One Longfellow Square

One Longfellow has been on fire to see comedians lately. I don’t know took over booking acts but whoever it is, is doing a great job. They consistently get bigger acts than people that play in Boston but not people that will sell out the State or the Civic (Cross) Center.
The small bar has your beer, wine, and most cocktails covered with normal prices for folks starting at 3 dollars for PBR to a 6 dollar Baxter or Allagash.
One Longfellow holds between 100 – 200 people and is a very intimate setting. The balcony seating provides great views but can get blocked due to the limited amount of elevation.
Parking is on the street and can be tough if it is 1^st Friday or a busy night in the Summer.
A lot of the acts will even make time for a photo after the show. (Case in point my picture)
An awesome spot.

Friendly atmosphere, with not a bad seat in the house. The real kicker is that they have great chocolate chip cookies to sustain you through the night.

One Longfellow is a great place to see comedians. I’ve been here twice and both times it was for comedy shows. I like the intimacy of the space and it’s made me not want to go see comedians in huge venues. I would say with seating on the main floor and upstairs, it holds probably maybe 50 people? Maybe? I don’t feel like there is a bad seat in the house. I like the fact that there are no tickets to print out and deal with. They just put your name on the list with the number of tickets and you check in at the door. It can get a little hectic if the show is sold out and there are people waiting to check in, people trying to buy alcohol at the little bar and random people just milling around. It’s not a huge space so when it sells out, it feels REALLY full. I feel like One Longfellow is one of the overlooked venues in Portland. They regularly get known comedians and bands with name recognition. At the last event I attended, I also learned that they do a comedy university and were having a show to showcase the graduating students. I think it’s pretty cool that they give classes in how to be a stand up comedian.

I feel really stupid for not going here earlier. It is a great little venue that totally delivers on the small intimate feeling you want from a show. I came here to see comedian Matt Braunger last night, and it was the perfect setting, top to bottom. I have been spoiled lately seeing national type comedians in smaller venues — that I can’t see myself schilling out big bucks to see someone at an arena. The intimacy can’t be beat. The venue is round-​ish, and I think it opens up for good seating options. There is a small bar if you want some libations, and they have some nice local beer selections there. Tickets are done with your name on a list, no need to print out ahead of time or worry that your phone won’t load them (this might not be for every show… so read your instructions & terms). Tickets are reasonably priced too.
I really loved the experience there, and will be on the lookout for future shows.
The only complaint is parking is a bear, but that is not dear One Longfellows Square’s fault at all. Just be a practical human adult and plan accordingly.

Caveat: I’m a member. Nonetheless this is my favorite place in Portland for live music to listen to, vs. dance to.
The tickets are always very reasonably priced, getting in is as simple as your name on a list if you prepaid.
I like the balcony for an unobstructed view and it pays off every time.
Sound is terrific no matter where you’re at in the building.
Staff is easy and amenable.
There’s a small bar with essentials including coffee and tea.
My kind of joint.

A beautifully curated soundscape in a great listening room in downtown Portland, OLS fills a niche that was lacking in our creative city.
The staff (and volunteers!) are knowledgeable, and accommodating– welcoming you in with sincere excitement for whatever show you’re about to experience.
Even if you’ve never heard of the band/​artist/​group that may be playing, it’s worth a stop. Worst case: you can enjoy the beautiful space and people watching. Best case: you find something new to love.

This is an awesome venue for an intimate show. They always get very talented performers – for example last fall they had my favorite cellist, Rushad Eggleston. There is a neat little balcony but I usually go for the middle seats downstairs. Always a few local beers and a special cocktail. Prices of tickets are very reasonable as well! I’ve never seen a bad show here.

If you are new to or visiting Portland you should save some time to visit One Longfellow Square. My wife and I frequently make an evening out at one of the MANY great restaurants in the Square and then go to OLS for a show. Their online calendar is sure to show you something you will like. The tickets are very reasonable. I highly recommend the Portland Jazz Orchestra shows. We’ve seen some pretty big luminaries there that you’d be surprised to see up close. Our favorite seats are actually in the balcony where you can look down on all the action. The sound board guy is a genius and the volume and sound quality is the best I’ve heard in a venue of this size. Also, their bar has great local craft beer and a full bar for cocktails. There is convenient parking behind the Local 188 restaurant (which is also a good place to supper beforehand). Trust the locals to give you a good hint on where to head out for a truly memorable experience!

So let me first say I am a performer who’s had the pleasure of being on this stage. Now this may make you say «well this guy has a vested interest so I cannot no dare I say will NOT trust his review» but here me out. I’m a Comedian «oh well then his opinion never mattered» …that was uncalled for but I’ll continue. This place is a perfect blend of upscale artsy establishment with a real personable and closeness bordering on intimacy. The stage is small and you are right there with the audience plus you can see the goings on in the street outside. That adds a level of cool to the room and inspires you to perform a little better. The building is book ended by a statue of Portland’s favorite son and poet Longfellow and a adult video emporium also with many works by Longfellow. Do not let that discourage you from going here it’s really a great venue and I was very proud to be on their billing. That alone is an eclectic menu of some of the best offerings in the arts world. They at least if anything deserve your consideration when deciding what to do on a special evening.

One Longfellow square is a place that is perfectly situated, smartly designed, and plays host to some sensational performers and events. From musicians like Ronnie Earl and Duke Robillard to showings of the Big Lebowski as part of the annual Dudefest (folks wearing bathrobes get discount tickets), this venue will display them all with local charm. For concessions, there’s a decent bar with some available snacks. Nothing major, but enough to satisfy. Really, they have stellar offerings in a nice setting. That’s all that needs to be said.

One Longfellow is a great venue that deserves a few more reviews. It’s an EXTREMELY intimate space, with perhaps a capacity of about 200? (Side Note: I love that Portland has a wide variety of performance venues to accommodate every type of artist and fan base!) If you’re on the floor, you can literally walk up and touch the instruments, like you’re watching a few of your musician friends jam out in a garage or a basement. There’s also a balcony if you want to watch the show from a higher elevation.
If you’re the kind of concert-​goer who needs to have a beer in one hand to balance out the fist-​pumping happening with the other, don’t fret — you can grab a beer or two and a few snacks at the small bar located directly inside the venue. When I went there a few weeks ago they had one or two Funky Bows on tap from which to choose. There was also a random plate of free cookies so I obviously grabbed a fistful and stuffed them in my pocket… you know, for later.
The only drawback to seeing a show at this place is that you don’t get a ticket; when you make a reservation via the interwebs your name goes on the list with however many +1s for whom you’ve also bought tickets. If you’re like me and like to keep tickets as souvenirs, then prepared to get disappointed — but I begrudgingly admit that it’s a good way to keep costs down.

Intimate theater perfect for singer song writers and other performers. Full bar and basic amenities this organization brings in great acts for a great price amid welcoming community and neighborhood

Great intimate venue. Nice acoustics and not a bad seat in the house.