The Loft

I finally got to check The Loft out. Wasn't quite sure what I was expecting given that it's above the Palladium, which is quite large. The Loft is fairly small. Think I heard it holds about 400 people. There's a bar in the back, and a bar to the side of the stage, so it was pretty easy to get a drink at all times (important!). I can't really comment about the sound because the Buzzcocks played LOUD, but I enjoyed it, even when I went deaf. The opening band wasn't really my cup of tea, so we all went out to the patio. A huge patio at that. It was fun looking at the Dallas skyline and watching the hoochie mama's below going to the Pittpull concert. Hello silicone, but I digress.I didn't really mind paying $4.50 for weak cocktails, or $4 for Shiner, even when it was poured in a plastic cup. The bathroom attendant was so unnecessary, though. Is she always there? There are only two bathroom sinks, and we were at a punk show ferfucksake.Any who. I felt the venue was solid for what it does, and the fact that I was able to get so close to punk legends sealed the deal.

Rubbing ElbowsOne of the best reason to go see a live band is the ability to feel the music coming out of their mouths and instruments. That can only be accomplished by being up close and personal. The loft is so much more intimate than the Palladium below.The bartenders can get busy, especially between sets, but don't worry they'll get to you. Between sets take a breather on their awesome balcony. Take some pics with your friend/significant other with the Dallas skyline.With all these positive marks you would expect a 5 star review. Sadly, the band line up is pretty limited. My favorite recurring band are the Spazmatics. I wish they could take a cue from Granada's rotation. Still, if your favorite band comes, it's a no brainer!Band with a view

The three reasons I deducted three stars:1) We walked up to the box office and saw that the price for the Spazmatics concert had been raised from $10 (as advertised on The Loft's website) to $15. Oh, and CASH ONLY? Yeah, I know I should have read these other Yelp reviews more closely, but C'MON!2) We could not find a place to stand where we were not constantly being jostled and shoved by people trying to get to a bar or another spot on the floor. It's hard to dance to 80's music when you're pinned between three sweaty strangers.3) When I asked a bartender for water toward the end of the night, he grabbed a Dasani bottle and told me, "That'll be 2 dollars." Sorry, did you think I looked gullible? Give me tap water, you ass. I also disliked how the drinks are distributed in cups according to what you're drinking. Every once in a while, I just need a plain soda rather than a rum-and-coke, yet you're going to shout this to the world by giving me a red Coca-Cola cup? And water comes in a distinct cup as well? Gee, thanks....

All of a sudden every place in Dallas is called The Loft it seems. I went to the one on Lamar to see the All-American Rejects last night. Well, it definitely is just like a real loft. This means small but.......how can that be bad when you are seeing a band. I kid you not, seems like you are spitting distance regardless of where you stand (although I don't recommend it as there is no accounting for splatter and the beating you are sure to get from your victims)There are two bars available and the tenders were very attentive. Of course, I was one of the only post-teens in the audience so I was easy to recognize. As opposed to Andrea, I didn't think $3.75 for a 16 oz draft beer was bad at all for this type of place. Now the acoustics were inconsistent but I probably would have to blame the equipment of the bands themselves. The second group, which played a special kind of self-involved excuse for music anyway, sounded awful, but the opener and AAR sounded great. I certainly would go here again.There is only one bathroom, however. There was never a line but you had to fight your way across the crowded huddle near the stage to reach it. So I might be harsh but I knocked this down one star for the Pee Break Obstacle Course. Other than that, "Well done Loft!!!"

I've actually never been to a show here but I did have my wedding here this weekend, it's a pretty unique venue for such a thing I think they did a great job! We had the ceremony on the nifty balcony overlooking downtown Dallas with a great view and once it got dark people loved chilling out there on the cabanas as well. I actually thought it would have been nice for the ceremony to start after it got a little dark since the lights hanging over the balcony and downtown all lit up was such a cool sight but it was great while it was light out as well. We had about 85 guests who fit nicely into the venue- originally we invited 100 and that might have been a little cramped but with people constantly going in and out side it probably would have been fine. Everyone said the BBQ and the desserts they provided were tasty (I couldn't really eat much,) the sound system sounded good, and everything went pretty smoothly. There was a little confusion at first when they put the tables out and there wasn't a dance floor set up that was quickly resolved! It's overall just a cool looking place and I REALLY liked that it was kind of a one stop shop- they provided all the chairs and tables and linens and food and even parts of the centerpieces which makes it so much easier! And they even had a guy in house (I think the DJ) who rented out a photobooth for really good prices, people LOVED that thing. The only things I'm deducting a start for aren't really The Loft's fault, just maybe a word to the wise about the area- it can get really hectic! Especially considering that there are like 4 other venues inside Gilley's- I think Earth Wind and Fire was actually playing the night of our wedding so the valet's were working overtime and it was crazy when everyone was leaving at the end of the night. I felt bad making people brave all that Dallas traffic to get to my wedding but I think once people got there, they could see why I chose it. Also, it was a minor bummer that our names never ended up on the marquee like they told us it would. It was the first and last venue I looked at and I'm very happy I went with The Loft for my wedding!

