Logan Square Auditorium

HORRIBLE SERVICE! We had signed a contract and agreement and they cancelled last minute few days before our scheduled event. All because they don’t allow «hip=hop». Since when can a venue discriminate between genre’s of music. Horrible service, horrible people to work with, they gave no feedback and spoke to me in a very bad tone. DO NOT RECOMMEND DOING BUSINESS WITH THEM!

I was here for The Unilocal Burger Kick-​off. First things first this place is not ADA compliant. It is on the second floor and there are no elevators and is also SRO capacity. The different restaurants that participated provided some very good bites and the money raised went to a good cause for JDRF.

You have to climb STAIRS to get into this place! Are we living in the 18^th century? The bar has a selection of drinks that is second only to your drunk Uncle Larry’s condo in its lack of selection and quality, and it sometimes smells like an old t-​shirt. But it’s also a great layout with excellent sound, a great place to see a band and a fantastic place to see a wrestling show (the last Chikara event I saw there was absolutely stupendous). I’ve never gotten hassled there, and they book a pretty diverse range of entertainment, so I’m happy to have them in the neighborhood.

We had our wedding reception here in May of 2015. The space was perfect for the event. We had about 150 guests. Saul, the owner is easy to work with though sometimes difficult to reach. We paid less than around $ 3,500 and this included the parking lot for our guests, security, access to the sound system, mixers at the bar, tables and chairs (we didn’t use the chairs… they are not great looking). Overall, it was a great time and the location is perfectly located in the heart of our awesome neighborhood!

Great venue and good medium sized place for bands and performances! Close to public transportation and metered or lot parking throughout the main streets. Decent sized bar and back and small bathrooms behind the bar. Came here to see All Sons and Daughters perform which was awesome!

Logan Square Auditorium is an average music venue. Not the best and not the worst.
It is a bit difficult to find. The entrance is a small, nondescript door next to Lula Café. Ascend the staircase and… welcome back to high school! Seriously, in some half-​nostalgic, half-​uncanny way, the layout and architecture of this place reminds me of my high school auditorium. There’s no coat check, but a rack to hang up your clothes. And even the merch is sold on the side of the stage… kind of like a high school bake sale.
I like how large this space is. Even though it’s not fancy, I appreciate that I could see the stage pretty well even when the place was crowded. But unfortunately, the sound is not great and the bathroom here is cramped and always kinda grotty. Bartenders are not friendly. There’s a tendency to be ignored whether there is a line or not.
Overall, Logan Square Auditorium is a decent place to see a show, but it could use some improvements.

After the end of a crazy, busy week last week it is safe to say that I was not exactly champing at the bit to brave Logan Square. I cabbed it over to Logan Square Auditorium on a brisk Friday evening (snow would have been the deal-​breaker) to attend Open Books’ 2014 Make the Case for Kids, a bookcase-​decorating competition and fundraiser. When the cab pulled up to the building, I had to check the numbers as I was not certain I was even in the right spot, thanks to the location being sandwiched between two other buildings.
Even as I climbed the stairs I still was feeling twinges of uncertainty, right up until the time I hit the second floor and began to hear noises coming from the auditorium and spied the Open Books signage. There wasn’t a coat check — merely racks — so I ended up carrying my coat, which turned out to be a-​ok since the space itself was chilly. Perhaps it was not the temperature so much as the eerie vibes — for some reason, the high-​ceilinged sace, with Rococco plasterwork and a few burned out bulbs, recalled something out of The Shining or that ever-​popular Lifetime series The Haunting Of…
Since I’d paid for my ticket ahead of time, I didn’t have to face the exorbitant drink prices that other reviewers mentioned. The bar setup was not what I was used to, nor was the space itself, mainly owing to the obvious lack of seating. This is one instance where I’m glad I wore comfortable shoes. The event itself was entertaining, and I enjoyed the performance/​emcee stylings of Chicago comedian Kelsie Huff, who is hilarious. The acoustics could have been better, especially during the portion when the raffle prizes were being announced. When I exited the venue, I noticed the sign stating that there would be no tolerance for ins and outs, even if patrons had their tickets with them. This to me seems a draconian policy, as it doesn’t account for emergencies (or even cigarette breaks, which to some might fall under the urgent category). Once is probably enough for me to come here, and I am glad that I was able to nab a cab before late night hours descended onto Logan Square.

