Top Venues For Affordable Live Music In Philadelphia
Philadelphia has great venues for both the legends and little-known acts. If you are looking to check out some local acts at a small price, there are plenty of venues you'll enjoy. See below for the top venues for affordable live music in Philadelphia.
Boot & Saddle
1131 S. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 639-4528
www.bootansaddlephilly.com
Boot & Saddle reopened last year after being closed for nearly 20 years. Although it was formerly a country and western music venue, you can now expect to hear a variety of genres at a low price (most shows cost $10-$12) from both national and local bands and artists. The back-room venue can comfortably fit 150 people and the bar kept most of its originality, including the neon sign found outside. Boot & Saddle features a rotating list of local craft beer and the kitchen serves innovative bar food such as gaucho, pulled pork and eggplant fries.
Bourbon & Branch
705 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-0660
www.bourbonandbranchphilly.com
Bourbon & Branch is Philly's newest music venue in Northern Liberties, and with tickets priced less than $10, the second floor is the place to be any given night of the week to hear some of the brightest music in the area. Just make sure you buy your tickets ahead of time for an even better ticket price. Also, whiskey is well represented here. In fact, each type is available in one-ounce pours and each pour is reasonably priced, much like its concerts.
Johnny Brenda's
1201 N. Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 739-9684
www.johnnybrendas.com
Johnny Brenda's is one of the most popular spots in the city to discover new music from both the local and national scene. The majority of the shows only cost between $10 and $12 and the music venue is located upstairs, which has a balcony overlooking the main stage. The venue seats 250, allowing for intimacy, but with the feel of a real concert. Patrons don't just come here for the quality music, however. Johnny Brenda's is also known for its fresh and locally sourced menu (which changes daily and is written out on a chalkboard), and its draft list contains only beers brewed in the area.
Kung Fu Necktie
1248 N. Front St.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 291-4919
www.kungfunecktie.com
Kung Fu Necktie is one of the more affordable venues in the city, with prices usually ranging between $5 and $12, and most tickets are purchased at the door only. Although it's a true dive bar and quite small, this venue has an amazing sound system that'll impress even the most enthusiastic audiophiles. You can find all sorts of music here to please your ears, including hip-hop, indie rock and hardcore punk.
The Legendary Dobbs
304 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 239-0197
www.dobbsphilly.com
The Legendary Dobbs has seen Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Oasis, Green Day, the Offspring and the Smashing Pumpkins all grace its stage when they were first starting out. Reopened in 2010 after nearly a 15-year hiatus, this iconic music venue has shows almost seven days a week and is one of the few venues in the city that strictly showcases original music. With many concerts and showcases priced at only $5 or $6, the affordability and history here can't be beat.
Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
