Union Transfer

1026 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, USA

Address:	1026 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, USA
Phone:	+1 215-232-2100
Site:	utphilly.com
Rating:	4.7

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

Caroline Tutak

Hands down one of the worst experiences Ive ever had at a venue. Of course, like any other concert hall, theater, etc., there is no reentry if youre under 21. Which is completely understandable. What is not understandable, though, is the fact that they dont provide a smoking section for those under 21, especially if the Pennsylvania state law allows people 18+ to purchase cigarettes. The only place you can smoke (if youre 21, of course) is on the sidewalk directly in front of the venues entrance. Another thing that ticked me off was the fact that I could not even get into the bar area to ask for a cup of ice water. Its pretty obvious whether or not you have a wristband on recognizing youre over 21 and I dont see the harm in going up and asking for some water. Even the FAQ section on UTs website states that free ice water is provided at any show, but it doesnt say that you have to be over a certain age to get one. So when I asked if I could get water and was denied, they redirected me to the front section of the venue where a lady handed me a cup and rudely told me to "fill it up in the bathroom". A ton of people under 21 come here for shows and I think its a little ridiculous that this venue doesnt do much to provide for them. If everything is such a big deal then they should just make it 21+. But, on a lighter note, if you are over 21 youll probably have an awesome time, especially because you have access to the balcony, which is another thing underage people dont get.

G C

Saw The New Pornographers here last night (awesome show). Tried Prohibition Tap Room before the show. Awful, slow, didnt-care bartender. Bad layout, packed, too tough to get a drink. EVERYONE was upset about the speed of service but what can you do? Its not like the area is spoiled for choices. Went to The Institute for more room, 40-50 people in there, one bartender who was also the waiter and bus boy - waited 15 minutes to get beer, finally got it and it was warm. SINNER! How do you charge me $6 per beer average and serve it warm after making me wait that long? And whats up with the only two bars close to the UT and you dont have enough staff on to handle the crowds?? Horrible management. And warm beer. Im still mad about that. Decided to forget it and go to Union Transfer for pre-show beers. Best decision ever made. No crowd at the bar, no lines, plenty of tables, saw the opening band at a show I attended for the first time since I can remember and they were great. Cool, roomy venue. Plenty of bar staff. Pricey beer because youre at the venue but nowhere near what the stadiums and CrapFinity Live charge (UT was $6.50 - stadiums and CrapFinity are $7.75 and up). Biased because the show was so good - but loved this venue. Would go back in a second. If you are thinking about seeing a band here, do it. Absolutely worth it. They even have a coat check and the bathrooms are still nice.

Michael Hirsch

So as to not bury the lead (and to explain why this gets 3 stars instead of 4 or 5) -- you can not bring an alcoholic beverage of any type onto the floor (e.g. up near the stage) at an all ages show. This rule isnt posted. UT, please POST YOUR POLICY. It would save a lot of people from feeling as I did. I had a bourbon and a beer (for a friend holding my place in front) in hand and after I paid and was heading back to my spot was told "no booze on the floor". So I quickly drank my bourbon and got a beer for myself (is beer "booze"? Not where I come from) only to learn (again, AFTER I bought the beer to replace the "booze") that I couldnt take anything down (beer, wine, "booze"). So ultimately I was faced with slamming two beers, or leaving them at the counter. I was at a sold-out GA show. I didnt really have the luxury of taking my time to enjoy my drink. So, there you have it. The venue, others have rated. I will rate solely on this lack of acknowledgement of policy. POST YOUR POLICY SO PEOPLE KNOW THEY CANT BRING DRINKS AWAY FROM THE BAR AREAS!

Tiffany Seuren Rodriguez

I am not one to write reviews. Ever. But I havent shut up about this place since I went there a week ago. There is a parking lot directly behind it which charges $10 (very nice not to have to worry about street parking), the staff is amazingly friendly, the interior is gorgeous, the bar area is great for the winter so you dont have to stand out in the cold and the 21+ area is great. Waitresses take a spin through the balcony every so often and check up on you if you need a drink and then bring it back with a check. Even the sound quality is great. Also, you get all of this for the average ticket price of $15 with prices rarely going above $20. I dont have a single complaint. Its sad when you enjoy the venue almost more than you enjoyed the bands!

Anh Renner

We went to the union transfer last night for a show and had a pleasant time. The line was short to get in, luckily. I have seen lines wrap around the block before. The acoustics seem pretty good inside the venue. We moved around to a couple different spots - some on stage level and some up on the balconies. Both areas had good views of the stage and balanced sound. The only real disappointment I had was with the staff. Everyone was rude and short tempered. I felt like I was treated like a middle schooler and the staff were chaperones. Any false move and you were getting kicked out. Maybe another show will offset my opinion, I can only hope because I like the venue.

Nate Hoffmann

Ive been here for concerts several times now, and although they were all excellent concerts, that doesnt speak to the quality of the venue. What I can say, is this: - the venue is a decent size - its really easy to get to and find - the stage is easily visible from just about anywhere in the venue - it has an upper balcony although it hasnt been open for the shows I went to (Im guessing they open it for larger shows only) - decent beers at the bar and the areas where you can drink alcohol is more convenient than some other places - merch sold in the lobby is well displayed

Sarette Dymkowski

The security is a joke. They dont do their job. I went to an Alex G concert and their were people smoking weed in the audience, people getting pushed and hurt in the mosh pit. Instead these rude bafoon security apes were yelling at Alex Gs family to leave and chasing his brother n his girl out of the building, giving Alex Gs bro a hard time when he just wanted to say bye to his brother.So instead of doing something worthwhile security was nothing but a nuisance. I think this venue should reconsider who they hire for their security and train them to actually do their job.

Nicholas Coffman

My favorite venue in Philadelphia. Tickets are always reasonably priced if you purchase them from the box office with cash or credit. The bar is reasonably priced, the sound is great, and there are designated sections for the 21+ crowd that are elevated on each side of the floor. The venue has the ability to shorten or lengthen the stage depending on the artist/crowd size which is great, you never feel like you are standing in an empty room, most shows sell really well there anyhow.. Plenty of places to grab food or drinks before the show as well. Try it out!