I recently when to the fall ball here where Fred from the B-52’s was spinning some 45’s with other local DJ’s. I had previously seen one of the DJ’s before and his set was really nice, overall the 45’s we’re pretty good and the performance of all the musicians from that evening will have no affect on my review here because it’s about the venue and not the event.
The building was a little incognito and hard to find at first. The entrance is essentially wedged between two diners and super miss-​able. The interior is very old and definitely has some vintage charm to it. The main ballroom was fabulous and definitely a place I could see myself attending a wedding or something at in the future.
The sound however was horrible.
I concluded that it had nothing to do with the artists performing at the event, I saw several other views complaining about the exact same problems at different events.
I suspect the sub-​woofers or something might be blown here? And that it is possible that the over compensate for it by cranking the volume loudly resulting in tons of eardrum piercing hi-​end speaker noise. It was pretty intolerable. In fact, it was so bad during the final act that I split, it physically hurt my ears to listen to it.
Though I’d be remiss not to say that the gentlemen’s restrooms were very-​old school and whimsical, I had fin urinating in them.
Over all:
Charming building, terrible sound system, terrific bathrooms. I’d go back if dj’s weren’t spinning «tinny» 45’s.

The first time I came here I was 13 and then I stayed away for 7 years. I was going to come see Ty Segall here in August, but I couldn’t find any parking for 20 minutes and I got so pissed off I just went home. I swore to never come to this place again no matter who was performing! But then Fuzz announced a show and I mean. I can’t skip out on Fuzz…
I read the reviews here and I was DREADING coming. I circled around the venue about 3 times looking for parking and was ready to go home again until I saw someone pulling outta a spot that was right in front. I was so stoked. Sorry, but I have to brag about this. I mean. granted I haven’t been here in ever so I can’t really say «oh parking is always SO horrible!» but man. that was some good luck since parking is always SO horrible!
Okay but really. I don’t understand the complaints about the sound. Okay, maybe I do. If you’re not seeing a band that already plays super loud then the sound is probably going to be less than great, but if you’re seeing a loud ass band then it’s going to be great. Your ears will be ringing for at least a couple hours after the show and your insides will be shaking. The loud sound will also act as a shield against the douchebags who insist on talking loudly while a band is playing. Honestly. I wish more venues got this loud.
The views are pretty good too unless some rude tall ass dudes decide it’s okay to stand in front of you. In my opinion it’s pretty much like every other venue when it comes to that. The interior was also kinda. weird. Just doesn’t seem like it’d be a place bands come to play.
If it wasn’t for the parking situation I’d be excited to come here again, but until then I’m going to try to avoid this place just cause of that.

I like the Logan Square Auditorium. What a great place to have an event. They have a bar, vintage bathrooms and a lot of stairs. Conveniently located in Logan Square, hence the name, this venue is easily accessible by car, bus and the Blue Line. This place hosts all sorts of events from plays, weddings to hardcore shows.
I have been to Logan for a wedding, a play and for an Earth Crisis show. All were different events, but each one was executed very well. The wedding was classy (although I was pushed down the stairs by the groom), the play was entertaining and Earth Crisis brought me back 15 years. The show actually sounded great.
Logan Square Auditorium is a great place to have an event. Whether it is a wedding, concert, rock show or a play, they have got you covered. Until I see you again Logan.

Did I miss the AA meeting? Is a church service being held tomorrow? Bingo night? This place feels like a local community center and the meeting place for the protagonist and antagonist in a Todd Solondz film. It is that bizarre. This place could be converted into anything kitschy… unfortunately sometimes bands just have no idea what kind of venue they are getting themselves into and because of this I have seen a couple great shows here. But I really don’t like this place and would certainly not want to come here if I can help it.

The Reader’s Anti-Valentine’s Day party I attended was fun. The space was interesting. I would not have expected such a large auditorium because the outside is easy to pass by. It was very loud and boomy (although it was DJs and the speakers at one point were just plain OBNOXIOUS loud), they don’t really have enough restrooms, but it was somehow charming — all the wood, the large staircases, the little nooks and crannies to explore and especially the ladies’ restroom which has this crazy grate on the window with red roses and a moon. Really neat! I’d be curious to hear what a live band would sound like here.

For a bigger show this place is pretty nice. I have only been to handful of shows here but its always fun to come out to the heart of Logan Square for a show. The ball room is very beautiful. It would be nice if they had more than one bathroom on the ball room level. The lines get a little out of control. Im stoked to come out here again.

Superior vibes abound in this lo-​fi sound-​house. Ask yourself, «what do I want out of life?» and then sleep on it. When you wake, the answer will be clear. If your answer falls between «I just want to hang out so hard with all my alt-​bros and get super chill with some sounds in a place of community and art-​hotties», and «Dance my FACE OFFF so hard that the floor shakessss!!!» then get your ass in this place. Dont come hear expecting the sound to be the acoustic equivalent of your pro-​level Sennheiser studio headphones, because duh that sound quality only comes from pro-​level studio headphones.
LSA is about experiencing the music, with like-​minded individuals. It is a mass orgy of safely shared aural, tactile and olfactory pleasure. Never forget that, never. Get sweaty here, or just freaking chill/​relax in the back. Jump up and down. Visit their throw-​back gym-​style bathroom and experience the saudade tsunami destroy your iPad/​phone, your excessive current self-​awareness, your sins, leaving you sopping, submerged and breathless in a simpler time when you gave your biggest damn about hanging out with your friends and feeling music and performance together with your homies… if only for a moment.
Brothers and sisters, it’s time we got our lives together. Save yourself and your neighbor by grabbing the nearest chill hottie and blowing their minds with a buzzy show at LSA.

