The Clubhouse Music Venue

I’m not a huge club fan so I will say I probably won’t give the best review. Here it goes. It’s to damn DARK in this, walls, floor, doors, bar and stage all painted black. Must of been a sale at Home Depot on black paint. They also have nothing to deflect sound so the sound bounces off the bare black walls. Unpleasant experience, except for a couple of years ago I worked for Taco Bell and their food truck sat in front and we passed out free food… now that was fun. :-) BTW, I don’t work for taco bell so don’t try and hit me up for free food.

I went here for a Comfort for Change and AAF concert a couple of weeks ago. I really didnt like the venue. I was really disappointed that they allowed moshing. I think its fine normally if its in a defined area. However the bruises on my legs are just now fading from the kicking and punching I received while trying to avoid the mosh pit. The security was very lax and was not there to protect anyone, especially people who were not moshing. Its hard to enjoy a concert if you are so busy trying not to get stepped on or shoved. I will not be going back here!!!
P. S. bathrooms were not well maintained and were very dirty.

I have a love/​hate relationship with The Clubhouse. I LOVE the fact that the majority of my favorite bands play here, however I HATE the fact that it is completely unbearable in there during the summer. I went to see some friends play a show last night and even though it isn’t quite summer yet, it was still extremely humid and hot in there. Understandable, though, because the show was completely sold out.
The alcohol selection is pretty good, it’s funny to see people drinking the fancier beers there. It’s pretty spacious, but I feel like it would be even better if the bar weren’t smack-​dab in the middle of the floor.

I like this little club. It appears to be a small club in a strip mall next to the Horse & Hound, but inside it is very spacious. The club brings in a good mix of local artists and larger known performers. I saw KRS-​One here in 2009 and Slick Rick here yesterday. Security is smooth — I typically pre-​purchase my tickets and have no trouble getting in the building quickly. Both times I have been the show was pushed back an hour, but once it started it was great. It gives the local acts a chance to get their name out there.
Yesterday I didn’t purchase alcohol (I pre-​limed elsewhere), but I bought an energy drink. Actually I bought two because there is a $ 10 limit on charge cards and the drink was $ 4. A couple of bartenders there to keep it moving.
The sound is good, but the thing I like most is that while it is overall very roomy, it is also a venue where you can get up close to the performers. I would recommend seeing a show here. Most are about $ 20 and tickets are easily purchased online. They have a web site, but the videos and photos show they are not always updated. I think if they had an improved web site that included recent pics, videos and upcoming schedule, it would be great. There is a calendar of events, but it could be improved.

Went here last night to see a few different bands and was excited because it’s always fun to go to a small venue like this. The doors were supposed to open at 6:00, my friends and I got there at around 6:30 and there were still people waiting in line but it wasn’t a big deal because since it was a Monster Energy Drink Tour they were handing out free Monsters. The bouncers were friendly (and a lot of them were HOT!) as were the bartenders.
The bathroom situation isn’t the greatest, only one stall in the girls bathroom so if you’re going to use it, pee fast because there’s going to be someone waiting behind you. The whole atmosphere was very down to earth and laid back. It was easy to have fun listening to great music. After each band played there were tables set up where you could talk to them and get autographs which was awesome. Most of the bands were super friendly and a lot more down to earth than you would expect. I’ll be back in March for the next concert I’m going to see here!

Horrid.
I will occasionally determine whether I will attend a show based whether my love for the band outweighs my disdain for the Clubhouse. Some key points, in no particular order: staggeringly hot – I left the Walkmen show early because I thought I was going to pass out. (When the band onstage complains that it’s hot, they’re probably not just making conversation…) Horrible sound, especially if you are forced to stand in front of the speakers, which is hard to avoid. Bathrooms? Stifling, inadequate and revolting. Beer sign that shines into the crowd and distracts from the acts on stage? Annoying. Random discarded yard sale items stored in the bar area? Really? Ever heard of a storage room? The fact that you have to stand by the sticky-​floored bar area far away from the stage if you’re drinking? Ridiculous.
Why do bands play here? One of the great mysteries of the universe. Especially when there are places like the Rhythm Room nearby. The only positive thing I have to say is the guys they have staffed at the front door are always friendly.
Added bonus: hope you enjoy taking your friend to the impound lot (it’s across the street from Tempe Marketplace) because more than one of my friends has been towed from this lot before. So, if there’s a sign warning you will be towed over the space you’re parking in, believe it.

