City National Civic

135 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

Address:	135 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
Phone:	+1 408-792-4111
Site:	sanjosetheaters.org
Rating:	4.2

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

A Private User

Seating was confusing due to duplicated seat numbers (multiple seat P11s in different parts of the auditorium) and the fact that the row and section numbers were written on the floor in chalk. Floor seats were folding chairs, the kind youd expect to find at bingo in a church basement, not at an $85 a ticket concert. Some of the employees were incredibly rude, particularly the "floor manager". General decor and colors were tacky. We were supposed to be the first row in our section but they "improvised" a row in front of us due to the fact that they had no handicapped accessible seating. No notice when intermission was over, about 1/3 of the people were still outside the auditorium when the music started again and missed the first song after intermission. Watching a concert at this venue was an extremely unpleasant experience that really put a damper on our enjoyment of the music. Not recommended.

Angie Mendoza

If I could give ZERO stars I would! I went to a concert with my family and I bought some drinks at the bar to enjoy during the concert. We had five drinks in total which cost us 50$ and the staff did NOT allow us to take our drinks to our seats. Whats the point of selling drinks if we are not allowed to enjoy them during the concert?!?! Then when the concert started, I was recording a bit of the concert and a security with a rude tone told me that I couldnt record and that was my only warning. I understood why that was an issue however, he did not had to be so rude about it. After that, I was enjoying the concert while I was checking on my phone (no longer recording) and once again the same security told me to put my phone away. The staff and security ruined my experience of the concert that I paid $100 to go and enjoy. Never going to this place ever again I can assure you that.

Art Del Mundo

Nice venue comparable to the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, just slightly smaller. Main Auditorium is nice which has permanent seats on the first floor compared to just the balcony area. This is great for dance events like electronic music festivals where you dont have to go up to the balcony to take a break. The acoustics are also good as well. Prices for refreshments and alcohol are comparable to the Bill Graham. Parking is plentiful as it is across the street from the McEnerey Convention Center and you can use that parking garage. Also a light rail stop is in front of the venue of you decide to take public transportation.

Sarah Herczog

This is a very interesting venue. I went here for a national concert and was surprised by a few things. Firstly, the size is very small for the size tour that I was attending. While surprising, this actually turns out to be a good thing as it means everyone has a great seat. I ended up sitting 5 rows back and felt like I was practically on stage. Additionally, the seats are not bolted into the ground or bucket seats--they are folding chairs. It is a very low key space in an old building that mirrors a church or a high school gym. I had a great time at the show and I would definitely go back as the seats are all fantastic!

Apollo Fell

Traveled from San Francisco for an event here on a friday night. Even a full 90 minutes after the event had begun, the line outside stretched around the block! I talked with people inside who all claimed the line took well over an hour and a half to get through. On top of this, the staff wouldnt let me out of the building once I was ready to leave, nor would they give me any directions on how to get out. I had to ask police officers inside the event to escort me out so I could go home. By far the most unprofessional and unorganized event Ive ever been to. Wont ever be coming back.

Rahim Salayev

We were in "Modern talking" concert in August. Drinks of course were terrible .But security personnel were so rude ,so mean.It was like we were in Republican Congress or Communist Party meeting and they were police officers. When I politely told them ,but this is a concert and people came here for fun ,for dance - one of them looked at me like I was criminal and said - do you want to get kicked out ? And to my question "why?" She repeated same sentence with more angry voice .I just had to shut my mouth . I hope those security guys get proper training

Norman Cheung

Came here for an EDM concert. Lines were horribly set up, lots of people cutting in, and they decided to change the placement of the line midway through adding to the chaos and cutting in. Staff were all friendly but most of them were incompetent at their jobs and just standing around. Venue itself was decent, a normal concert hall style. Bar closed an hr and a half before the end of the show, which was disappointing.

Marc MERLIN

Been there for multiple EDM events with big name DJs. Good venue, but silly layout with goons stopping you from "getting to the other side" to go to the bathroom, or avoid walking all the way around, because it crosses a bar, and you dont have a magic wristband. Except, Im 43 and look it. Stopping me because I dont have an alcohol wristband is utterly stupid

Jessica Esquibel

I went there to see All Time Low and it was one of the best nights of my life! Lines moved really fast and the staff were super nice! Even the security guards were dancing with us between sets. Lots of water was passed to us as well. But if youre short, I suggest you get balcony seats. Other than that, it was great.

Andrew Haws

Never been to this venue before. Great show, but the balcony seats face the middle of the floor and not the stage. Great way to get a crick in your neck. But i guess there are shows that perform on that middle floor and not the stage. Awesome that its literally next to the light rail stop for the convention center.

Jennifer Anderson

Ive been to lots of shows here since its remodel, its a great mid-size venue in downtown San Jose. Easy to get to, safe area and plenty of parking. Not a bad seat in the house and the sounds is great. Its nice that San Jose has a venue like this, keeps us from having to go all the way to SF to see a good show.

Anup J. Thomas

Wow, what an intimate, LOUD experience. Earthquake bass ripped through my chest as my wife and I saw NeedtoBreathes De Compadres Tour - John Mark McMillan Band, Mat Kearney, and NeedtoBreathe. They sell bear and food inside, so dont worry about getting there with a full stomach.

Sam Behnam

Its an old venue and they could take a better care of it considering their ticket prices. Their online ticket sales are done by thieves (ticketmaster) which charges around 20℅ convenience fee if you by online. You can drive to box office but they closed over the weekends

Erik Aguas

Good venue, love how its right next to the lightrail station and in the heart of downtown! Pregaming downtown then partying here or vice versa is super convenient and doable. Tickets are usually sold thru Eventbrite (which doesnt kill you with fees like Ticketmaster).

Gowtham Ranganathan

Went for an indian music concert. Not a lot of crowd. But parking in the convention center parking lot was super convenient and hassle free. Could get in and out in a few minutes and parking was just 10$. Very well maintained and the seats were comfortable