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Turner Hall Ballroom
1040 Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203, United States
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Co
Review №1

Tavern in Turner Hall is fantastic. The place looked great and only improved with the new ownership of Mike Eitel. He changed the vibe to a cool laid back establishment with couches, games and nice subdued lighting. Theres a nice looking food menu too. Just a great place to go. The ballroom is upstairs and still as eclectic as ever. The walls look like when the paint had peeled after the fire, they were left untouched. A very cool effect. Its a great venue to catch a show or book a party. The Turner Hall building is just beautiful as a whole. Rock climbing is still offered in the basement. Just a cool place to go.

Ja
Review №2

What a great place to have the WALK Fashion Show! I love the old vibe of the place. The stairs were slanted and a bit steep for my bum knee, but I used them once, not a big deal. Employees were sweet. I used the side entrance to take elevator up because that was the model (my son) entrance.I love old places and it was in a great location, right near the highway for us. We also had a nice walk around town and grabbed lunch nearby.

Do
Review №3

This is a very intimate setting. But thats what I love about it, its not very large but anywhere you stand feels close to the stage. I was there to see Matt and Kim (favorite band) and it was really cool to be that close. One recommendation however either dont stand to close to the left or right side of the stage or bring ear protection. But thats kind of common sense. The venue is very cool, and they included cheep parking the day I was there. The drinks were a bit on the expensive side, as with most of Milwaukees music venues.

Ja
Review №4

Great spot for a show. Attended the Nile/Soulfly concert recently, and everything was pretty simple. Right in downtown Milwaukee, cool venue. And youre able to get pretty close up by the stage, which is awesome.

se
Review №5

Potential to be phenomenal venue. The attention to detail in the bar downstairs is needed upstairs. Walls are crumbling and floors are waves of painted particle board that Im sure tell a unique storey but are well overdue to be maintained.

Ge
Review №6

Great venue! Staff was very nice even though lots and lots of ppl to screen and deal with!Wish the bathrooms were a little more tended to but they were not dirty. Seats were not too comfy but it was a great experience overall! Love the historical aspects of the venue as well.

lo
Review №7

Went here for the first time to see the beautiful Corrine Bailey Rae. The section she performed in was upstairs, Im not sure if thats the only area where people perform but its was super pretty how they had to set up. With string lights, table and chairs just a cute intimate setting. Would def go to another show there.

J
Review №8

Character Galore!! Retro-vibe Venue.My date and I saw Big Bad Voodoo Daddy here last week. The band was hot, and the venue was ultra cool. This building is located in the center of Milwaukees downtown area. There is street parking and there are several (expensive) parking lots nearby. It is very close to the new Bucks arena. Upon entering the main doors, there is a flight of wide stairs which leads up to a bar/restaurant. Old paintings, stained glass, a pool table, cushy couches and chairs, tall wooden booths with mega privacy, and a beautiful old bar with plenty of seating -- I felt like Id time traveled back several decades. To get to the ballroom you climb two more flights of stairs. The ceiling is high, the paint is old and layers are gone. There are dim lights, a large dance floor, a raised stage, a bar, a sound booth and a balcony around three sides (not on the stage). The lighting for the band wasnt anything to write home about, but it was riveting to hear that amazing band in this beautiful space. Were planning to go again soon to hear another group. I want to go back and hang out in the bar and restaurant area, too. Dont miss seeing this hidden Milwaukee treasure.

KJ
Review №9

Wonderful venue. So thankful they are working to save the original artistic architecture. Long way to go. Support them any time you can.

Na
Review №10

Interesting old building, accoustics were great. Staff were well organized. Was hard to tell where the entrance was from the outside as it says Turner Hall Tavern, but the ballroom is one floor above it.

Br
Review №11

Neat, intimate venue to see an artist. Historical, older venue with lots of character. They had an appropriate number of bartenders available for the croud which enhanced my experience. I would definitely come back.

Ma
Review №12

Excellent Venue. Easy access, street parking on a Thursday. Love the setup and rawness of the decaying building.

Je
Review №13

This place is amazing! Affordable drinks in a small room with great sound! And their ticket prices for most shows are usually very cheap. Many shows for smaller/ intermediate level artists are $20!

Mi
Review №14

My favorite venue in Milwaukee. Plenty of room to move around. Have a seat near the wall. Lots of up and coming indie acts stop here.If youre going on a bucks game (Fiserv is across the street) night, use spothero to look for a reasonably priced spot.

Mi
Review №15

This venue is gorgeous. Easy check in process. Good sound and lights. Beautiful bathrooms. Only complaint is that the bar cooler lights are too bright.

