never gotten any drinks or food here, so I can't comment on that. The merch area is always in the same side room, and though it can get a bit crowded in there, hooray for consistency in this case.
Parking isn't the easiest thing in the world for this place, but you'll likely find something within a few minutes. I've got a secret spot I use, so I've been lucky with that.
This place has a lot of history, and I'm glad I've been able to enjoy so many shows here.
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Hardly a dive bar, it's a great, venerable music venue. Great lights. Very good sound. Seating for those who want it. Pretty good sight lines, though it would be great if the stage were another foot higher. Convenient (pay) parking across Santa Monica Blvd.
If a band is playing here and you like them, there's no reason to not go (unless it's sold out).
One of my favorite venues in town to hear live music. The Troubadour is one of the best sounding rooms to hear music (or it might just be the sound guy). The venue is ideal for breaking bands or bands on the fringe. Most of the shows ive been to have been sold out and the audiences are great. People actually go to hear the music, not just to be seen. I don't believe i have ever seen a bad show at the Troubadour. Sure their beers are $7 but I don't come here to socialize or drink. Most nights, i show up 15 min before the headliner goes on and i can still find a parking spot on Robertson.
I love being able to walk in, grab a drink at the bar, order greasy fries from the old man behind the counter and watch the opening band(s) from the comfort of a bar stool.
I love the random times the bouncer gives me the VIP sticker that lets me go upstairs to the 2nd floor VIP area. There, I can sit on a comfy couch where the cook comes to me to take my food order and fiance and I can hang out in a relaxing setting, doing a little bit of people watching before the bands start.
I guess the number one reason I love it so much is that it's small. No big stadiums for me. I want to be able to see the musicians on stage. I need the intimate setting. I want to be shoulder to shoulder with the people who love the band as much as I do.
Advice:
Once the band starts, don't sit at the bar. The bar has a low ceiling that I think affects the sound of the music.
Buy tickets directly from the Troubadour. No need to pay the Ticketmaster fees when you can order directly from the venue.
Parking: there's a lot across the street.
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LOVE LOVE the Troubadour...musta been here a hundred times. Capacity is only 300 and the stage isn't too high adding to an intimate feel. Some times the door guy will give you a VIP Lounge sticker if you're 21 and over. There's not really much up there except a bar, lotsa couches, bathroom. Once in a while you'll see a celebrity up there. The balcony seems to fill up fast. There have been shows where there were only 10 people on the floor while the balcony was completely full.
It's pretty laid back for an LA/Hollywood venue. They let you bring in cameras and allow in-and-outa if you're 21 and over and show your drinking bracelet. I fax my ticket orders whenever possible, which reminds how much I miss Juli the former box office manager who was always super-nice to me when calling back to confirm my order. Angele the current box office manager is cool too.
Only downside is finding street parking. I think it's against my religion to pay for parking so I will circle around forever just to avoid paying the now $10 lot parking across the street. I always eventually find free street parking. Also I'm super happy that Java Detour opened a few blocks away! It's a perfect spot to hang out before and after a show, especially for me the non-drinker who finds bars too noisy and pricey just to have a conversation with friends.
I've been coming here for years for good shows. I don't think I've ever seen a bad show here.
I'm a big fan of the nice, wide stage so there's a good spot to stand pretty much no matter what.
My only complaint is the expensive alcohol. Suck.
This is pretty much my go-to place for shows, and will be for years to come.
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Dudes, I love the Troubadour. It's not only the best music venue in Los Angeles, but the food there is actually pretty good. The security guys rule too. And three bars. My ONLY complaint: You have to fax in your ticket orders. You can't do it on their website (Ticketmaster does NOT count), but a phone call is so much easier than faxing a bunch of shit. Oh wait, my ONLY OTHER complaint: Free parking is tough to find. Other than that, Troubadour is aces. I go there maybe 3 times a month for shows, but they have enough awesome shows that I could happily go three nights a week if I wasn't broke/lazy... Let's all meet at the Troubadour.
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Best place to see a show in L.A.! Nice and small so you get a great view from anywhere. There are a few parking lots across the street. Um...that's all I really have to say :) Love it!
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This is one of my favorite concert venues. People here are usually laid back. It's just big enough to still be considered a small venue. You can pretty much be anywhere in the place and still have a good view of the bands. Depending on the band and my mood I usually get there a little early and get a spot right up front or show up a little late and wander up to the seating up on the catwalk. I always still get an intimate vibe no matter where I end up.
There's a bar inside and out. The drinks are a little too expensive... but I'll let that slide. Your best bet is to drink before get here or somewhere else after the show.
I've never had a problem finding parking until the other night. It wasn't bad (like 5 minutes or so searching)... but I don't remember seeing as many zoning restrictions as I did last night.
Overall, one of the best little-ish venues in Los Angeles.
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Troubadour is one of my favorite music venues in LA. Small, intimate, no bad seats in the house (unless someone tall or with big hair is in front of you). Sound here was GREAT the last time I came...which is strange because a previous occasion here had fair acoustics. In any case, great venue for music lovers. You can hear everything very well and thre isn't that annoying echo you get in some smaller venues.
Beer here is kinda expensive I feel...$5 or $6 for bud light is just wrong. It's BUD LIGHT! I recommend using the bar-car before coming in if you're short on cash.
Parking on a non-Friday/Saturday should be fair. I think it's weird to valet at a concert...especially at a place like The Troubadour. So save some money and look for parking around the area first.