I would like to respectfully disagree with the post below. Seems as if some of the complaints are a little ticky-tac. The small venue is what makes it so nice, as opposed to the huge Palladium Ballroom below...When you come to the Loft you really feel apart of the show and every spot is a great one. My favorite moment here was when the Fleet Foxes came here summer of 2008. The Loft was crowded, everyone was in great spirits, and the Fleet Foxes were absolutely stunned by the turnout. In my mind, had this show been elsewhere the experience would not have been the same.Drinks are not cheap at all, and I think everyone knows that, which is why it's not a 5 star place. They also put the beers in plastic cups which I don't particularly like because I prefer a bottle in my hand, but to let that get on your nerves is kind of ridiculous. What I do like about this place is 1) small, intimate venue 2) great sound 3) bouncy "old-time" floors 4) AWESOME view of downtown from the outside porch!! So yes there are a few downfalls, but for my money I've seen some damn good bands here for under $15, I'll go back anytime!

I recant (kind of). I still maintain that the Palladium is cursed, but The Loft - which is almost a mini-Palladium - on top, is AWESOME.I just went here to see The Black Lips, and was very pleased. It maintains the industrial loft feel of The Palladium below, but is on a much smaller scale. Even for the small space there are two bars, restrooms, and plush couches, louge chairs, and tables lining the perimeter of the room. There is an outside balcony for smoking, and some tables around the back bar. The small space means everyone has a great view to the show, and the sound and lights are awesome. The concert kind of reminded me of the art deco after parties I used to go to in high school. Four out of five stars because I still hate the parking, and doors opened at 8:30, but the opening band didn't start until 10.

Chill is what they aim for.The only reason I take away one star is because the parking lot is kind of a hefty price - $10, for our last show for Marc E. Bassy, but one time before this we paid only $5 for an October show for Yuna. Inconsistent??? But at least they take card and cash. Who knows, maybe they change the parking prices for the capacity of the Loft, in general.You're in the heart of the Southside on Lamar. It's a rustic area with dark cafes and a slightly old-timey feel of Dallas that you don't really get to see unless you're in Bishop Arts or Deep Ellum. Definitely a great spot for a date, photoshoot or simply a night on the town, which is the main reason I'm ever found here. Concerts with the less mainstream artists are definitely held at the Loft, and I am loving it.The Loft itself is super chill, down to Earth, and is just straight standing room with rustic, woody touches that give it a living-room feel as the artists serenade you. Definitely a favorite venue in my opinion, as it gives it a very intimate and not-so-closed-off feel. Literally got to hug and shake hands with some of these rappers and singers the other night because we are all under the same roof ravin'! Haha it is an out-worldly feeling!!! The Loft is just the epitome of humbleness for both the artists and the guests. We just all are having fun in one small cool space and no one is judging you.Protip: If you want to get up close and personal to the artists themselves like I did, stand near the stairways. There's lots of standing room by the stairs, and the view from the stairs are also awesome. You get good sideway shots of the artists on stage and it's a double-win in my book. PLUS, the artists have walked up and you get the first hugs/selfies with them if you're standing at the edge of the crowd. Pretty chill! Highly recommend that spot as most people will just crowd the center/front. I mean, that's cool and all, but you won't be able to hug/high five the main star of the show unless you get enough room to do so. :)Drinks at the bar are of course overpriced. Dasani water bottles for $4? Boo. Chug some water before you leave for the concert, guys. Service people here are pretty efficient with entering/leaving guests. Just get your barcode ready with your phone brightness all the way up and you'll be in the building just like that. They do not check your purses/bags either here.

I'm a fan. The Loft is a space Dallas needs, somewhere off the radar bands and DJ's can go without having to play to a huge empty space or a cramped little club. This place is an interesting middle ground for those of us who aren't interested in either of those options.Having said that, I don't really dig the smell the restrooms have a lot of the time, it's a gross, stench that is trapped in there and smells like it's been there for days before.I will brave the smell for music though, and I won't even complain. You shouldn't either.

I got a chance to really check out one of the more popular music venues in Dallas. It's pretty nice to see "SOUTH SIDE ON LAMAR" in lights at night because its easy for me to get lost. PARKING: $5 CASH onlyI am really crazy about Donald Glover and got to see him on his IAMDONALD tour. I brought my dslr and an extra lens hoping to snap a good photo of me and him after the concert. FAIL.As soon as I got in, they made me check my bag and they saw my camera. Even though I wasn't a professional photographer, they made me put my camera in the car =(We waited in line (if you're over 21) to get a wrist band that that has your name printed on it - they scan your license. When we went into the next stage of entrance we had two people scan our tickets. Even though we got them way in advance, one didn't scan well. We had to go all the way back to the box office and print a new one. You see we have a legit ticket - can't you just let us keep going through? They should do the work - not us. In the end, it was really cool inside. Big space with a tall stage.Beer available on both sides and monitors surrounding so you can see the stage up close. The bathrooms are a big plus! They have a person in the BR waiting on you. As soon as you get out from the stall, they put soap in your palm and place a towel next to you. Complimentary br service is always nice.