Ro
Review №16

Classic old Milwaukee icon The place is definitely past some needed updates but still has that historical look that makes it so fantastic for music in event wedding or any other thing that you might have going on that requires a ballroom downtown Milwaukee reach out to the front desk for more information about securing a great place like this

Vi
Review №17

Cute venue! A little historic yet not gentrified like so many other similar spaces.

ma
Review №18

Good venue for the wedding we were at. The place was charming but was starting to show its age. If you are there at the same time as a basketball game park at one of the hotels and walk.

Ch
Review №19

My new favorite live venue in Milwaukee! From the atmosphere to the sound to the fancy bathrooms, everything was top shelf! I cant wait until my next concert there!

Wy
Review №20

Loved this venue! Its an old church building with beautiful woodwork and awesome giant doors to their restrooms. If this is the chsen venue for any future concerts I attend count me in. THE FLOOR BOUNCES!

Er
Review №21

The acoustics of this room is excellent! Very intimate setting. A good chance to make some new acquaintances.

2w
Review №22

The Interrupters ! What a great time!!

Ry
Review №23

Super cool spot for a wedding!

Em
Review №24

I recently visited Turner Hall for the first time for a Monday night show. I’m a little surprised I haven’t been here before, but it was an enjoyable venue. The acoustics were nice, the set-up is solid, and it was a good experience over all.I will say the drinks are fairly reasonable considering the usual cost of a beer at a concert venue. A tall boy of a good, local craft beer such as Lakefront or Third Space was only $7, which I’ll take, especially for something other than PBR. They take credit cards and the service was pleasant. The bartender noticed he over-charged me and even took it upon himself to let me know and offer a refund, which I appreciated.There was plenty of standing room and we arrived 15 minutes before the show and were still able to be right up front. The building is pretty cool – definitely full of history. I’d like to grab a drink in the tavern downstairs, which my significant other said was in disrepair and not open the last time he went to a show there. I imagine being close to the new Bucks stadium has been some incentive for this.The hall itself could maybe use a bit of tidying or care, as the ceilings and walls looked a little dicey with the netting up – to catch falling pieces of the ceiling? But all-in-all, I would gladly see another show at Turner Hall. We had an enjoyable evening.

So
Review №25

Truly a architectural work of art. The show and sound was incredible. I miss places that give such a characteristic feel. So many buildings built now are quick, concrete, and sad. I highly recommend Turner Hall Ballroom for any show or honestly any type of visit. Even if its to grab a cold one on a weekday

Ni
Review №26

Best intimate ballroom with a real old school vibe. A lot of underrated shows here & cheap beers. Dont ever go to the Rave...

M#
Review №27

Turner hall specifiaclly the Yule Ball #culture #ball #event #harrypotter

Mi
Review №28

Could be a super venue. Im hoping they are remodeling/restoring. If not its falling apart. Safety nets for the ceiling is never a good sign.

An
Review №29

I absolutely love concerts here more than the Rave. The sound is phenomenal!!!

Da
Review №30

As usual, Turner Hall has turned up the excitement as one of Milwaukees fabulous live music venues! Where Turner Hall shines is the superb sound quality. Quite an accomplishment while preserving all the historical, antique and authentic accoutrements!This place seems to have been built for music! But the history is a lifetime of turners. Olympic style floor gymnastics has been the mainstay of this century old building. Once only open to the public for the traditional Milwaukee Fish Fry. Now youll want to watch the schedule for both up and coming national acts of every genre. Plus, a regular schedule of open bar nights! Turner Hall has grown into its own personality!

Gr
Review №31

Attended for an Ex-Fabula event. It was amazing?

Ra
Review №32

Always a great experience here. Love the venue and acoustics!

He
Review №33

Great venue! We loved the cabaret seating and candlelight. We were right up in front of the stage, just feet from the band. The staff was friendly and the crowd was congenial and well behaved. The drinks were good and easy to get would and return to your seat with minimal interruption. We would come back here in a heartbeat!

Je
Review №34

#killtony killed it, even though the sign up comics didnt! And the venue was #gorgeous!!

Ch
Review №35

Very neat venue, would definitely be back to see more bands.

ja
Review №36

Nice venue. Horribly uncomfortable chair for dinner/reception. Interesting place for a wedding. Good sound system. Clean facility. Caterers were very attentive and food was delicious!

Na
Review №37

This was my first time at Turner Hall Ballroom. This is an historically designated building here in Milwaukee. Although it is partially modernized the ballroom is unfinished. According to one of the bartenders cost prohibits the return to its fomer glory. Acoustics were good. The show was great.

To
Review №38

Great medium-large downtown venue with balcony and full restaurant on first floor.