Despite all the recent bad reviews of this place, I actually liked it. The heat inside isn’t THAT bad, people. Yes, it’s warmer than the 75 degrees you keep in your house, but it’s not the 110 outside.
I went the other night to see A House Divided (which you would like if you like Chevelle and Breaking Benjamin) and it was ROCKIN’. Sound was pretty good. I like how it’s small enough for the band members to see who is standing in the back and terrorize them.
Ladies… one stall in the bathroom. Be forewarned that there is going to be some drunk chick that will probably go and make a mess in there. Just plan on not using it as the evening progresses.
All in all… it’s a pretty good experience. I like that those who aren’t drinking get to be up front.

1^st time: Seeing Miike Snow. Longest line ever. Passed out before I could gain entry. I think it was 105 at night. People were tipping the bouncer to get in. Apparently, this is how the effed up venue functions. It’s corruption at its worst.
2^nd time: actually got in without 5 minutes of waiting (Edward Sharpe show). Their AC was not even ON and they had only ceiling fans, which we asked to be turned on because they weren’t in motion. They turned on one. One out of the 6 or so. Then they aimed this air shaft towards the bouncers, and away from us dancing in the back. That’s right, they policed the one air shaft to cool off the bouncers who were being paid to be there, while us patrons who had paid were not getting anywhere near the cooling breeze.
The venue is great for seeing the band from all angles, and it wasn’t too crowded. I just won’t be going back until they fix the air-​conditioning.
If you do go, Do not wear pants. Bring a hand-​held fan or battery-​op one. Remember to bring the $ 20 to tip the fat bouncer to cut in line. And finally, if you must go, stop by Native New Yorker for their delicious wings!

Whatever you do… do not wear pants! You’ll thank me later. This place is tiny and authentic and HOT. We went to a Miike Snow concert in June and the hot summer air felt like a gust of air conditioning when we walked out of the place.
Drinks are cheap and the space is great for watching a live show up and personal. Plan on having some cocktails before you go or hit up the beer-​only tub in the back to avoid the crazy bar scene.
Oh, and ladies. there’s one stall. Deal.

Worst. Venue. Ever.
The one star is for the great music that they book. Too bad I won’t be seeing any more great bands there until they fix some of the problems.
Starting with… AIR-​CONDITIONING! It was the hottest weekend Phoenix has had yet this year with temps hitting 105 and higher. And they had no A/​C on. Yes, I’m serious. My friends and I could barely stand still comfortably much less dance. Walking back out into 100 degree air never felt so good. Oh, but they do have plenty of fans! But most of the fans are broken and not running anyway. Awesome.
Next, THE BAR. It doesn’t take my service industry experience to know that 2 bartenders for 500 people isn’t enough. Even if some of them are under age and not drinking. Actually getting to the bar to order a drink took over 20 hot and sweaty minutes. Then instead of a vodka soda I got a vodka red bull. ??? How do those even sound the same? But instead of waiting another 20 minutes to get this corrected I just drank the damn thing.
The incorrect drink wouldn’t have ben SO bad if I would have been charged correctly for it. But nope, instead of paying for one I got to pay for two! Even better! I can’t put all the blame on the bartenders for this, they were pretty busy taking care of the other 300 plus drinkers. Mistakes happen, I know. But when they do, they need to be corrected. So when I called the next day to ask for this to be fixed I didn’t think it would be too much trouble to have the amount adjusted or at least the promise of a free drink at the next show. Well, there an’t never gonna be a next show. Cause when I finally spoke with the owner I was called a name and then HUNG UP ON. BY THE OWNER.
I hope my favorite bands start playing at The Rhythm Room because this was my first and last show at The Clubhouse.

Some of my favorite bands that come through town end up playing at the Clubhouse. Miike Snow last night great Show!
I am used to the configuration split between 21+ and 21-​. It is easy to get up front to see everything close and personal. Sound is usually pretty damn good.
Whats wrong? How about turning on the f**king AC for a sold out show in the summer? My god it was inhumane. I ended up leaving ½ way through the show it was so hot. I wasn’t the only one. You guys are great business for the bar next door. It was full of concert goers fanning themselves back to life.
Flip the switch maybe next time? It is a concert Venue not a Bikram yoga class.

