My Music, My Concerts, My Life: Our Top 5 Small Restaurant/Concert Venues in Philadelphia

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Our Top 5 Small Restaurant/Concert Venues in Philadelphia

Philly is the home to so many great music venues. Even the midsize venues, Like Union Transfer and World Cafe Live can give you an intimate experience. Still nothing beats seeing a great band in a small venue. Even better is getting a great meal before the show. Below we have listed our Top 5 Restaurant and Music Venues that has a capacity of 250 people or less. You can't go wrong visiting any of these choices.

Tin Angel - Good Cuisine and table seating. What more could you ask for in a small venue? This is a great place to see an acoustic set in a relaxed environment. The best part of having a meal before the show in this Olde City restaurant is that you are given first priority seating.

The food is high priced but worth it! Even the burger is done with flair. Acts include Francis Dunnery, Jeffrey Gaines, and Martin Sexton

Johnny Brenda's - This is absolutely one of my favorite spots in Philly. Located right of I95 they boast outdoor seating, an incredible, local craft beer tap list, and one of the coolest small venues in town.

The food is delicious and priced well. You can choose to eat small or large.The music venue caps out at 250 people and includes a balcony. Baroness, Bon Iver, Mayer Hawthorne, and St. Paul & The Broken Bones have all adorned the stage.

Bourbon and Branch - I love how hip Northern Liberties has become over the years. This venue has a great location in an old building with a lot of historic class. They host local bands and national acts.

What's their specialty? You guessed it...Whiskey! They have a great selection with accompanying comfort food like House Made Bacon with Tomato Jam, Bacon and Beer Mac, and Truffle Parmesan Chips. All at prices that will not break your wallet.

Photo Courtesy of TrazeeTravel

Milkboy - This is a great place to just and chill in the heart of Center City. The staff is great and the food is too. You can sit inside or out and just people watch on Chestnut Street.

They manage to snag hip acts on the verge of taking off and showcase with inexpensive ticket prices. Speaking of inexpensive, I'm not sure you are finding good beer and food at these prices anywhere else in this part of Philly. They have unique offerings made from scratch like Catfish BLT and Deviled Eggs.

Photo courtesy of Pennappetit

Boot & Saddle - Thank you R5 Productions. They reopened this classic country bar and turned it into a 150 seat capacity venue with high emd talent. For a small venue their sound system is second to none. Past shows have included Joywave and Ladyhawke in a convenient South Philly location on Broad Street.

Photo courtesy of BizBash

The cuisine is light and fits in with the theme. It's perfect to grab a sandwich before the show. Sean Agnew of R5 has always felt that a college student should be able to afford to see their favorite band play and grab a beer. Kudos Sean.

Photo courtesy of XPN

Honorable Mention / Ortlieb's - Located at the defunct Ortlieb's brewery this venue has changed a bit over the years. Once a Jazz Haus with creole cuisine it is now a venue for local bands and Tex-Mex food.

Photo Courtesy of VisitPhilly

They give bands residency's and the atmosphere is great. Out of all of the venues listed this is the only one where you can eat and watch the show at the same time. The Tacos and Burritos compliment the live music.