Na
Review №39

Pleasant atmosphere. Under staffed. Limited menu

Ma
Review №40

Went for a comedy show. The space and acoustics are great, but seating is terrible. Folding chairs are crammed together so much so that the person next to me had to sit on my chair as well. Just really uncomfortable and killed my back after 2 hours. The acts were hilarious so I still had a great time, but Id rather stand in the back for the next event.

Al
Review №41

Love you JJgrey and MoFro!!

Jo
Review №42

Amazing place nice old rustic look, with friendly service.

Jo
Review №43

Great place to rock climb! Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Affordable prices, and you can actually climb, unlike Adventure Rock. They also have a solid fish fry!

An
Review №44

Ny favorite venue in Milwaukee. It has a great history, and I reminds you of Old Town Milwaukee. If you have the opportunity to see a show there I highly recommend it.

Sh
Review №45

They have the impossible burger! Im not vegan but damn that burger tastes good. The trimmings on it only made it better. The fries were perfect, and the design of thebplace is pretty neat. The place was fairly busy and the server was still able to get our food to us fast, and stop by to check on us a few times.

Sa
Review №46

Food was as ordered, portions were rather large. Nice place to stop for a quick bite and drink before a show or game.

Br
Review №47

Clean with reasonable drink prices. All staff was helpful and friendly.

ca
Review №48

Great old building and wonderful place for music and other events

Ma
Review №49

Interesting place, cool decor, but obviously Im not hipster enough to get served. Stood ignored at the bar for longer than typical at other places. Too-cool bartender tossed a drink menu at me as he zoomed by without making eye contact. Never mind I already knew what I wanted and had cash out for display. Oh well, wont bother returning.

To
Review №50

Best live venue in the city. Love seeing shows at Turner!

Ca
Review №51

Fun.. venue.. great atmosphere and acoustics.. safe feeling.. great event staffers..

Ke
Review №52

I like the ambiance. The room is cavernous and the sound is sometimes effected. You can be up close easily. Limited searting for most general admission concerts so if you need to sit at times during a concert go early.

Sa
Review №53

There for a wedding. It was beautifully done

Du
Review №54

Best venue Ive been to ever! Ive been to quite a few and this one takes the cake is being the best. Everything from the people to the architecture to the sound quality amazing

Jo
Review №55

Great small venue for concerts

Ke
Review №56

Interesting space across from the new Fiserv Forum. There is nice bar and grill called Tavern at Turner underneath the ballroom itself. Ballroom has an authentic retro feel - perhaps too much so as they have netting just below the ceiling presumably to catch any pieces of the ceiling that may crumble. Great venue for a downtown wedding. Fold out chairs are set on the ballroom floor when the site is hosting plays and musicals. This can make it difficult to see.

Br
Review №57

Always a good time. Nice sound quality

Ar
Review №58

They have really been building out this place to be a top notch venue!

El
Review №59

So much fun! Both my son and daughter enjoyed this experience with a Birthday Party ! The staff was Super friendly and helpful to children and parents alike. We will definitely be returning for more fun!!

Br
Review №60

Great old ballroom from 1882, great sound for a small show. Netting over you to catch ceiling fragments, that is how historic. Great bathrooms.

sh
Review №61

Went to see Doug Stanhope last night with my girlfriend. The show was KILLER!!! The building is old and Interesting. The general admission seats were slightly uncomfortable, and cramped. Turner hall was good... The show was fantastic!!!

Ch
Review №62

How can you not love Turner Hall. Just saw Robert Randolph. Awesome show.

Be
Review №63

Great place to see shows!

Da
Review №64

This place is beautiful! Its perfectly quaint. I ate at the restaurant and was impressed with service, prices, quality of food and drinks. I cant wait to go back.

Sh
Review №65

We came here to wait for the line to go down at the Fiserv Forum. We got some Nachos that tasted fine although the plating could have been better. They were on a small bowl and I really think they should be on a platter. The drinks were good and strong but not too strong. Ambiance was great.

Ja
Review №66

This place is awesome. Super accomodating and just a great venue in general. Bathrooms are easily accessible, many bars set up for our event and the dance floor was more than adequate. Awesome spot!

Br
Review №67

Milwaukees 1st Christkindlmarkt was a successful event! Lots of booths to satisfy you European discoveries!

Ge
Review №68

We went for the harry potter yule ball event and had a blast. Turner hall was perfect for this event. The building is old and has a lot of character. I felt like I was in the movie.

Sy
Review №69

First time at Turner Hall, attending an event on February 22, 2018 to watch a comedy. Architecturally speaking, Turner Hall is beautiful from the outside! Parking is available on the street or you can pay $10 to park in the lot beside Turner Hall. Staff was courteous to guests throughout the event. Staff respectfully checked my purse. No problems! Thank you!Thanks for reading my review!