Ok, so I'm kind of ambivalent about this place, because there are good and bad parts about my experience here. I'll give you the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The Good: the food and drink service is great. The bartender was very attentive, and the food guy hooked us up with fries topped with seasoned salt (a delicacy in some places ;-)). The layout of the venue is cool, there isn't really a bad seat in the house. Club goers were generally friendly, which can be an anomaly in LA, and very much in Hollywood. I met some random girl who gave me a cupcake from the party she was throwing for a friend. Apparently, "everyone's on a diet so no one wants cupcakes." Eff a diet, I'll help you out homegirl!
The Bad: the parking situation sucks. I found a little spot across the street though. The door people - suck ass. I understand that it's Hollywood and it's important to be an effective gatekeeper, but sheesh is it really important that we "go stand over there," even if there isn't a line?
The Ugly: too many d-bags in the house. Ladies, I know it's summer now, but that's no excuse for me to see your cheeks. I don't care if the tag says its a dress, if it doesn't cover your bottom, it's not a dress. Fellas, same to you. To the guy with the plumber's crack, please rock a longer shirt. Or put on some drawers! Every time you put your arms up, I see your bum. It's assault on my eyeballs, dog.
I may have been cranky because I was sober (I was working a booth at the venue that night) but overall the place isn't bad. I would go back, but I'll need to throw a couple back first.
This and The Echo are my favorite venues in LA. The Troubadour is great because it's small, not overpriced, and they usually have good bands playing. I especially like the seating area at the top because it gives you the perfect view of the stage without having to deal with sweaty people falling over eachother (Unless that's what you want, in which case, the Troubadour is great for that too!). Actually, that's an exaggeration. This is one of few venues where people are basically low-key. Parking is also pretty great too. Pay parking near by is unnecessary. There is free street parking, you just have to be willing to walk a couple of blocks.
By far my favorite venue for live music.
I love the history, ambiance, leaky roofs and bathrooms, bitchy bartenders, great music, and shitty snack bar. Every seat in the house is a good one, and the drink prices are somewhat decent for a LA joint.
Everything about The Troubadour is rock n' roll. Even the wet toilet paper.
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If The Echo and Largo had a kid.. I think it'd look a lot like The Troubadour. It's a nice mix of dark, smelly bar and cozy, intimate stage. I'm all for up-close-in-your-face type venues and this is definitely one of the few classics in LA. I swear, every time I've come here, the audience has had full on convos with the artist on stage. It's that small. From the big names to the obscure bands, their wide range makes it so you're bound to find someone you like.
I've always been lucky with parking so I can't complain... free meters across the street on Melrose. And the fax options for tickets are ridiculously convenient! $2 for handling? Suck on that, Ticketmaster! Good to know not everyone's a greedy bastard these days..
My personal highlights: Turning around and seeing Paul Rudd.. and discussing our mutual Office obsession with Sondre Lerche..
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You know what? I really like The Troub. I really do. Strange, I have been there on two seperate occasions just this week for very strange reasons. First to see Robert Francis www.myspace.com/robert... who was generous enough to comp me a ticket after I was so bummed that his Silverlake Lounge residency was cancelled due to him catching pnemonia(saw the last one he did there and it was the best SL Lounge show Ive ever seen.) Exactly one week later im back for Joseph Arthur. They both two first names with same amount of syllables, btw. That show was also amazing. Not heavily attended so folding chairs were put out on the floor.
What I really like about the Troub though is the relaxed attitude it has. Yeah, its next to Dantannas and some other dumb pap heavy club but once you're in front of the troub its like none of that exists. and everyone is there for the same reason. To see some great band or artist play. Its old and smelly and sticky and hasnt really changed in 30 years. The sound is generally very good. I dont know, its comfortable. I like the drive down Santa Monica blvd too for some odd reason.
Ive only been there for really amazing acts. Its definately a time capsul. There's a strange sense of comradery inside where everyone kinda feels very 1969, all is one. I dont know. its sweet. No pretension. Ins and outs. Cool old dude who is very nice runs a little kitchen with a mean ass hummos plate. Im a fan of the Troubadour.
Am I alone on thinking the sound is ass? I've been here a mutitude of times and haven't heard good sound quality once. I don't know if it's the design of the room or bad soundfolk or a combination. But the mid range is always blaring way too much and muddying up the overall sound. I mean, it's a fine enough venue. Good size, good stage, decent enough parking. But I haven't been there one time when I wasn't a little annoyed by the sound quality.
This is an ok venue. Genius layout. The place reminds me of a shoebox. Most places would put the stage on the back wall. Not here. The stage is on one of the longer side walls. This ensures that a lot more people are able to get to the front of the stage and a lot less people are destined to be watching the show from a different time zone (we've all been there). This also allows the people who sit in the small balcony (like I usually do) to still have an intimate concert going experience.
I've waited to write this review for a better look with my new "Yelp eyes." I used to go here for shows a lot when I was in high school and a couple during college, but it had been more than a year when I saw the Ting Tings play last Friday. I remember my biggest complaint was that the sound quality was horrible. It used to be heavy on the treble resulting in a very tinny sound. It could have been the magical power of Anni Rossi and the Ting Tings, but the sound seemed much improved. I was happy about that.
Despite probably going to over 20 shows at the Troub, last Friday was the first time I had anything from the kitchen. All day Friday I was suffering through a stomach bug and it was by pure force of will that I got to the show. While I was there my appetite came back a bit so I got some white toast. It was the best toast in my life. The guys must