Alex Adkins

Review of Mr. Smalls Theatre

This might be my favorite venue in the Pittsburgh ...

This might be my favorite venue in the Pittsburgh area. It is located in Millvale, so it is just a quick drive over from the city. Under $10 Uber from Polish Hill which is wonderful because they have a full bar and sometimes parking is tough around there.

I've seen a great variety of shows here, from folky Punch Brothers to indie Jenny Lewis to Gwar. Every time I check their schedule I find a show that I want to attend. It is general admission/standing room and there really isn't a bad spot in the place, even if you want to stand in the back by the bar away from the crowd a little bit. I prefer to get right up front, which is usually pretty easy here depending on the show!

Another thing I love about this place is that you can get reasonably priced drinks. I guess I should clarify and say "reasonably priced drinks for a music venue"! If you need craft beer, they have a great selection. I've also gotten wine (they usually have a white and red from Black Box, which I really like) and they give you a generous pour! If you're trying to keep it cheap, go for a PBR pounder which is probably one of the best deals. They also have some snack food like pretzels or pita and hummus.

GOOD ADVICE: Either get there early (also for parking reasons) or AVOID WILL CALL. If you are someone who likes to buy your tix online and then show up right when the music is starting, expect to stand in line for a bit. I like to buy my tickets at Soundcat Records in Bloomfield to avoid the box office line. At the last show I attended, there were at least 50 people waiting in line to pick up their tickets as the band was starting. We had our tickets and got to skip the line and go right in!