An
Review №70

Fun venue close to the deer district. Certain cards accepted for drinks if you forgot cash.

St
Review №71

This is my favorite venue in Milwaukee. The sound here is great and the room itself is so unique. The beer selection is spot on if not a little pricey, but what do you expect at an event venue. So yourself a favor and go see a concert.

An
Review №72

Been here a few times. Nice place for smaller groups. The bands always sound great.

To
Review №73

What a great venue, love the ol style charm️

Th
Review №74

The sound quality is just alright. It wasnt terrible by any means, but Ive heard so much better.The venue looks beautiful inside. They had these stringed up lights going the middle of the venue which was quite nice.The main floor has ramps on it. So be careful walking on it in the dark.A bottled water cost $3, which was pretty expensive.

am
Review №75

Awesome. Air conditioning. Reasonable drink prices. Nice restaurant.

To
Review №76

Great venue carrying quality acts.

Gu
Review №77

Beautiful venue! Really cool and stylish. In a very neat part of town with nearby spots to park, chow and walk around in the romantic city. The lineup for shows looks pretty good and I would love to go back and see this place again.

Al
Review №78

Usually a great time. Restaurant was understaffed on a show night And was OUT of Coca-Cola and Chardonnay. Usually the entire venue is ga for a show, but they roped off balcony for VIP and thats where we intended to go. Still an awesome place...needs work on the customer-friendly part.

Me
Review №79

Really cool venue for events and concerts!

Ke
Review №80

COLORS & CHORDS BENEFIT FOR ISLANDS OF BRILLIANCE

Jo
Review №81

Nice little venue. Quick bartenders. Sound isnt that great.

Ch
Review №82

Cool place, been here for a couple different events.

Co
Review №83

Beautiful old venue with great Milwaukee charm.

Li
Review №84

Very good bar food, activities: pool, shuffle board,etc. Its a very historic building. Keep you car parked and walk from sport center. Disco music is too load for seniors, but they will turn it down.

Ry
Review №85

Was here for a wedding and reception. Its a very unique place. With daylight entering the hall it is a little bit of a strange mix of old and abandon with some modern amenities around and TVs hanging on the wall. When darkness rolls around is when the ambiance of this place really shines, theres some great accent lighting around and it turns into a more comfortable place. The acoustics are a little harsh but not so noticeable when your having a good time.

Za
Review №86

Had our wedding here, fantastic!

Me
Review №87

Went there for a Damien Escibar concert and paid for front row. The problem was the seats arent numbered. Which means anyone can sit up front. Very spacious but needs to be updated. Better get an uber there because its is downtown and parking is horrible.

Jo
Review №88

Loved this place for the event we were there for. Definitely want to visit again next year.

Vi
Review №89

The cool kids concert venue in Milwaukee. Dont mind the netting on the ceiling - its to keep you safe from plaster falls from music volume that will make your tall boy can vibrate in sympathy.

Ti
Review №90

Great place. Great service.

Mi
Review №91

Great venue for a show!

JK
Review №92

Cool historic place. Staff was friendly and helpful. Will definitely return.

Ma
Review №93

One of the more intimate Milwaukee venues. Beautiful old building, and patronage helps restore it to its former glory!

Wi
Review №94

They have some of best presented events, for comedy to music, also their is a bar and eatery. Security provided as well.

Fr
Review №95

Grest place to hang out with friends, have a beer andvcheck out your favorite bands.

De
Review №96

Good tasting Chili and Tavern fries. Served an Old Fashion which had marachino cherries but advertised Luxardo so I asked for a refund. Chili was not hot no crackers or bread either.Great old building. Server was pleasant.

Po
Review №97

I love this place! Been here for few shows - sound is really good! Once for stand up comedian - the tables set up was very convenient and we could see stage well even though we were sitting far away. They have good bar too! Doors into the bathroom are really cool.

Ma
Review №98

Great venue! Millwaukee is the best midwestern town and this my second favorite venue behind The Pabst. Will definitely keep it on my live music radar.

Da
Review №99

Old, dirty, rustic. Perfect for stand up! Good food too!

Ch
Review №100

Went here for a volunteer event and the place has so much historic value. Huge stage for music or a show. Lots of area for seating and a balcony that wraps around for a full view. Pretty decent restaurant just below the hall also.The Bradley Center is just across the street and the new arena will be on the north side of the hall. Stairs feel like you might fall through but i was told its safe, lol.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.5 Rating
  • Address:1040 Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203, United States
  • Site:http://pabsttheater.org/
  • Phone:+1 414-286-3205
Categories
  • Performing arts theater
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
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