NYE with the Windy City Soul Club was a let down at this venue.
The first issue was the mandatory, free coat check that created a line which wrapped all the way around the building. If it weren’t for some friends in the area who let us stash our coats at their place we wouldn’t have made it inside before midnight.
Next problem: The very slow TWO bartenders serving mixed drinks. The wait was atrocious. A third of the bar that was sectioned off for «VIP» which not only was a huge waste of space but an idiotic establishment of hierarchy for who — the event promoters’ friends? Dumb. The balcony area was VIP as well — equally stupid as there was NO ONE up there except for the poor sap assigned to the task of turning people away once they got to the top of the stairs.
Third and worst of all, as my previous reviewers have stated: THE SOUND, dear lord the sound. I couldn’t take it. My entire group of about 20 people left at 12:30 because our ears were bleeding. There was also nowhere to get away from the music to sit down and take a break. It was a mess.

I came here for a Vietnamese concert for Halloween.
This place is old, raggedy, and the sound was horrible. My car plays better music than that. All I have is the upgraded sound system when I purchased my car.

I had the luxury of attending a Metal/​Amatuer Wrestling Event
sponsored by PBR here. I know that this venue is now apart of
the storied «Empty Bottle» entity that rules Chicago’s
awesomeness scene, and I was glad I got to see it when I was
there.
The acoustics were excellent, and I felt that this was a great
midsized venue. Lots of places to stand and lean. Big,
Organized bar area, getting a drink was quick and easy. Speaking
of acoustics, they were Probably too great, as my ears started
to bleed. Metal Health can drive one mad.
It reminds me of an old school gymnasium, and I like that it is
being used for good instead of evil. Bonus: it is in my
favorite area in all of Chicago.

I would give the Logan four stars if their beer were cheaper. But it does come in its can and not a crappy plastic cup, so maybe I’ll give them 3.5 stars.
I saw CocoRosie here last weekend and was prepared to be disappointed. I was the opposite! I was worried the sound would be reminiscent of dodge-​ball day in elementary gym class, and it was not! The décor is much nicer than anticipated, the entry is quick and simple, the sound really solid for such a venue.
CocoRosie also was way fucking more awesome live that I’d have hoped. Sweet.

I know venues will charge more for alcohol, but $ 5 for a PBR is just madness. Acoustics are decent and the place on occasion draws good enough bands to warrant a trip out here now and then.
For all you fixie owners out there, it’s good to know it’s a short walk from the Logan Square blue line stop because the bike racks seems to always be overloaded.

«This song reminds me of my childhood,» she said. I looked at her searchingly then quickly averted my eyes. For a few seconds there was a silence. I broke it, «Yeah? Is that a good thing or a bad thing?»
Many venues (cough cough The Metro) are a concession of our city from modern metropolitan corruption. The Logan Square Auditorium (LSA) despite being somewhere in between a high school gym and a ballroom – leaning closer on the banister of a HS gym side of things – embodies an atmosphere that could be found in a small college town, or in the LSA’s case a liberal side of town that has vintage appeal. There is always a large age gap at LSA, so depending on what kind of crowd you dig, expect a wide and diverse one. Standing behind a 39 yr old (who lyke, had to hire a babysitter) yet in front of the hippest kid in town, leads to an interesting dancehall venue. I like the music they play in between sets. Also, most of the shows at LSA are cheap, you gotta dig.
Shows I have seen here:
The Black Lips — raucous and rampant rock, there is something special about seeing a band before they break it big and go on to play venues like the Metro. Luckily, Black Lips haven’t reached that point yet and I was glad to see them although they didn’t quite give it all their might (long tour…)
Yann Tiersen — known for being the guy behind the Amelie soundtrack, the French musician (who has been compared to Frédéric Chopin, Erik Satie, Philip Glass and Michael Nyman) and his band impressed me so. It’s always interesting seeing a group without ever having heard their music beforehand. This is always a risk, but this time it payed off as the female vocalist, awesome toy piano and incredible violin solo’s by Yann really did it for me.
PS Never wear TOMS shoes to a concert!
Comparisons:
Eugene, OR — The McDonald Theatre
Los Angeles, CA — a less modern Avalon
San Francisco, CA — The Fillmore West
London, UK — Café Paris