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Riviera Theatre
Music Venue
Uptown, Chicago
"Wilco's favorite place to play in Chicago."(2 Tips)
"unreserved upstairs balcony seating."(6 Tips)
"Originally built as a movie palace"(2 Tips)
"... seating set up with standing room going way too far back for decent viewage...."(2 Tips)
46 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- wilco
- concerts
- balcony
- movie palace
- standing room
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- Samantha RangelFebruary 26, 2015Very strange seating set up with standing room going way too far back for decent viewage. The architecture tho is brilliant as with all Uptown venues. A little smack of history w ur rock show.
The views from the balcony are fantastic and the drink lines are non existent. If you don't want to step away from the show there are waitresses too.Upvoted 5 days ago
Kit RojasOctober 15, 2015Fantastic, large venue with ample standing room downstairs and unreserved upstairs balcony seating. This venue offers interesting historical architecture in addition to any show you'll see here.
Jake SmithJuly 8, 2013If you are interested in meeting the act that you just saw perform, head to the side door on Racine Ave. or head over to the Green Mill, where many acts go to catch live music until 5AM.
Terence GNovember 8, 2015Went to see Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock here for the Kuntas Groove Sessions. The Riviera is a nice venue loved that the crowd was so diverse!
Jeremy CMarch 16, 2016Get here early so you can grab a seat upstairs or move to the front on the main floor. Great acoustics and funky, old school space
Emily S.November 6, 2016Grungy theatre. Really great performers come here - I like that there's the option to sit upstairs. I've heard they have no AC in the summertime, so beware!
maite aNovember 12, 2016It's a great venue. Amazing the theatre inside, just fall in love with this place
Allison KaminskiJanuary 8, 2016Great concert venue. Check out the balcony if the first floor gets packed
Matt HecklerFebruary 18, 2015Great place to see a show, but it's basically a shit hole that the owners won't put any money into. It's a shame, because it's easy to see how beautiful a place it probably was at one time.
Bryan ConradNovember 19, 2015At the the post modern jukebox show. Tickets were over sold. The place is packed way beyond capacity. Someone should call the cops before the upper balconies collapse on top of the floor crowd.
Nick FruendtMay 28, 2015Some great shows here, and fun to either sit up in the balcony or stand close to the stage
Lisa WMay 13, 2012The sound and view during a show is usually better upstairs. Not the best place in the city, but way better sound than The Aragon. Grab dinner at Sun Wah up Broadway before the show.
Jam ProductionsOctober 30, 2013Need to use the restroom? Head to the main lobby and down the stairs. North side for men, South side for women! Handicap restrooms available on the first floor.
Watching big bands on small stages is always special. Show up early for a good spot
Dan GerbargNovember 24, 2017Good: cool marquee, nice staff. Bad: bad stage crew communication, forced to use venue sellers who sold $400 less than our average, venue hired street team to advertise rival band at show. 👎poor form
Yeah it's a decent place to see a show but it's an old building, gets really smelly, and the bathroom situation is a little ridiculous. Only go here if you really like the bands you're going to see.
Andy TamrasFebruary 5, 2012Hey there! Since you're so close, come by for some cheap eats after the show. Your first Foursquare check-in gets you $10 off the purchase of two entrees.
IFCJuly 6, 2010Chicago: Built in 1917 as a movie palace, "The Riv" now hosts some of Chicago's best live shows, including the famous Wilco residency in 2008. -IFC Staff- Caroline DunmoreMarch 24, 2013Score the last row of seats in the back middle and you can Tinder in between bands!
Zach Solomon-BeloinMarch 7, 2016Not a fan of this venue. Seems outdated and the sound was not great. I did like the size and space, though. Very convenient location.
It's not the best place to see a show, the sound is mediocre and there is not a lot of places to see well, esp as a shorty like me- Explore ChicagoFebruary 2, 2010Originally built as a movie palace in 1917, The Riviera is now a premiere mid-sized venue for rock and punk concerts. Read more
- Wilco's favorite place to play in Chicago. Don't miss them at the Riv.
Digital Tour BusMarch 26, 2012If you need to go to the bathroom, don't wait until you get to the venue. The restrooms are in less than desirable condition unfortunately.
If you have to drive to the Riv or the Aragon park in the residential area just south west of the Lawrence Broadway intersection. Don't pay $20 for parking.
Kaitlin HoinesNovember 25, 2013They pack way too many people in the theater for a concert. Don't think I'll ever go back to this location again for a concert.
Nicole BauerleMarch 16, 2011You're going to want to take off that hipster sweater; it's burning up in the balcony!
- Explore ChicagoFebruary 2, 2010In the movie "The Break-Up" (2006), Brooke (Jennifer Anniston) invites Gary (Vince Vaughan) to an Old 97's concert at the Riviera Theatre. Read more
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Closed until Noon tomorrow (Show more)
- Mon–Fri
- Noon–Midnight
- Sat
- 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
(773) 275-6800
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- 8.2
"I've been to some amazing concerts here. It's nice that there's a ton of seating on the balcony, though it means the fairly small floor can be horribly over-packed. Practically next to the L."
Dana Jensen - 9.1
"So many phenomenal underground artists play here. The size is perfect for a concert, especially for a date night. Great drinks too!"
Dulce A. - 8.8
"Small and intimate venue with very comforting and positive vibes. Worth checking out. Decent prices on drinks, too."
Brett Widmann
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