The Forge

Address:	22 W Cass St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA
Phone:	+1 815-280-5246
Site:	theforgelive.com
Rating:	4

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Lisa Grzelak

We came to The Forge to see Rockstar Rodeo and Dixie Crush (both country) which is not the typical genre the Forge hosts but they are expanding. I have never been here before it was The Forge but read the owners made some major interior improvements, like moving the staircase away from the side of the stage. I can totally see how this would have been a distraction during a concert. Upon arrival all 4 of us were carded, so dont get mad if youre older, they card everybody as its their policy. I like the main floor bar as it was dark but then lit up more in the back, to give not take away from the concert. Several large TVs are hung to have on a game, but one TV was dedicated as a menu board. We arrived super early so we chose seats upfront. Small round pub tables and stools are your choices. There are not a ton of them, so if youre looking for a table and they are expecting a large turnout, plan on getting there early. Most people stand at concerts and in this case of a country concert, there was a large open area in front of the stage for dancing. Service was good as there were several servers available, all checking up on us. I can see if this place is packed how service might get a bit tricky. We ordered drinks first and I tried to order a mule, but seeing they have only been open for 3 weeks, they didnt have ginger beer yet. Not a deal breaker, as I ordered something else. I heard they plan on also bringing in craft beers on tap. For food, their menu is very simple - a few sandwiches, apps, and salads. Heres what the 4 of us ordered: The Forge (a sub), Fire Fries, the burger, and the chicken sandwich. If you like subs, the Forge was great on a perfect bun, not too soggy, not too dry. The other sub option was the Anvil, (will try next time). The burger was cooked as ordered and was seasoned perfectly. The Fire fries, with Parmesan and chili oil were tasty, although the heat wasnt so extreme where you couldnt enjoy them. The chicken sandwich was seasoned as well. Fries needed some salt, but not a deal breaker. They are open for lunch during the day, so if you just need a place to grab a quick bite, defintiely give it a try. We were given a tour of the 2nd floor upon request, and there is another bar to accommodate the balcony viewers. For certain larger concerts, you will be able to purchase an actual seat upstairs, overlooking the stage, with a little counter for drinks (good to know). We were then shown the Sapphire room on the 2nd floor, that was boooked for a private party that night. The room has a full bar, stage and seating to host all sorts of private parties when smaller concerts are playing at the Forge. For larger concerts, the Sapphire room will be the bands dressing room. There is a separate private entrance off the street, so you never have to go through the Forge at all. Overall, I loved this venue. Small and quaint with great entertainment options and close to my house. Im looking forward to The Forge bringing quality entertainment to the area again and helping revitalize the downtown Joliet area.

Jeff Denis

The venue was pretty nice the sound was good not too loud not too low you can stand by stage theresa an iron fence about 3 feet from the band the bands stage is elevated it was a pleasant show overkill never disapoints and hasnt disapointed me in the 37 years ive been following them as usual blitz comes out after the show hands out autographs what a great guy he always comes out dave linsk was outside and the derek the skull dede rarely comes out if at all. Im going to see exodus there on the 28th hope that show will be as smooth parking is not too bad place was easy to find thanksFORGE FOR HOSTING ONE OF THE HARDEST WORRKING METAL BANDS IN HEAVY METAL AWAYS A GREAT SHOW IVE NEVER SEEN A BAD PERFORMANCE IN 37 YEARS OF FOLLOWING AND ATTENDING OERKILL SHOWS THEY ALWAYS GIVE THIER ALL. The forge was a nice friendly and decent place to see a show thank you folks at the FORGE. AND THANK YOU OVERKILL.. JEFF ( HORRORSCOPE) FIREMAN/BIKER FROM CHICAGO.

Daniel Wisniewski

If you are under 6 feet tall and dont stake a claim up front early dont expect to see the bands on stage. They oversold the event and honestly it seemed like a fire hazard. This is a very small venue and the buildings space isnt utilized well. There were also issues with sound quality as the microphones werent always working. I know this is common but come on 4 dollars for water and cash only? On top of this the only way they let you come back inside if you want to get some air is the smoking section. I would have left 1 star but somebody Im guessing in management asked how it was and seemed to show some sort of sympathy for our less than desirable night out. We drove 2 hours all the way from Wisconsin, should have researched it more I guess but hopefully this will help someone who is deciding if they want to go there for a show.

Alisha Sorensen

The set up was decent, as we were participating in the Star Wars Day (Joliet), however, I was disappointed not only to wait for a period of time (enough time for me to sit, watch another family sit and order, and walk back out to find my husband), before being acknowledged. It was a nice set up, for the cost and food to take advantage of the crowds in town. I am sitting here after my husband left 5 min ago, writing this review, without a ticket to pay, or a drink refill offered. The music is decent, though.

Sarah Vickery

The doors were supposed to open at 6 for a performance at 8. I didnt even get into the building until 8:45, and even though it started raining when the doors opened, they were in no rush to get people in so most of the crowd got soaked. They have poles blocking huge portions of the stage, making it inideal for performances like the one I came for. Also, they charge $2.00 for two a glass of two water. The establishment was clean and the employees seemed nice enough though.

Wendy Meyers

Totally unorganized .. we had VIP tickets. Paid more for that. Was in line for 40 minutes. Then they just started letting everyone in without any order. People from last in line just jumped in front. Even though they said VIP first. Then once inside more chaos. Gave us wrong wrist band and then was sent away from our seats. Had to go back and get correct ones. Rest of evening just a disaster. Wont be going back for anything. The show stunk.. but that wasnt their fault.

Lita T

Lets begin with cleanliness. The floor is so dirty your shoes stick as you walk! Next, management. Paying twice as much for early admission did nothing! Everyone was admitted at the same time! Also, because we arrived very early, we were able to find front row seats, only to have another row added in front of us when the management oversold VIP seating! Lastly, safety, emergency exit blocked with overflow tables and chairs.