3.75
DO NOT PARK WHERE A SIGN TELLS YOU NOT TO PARK!
YOU WILL BE TOWED!
There are spots in the parking lot with signs that say something like «Military personnel parking only» or some crap like that. If you park there, you will lose your car. It doesn’t matter what time it is. Tow trucks come in with their lights off & tow tons of cars away. Can you imagine going to enjoy a show, coming out, & your car is gone!!!
The first time I ever came here the door guy wouldn’t let me bring my unopened bottle of water in. I take issue with places in Phoenix that don’t let you bring water in. Don’t you know what dehydration is?!
I’m over 21, but I still have a vertical ID. I got my wrist band no problem.
It’s pretty quiet between bands. I think I heard music once.
It gets HOT! They only run the A/​C when the bands aren’t playing. Wtf is this nonsense?! Run it when they ARE playing; that’s when everyone is moving & hot.
Sound can suck here. You can barely hear or understand the singers sometimes. The sound guy totally made the drums drown out the lead during 1 band. But then again, 1 band was great when it came to sound. They took time to make sure everyone was balanced.
I didn’t even bother going into the caution taped off bar area. But it’s a pretty big section of the venue. I’m 1 of those people way up close rocking out. It’s great up there, even if I do have to tell the 5 foot 13 year old next to me to stop shoving for no reason or she’s gonna get an elbow to the face. Hey, it’s good to learn venue etiquette early, right?
Yeah, for some reason I kind of like the Clubhouse. Hmm must be because I can pay $ 10 – 15 to have a great night…

Say it’s another boring Friday or Saturday night and there seems to be nothing to do and no place to go. One of the best solutions to the problem of boredom is a trip down to The Clubhouse music venue in Tempe, Arizona. Any person, whether they go for the live music or the social comfort of the bar, is more than likely going to enjoy their time at The Clubhouse. The venue has the unique spirit of a lively nightlife venue; it’s full of fun and laughter in an environment where you can forget all of the trouble of the day. It also welcomes all ages. There is an area for the minors directly in front of the stage which makes for an awesome opportunity to see a band up close. It’s conveniently located in Tempe so it attracts large crowds who want to enjoy their night out on the town. However, The Clubhouse isn’t necessarily good for their bar, or crowds, but for their ability to present a show that will totally blow the minds of the fans in the crowd.
Among the venues in Phoenix that people go to, The Clubhouse easily ranks top of the list. Each concert that I have seen at the Clubhouse has been awesome because of two particular venue elements. Sound quality of a band either makes them or breaks them in the music business. The same principle applies to music venues — if they don’t have good sound, they won’t have good business. When it comes to The Clubhouse, the sound is downright amazing. A sound engineer sits behind the mixing boards at all times and keeps a sharp ear for equipment levels. He takes care of the band as if he’s a member of the band, which is makes performers feel well treated and respected. While the bands prepare to load their equipment onto the stage, the security blocks off the loading area inside to protect band equipment. Not every venue provides security to keep an eye on equipment, which makes this venue all the more awesome. Security that keeps an eye on equipment is a luxury to most bands. Next to the sound, the stage lights are amusing to watch while seeing a band play live. Interestingly enough the lights coordinate with the rhythms and movements of the band. So when a band has a good groove and beat, the lights do the same. Good lights also make for a better band performance. Any performer knows that when a venue has good lighting, it motivates the band even more to put on a better show. To put the sound and lights into perspective, any new band can play on The Clubhouse stage and seem like the next hot new band on the radio. Ashley Simpson would seem like a rock star on that stage even if she did forget her words. It’s that good.
Although the staff is friendly and takes good care of the customers, and the crowds are open and fun, the sound and lighting is what makes The Clubhouse one of the best venues in Phoenix. Any type of band can be found playing on the stage whether they are punk, rock, pop, rap or the most extreme metal band on the block. If it’s an existing music genre, The Clubhouse will show it. As a member of a local band, one of my top two choices of venues to play at is The Clubhouse. As a fan, I prefer to see acts perform at the Clubhouse more than any other venue. If there is an event, the price to enter the doors is more than likely worth paying in order to see and hear what waits behind the doors of The Clubhouse.

I have to be honest, I really do not like this place.
At all.
I’ve been coming here for years. . I practically used to live here back when I was dumb enough to date boys who are in bands. I never remember liking it then, and after last nights show, my mind hasn’t changed much.
Its small. Its dirty. Its unorganized. I find it really weird that its located in a strip mall next to a burrito shop. On a sold out night, its next to impossible to get a drink at the over-​sized bar that takes up 70% of the venue. Order 2 at a time… double fisting is the only way to booze at The Clubhouse. They offer food. that is prepared at the restaurant next door and brought over. which is also weird, but the nachos looked totally decent. The bathroom situation is terrible. With only one stall, I waited in line for over 20 minutes. I know we women like to take our time, but come on bitches! Hurry up and pee!
The parking lot is a zoo, and there are never any spots. Park in the business complex right next door instead. just don’t let you little sister sneak out of a show early to sleep in the car because you will return with it surrounded by cops.
I know I’ve said absolutely nothing positive — I realize that I am a Unilocal snob and I notice every single detail at any place I am at. Especially the bad ones. But seriously, I really do not have anything good to say. Unfortunately this is just where my favorite bands decide to book so I’m forced to just deal with it.

Yet another trip to The Clubhouse has reminded me just how great this place is. Very diverse crowd, most people would have to try pretty hard not to fit in here.
The acoustics are great for a divey bar/​music venue, and if you aren’t digging the opening bands you can head next door to the OTB and have a couple cocktails until the headliner comes on.

Clubhouse… You smell so bad~but sound soooo good!
Recently we (like sat. night)were here with 100 of our closest friends. When you walk in the smell is a little over whelming… but. you soon hear the great music and all is forgiven!
The staff was AWESOME! We had a problem with the bathroom. I told security and the dude said hey I’M a plumber and bam it was fixed!
Next. it was a little warm so I asked if they could turn the fans on and bam they did!
The drinks are cheap. And if you like them strong then this is the place for you!
All in all Clubhouse you ROCK in every sense of the word!!!
Oh~and by the way the Horse and Hound is right next door! Cheap drinks and good food! (they also own The Clubhouse) handy huh?

MAD PROPS to CLubhouse for being one of the only like two all ages venues in the metro area. I absolutely love playing here and its a blast seeing shows here.
There are a few downsides that prevent me from making it a 5 such as the new sound guy and the grungy bathrooms, but overall this place is dizope!

I’ve seen many shows here, and I generally have a good time. The Clubhouse definitely brings me back 15 – 20 years to a time when this city actually had a scene and cool places to go see shows. I’m not going to start name-​dropping though, so you’ll just have to take my word for it.
My score of this place is probably heavily influenced by the quality of the bands I’ve seen perform here. As a bar, it’s a bit of a filthy dive (which makes it a perfect candidate to host indie music events), but it’s still cleaner and nicer than most places I’ve seen bands play (which says more about those places than this one). Clubhouse seems to land hosting duties for some really great bands though, so if you’re a fan of good music you’ll probably end up seeing a show here at some point
I can’t imagine why anyone would come here just to drink, however, they definitely serve some strong drinks here. They also serve them in plastic cups so you really feel like you’re at a classy joint. The bartenders can be nice and somewhat attentive if you tip well, but it’s hard for them to hear your drink order so don’t be surprised if you get the wrong thing.
The sound is usually above average for this type of club. Phoenix has always been known for having shitty sound at the club venue level, so even at their worst, they seem to provide pretty good audio here in comparison. If you forget your earplugs and you’re old enough to care about such a thing, you’ll hear the music just fine from behind the bar.
The layout of this place seems to work pretty well. The size is great now… it can really pack them in without losing a sense of intimacy — and as long as the band can draw at least 50 people, it won’t feel vacant and empty. The place could definitely use more seating and a more regular deep clean, but it’s tough to complain since it all just works.
Problems? Well, their system for tickets and entry can move a little slow, but it’s about the same as any other place I suppose. Inefficiency is the norm. Out front by the door is where people go to smoke and it’s nearly impossible to leave the venue without stinking of it.
Aside from those and a few other minor quibbles, it’s a great place to see a show. Plenty of parking, good audio, stiff drinks, all-​ages bar w/​ID, good bands, and enough of a dirty divey feel to bring you back to the good-​old-​days when music was good.

Went to see local bands play here last night with Amy D and her awesome friends. Totally my kind of bar… dark, dirty, divey, and with killer bands playing. Very spacious… but that could have something to do with the fact that the place wasn’t really packed.
I didn’t drink this night, but I did notice that Budweiser was $ 6. (Not a beer drinker, but that seems a little high, I think) But somebody was buying the drinks. I think last night was the first time I actually had a guy fall on top of me. (And I guess my response was priceless)
The bar is in a strip mall, so parking wasn’t too bad. (I think that I came at the right time, but be careful where you park or you may get towed)
The most important part of the night was that I saved Amy D’s life… I removed a splinter from her hand. I rock!
Peace!

Not a horrible music venue … it just seems like they don’t try very hard. The venue seem to depend on outside promoters (like Charlie of StateSide Presents) to put on decent shows.
The worst of it is that the «ankle biters» get to go right up to the stage while the profit generating drinkers are relegated to the back with poor sight lines. F’ that!
This town needs a new Nita’s Hideaway … and sadly this aint it.