Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheatre

Stubb’s is HANDS DOWN my least favorite venue in this city. The prices have increased significantly, the sound is dreadful, and the security guards are raging jerks. I had a particularly awful run-​in with one. I forgot my ID at home, and was obviously over 21. I was treated like a second class citizen the entire time. After needing to use the restroom immediately after the show ended (and after waiting in line since 1pm), I headed to the outside port-​o-​potties, and they wouldn’t let me go in because they were shutting down the area, and that I could go use the restroom inside. Well, the awful security guard attacked me, saying that «because I wasn’t 21», I wasn’t allowed to go in, even though I told him the other security guard told me to come over there. If it was such a big concern if I was going to stay or not, a security guard could have escorted me. There was tons of them standing around with nothing to do. He continued to bully me until he SHOVED ME in pushing me out. Let’s work on customer service for the patrons, please.

This place sucks. It’s a tourist trap. They can only have music until 11 and the staff is really rude. The bbq is sub par. Don’t waste money or time here

Had a great time at Flatbush zombies and wanted to say thanks to the best security guy ever. Seth hooked up my teenage sons with vip access and made them feel like true VIPs. Thanks Stubbs.

Stubbs definitely attracts some great artists but the venue is not good at all in my opinion. First of all the security guards handling tickets are always rude. Second the sound system is awful. There are only speakers in front so when you are standing in the back (which is likely unless you want to get there two hours before the opener) you can barely hear anything. I’d rather listen to music at home then stand in the back and hear the constant chatter around me and the feint sound of the artist playing upfront. I saw Kurt Vile last night and I have to say Stubbs did not do him any justice at all.
In the future I will avoid this place at all costs unless there is really a can’t miss show

This venue is awesome! Outside air with the best bands. Its got a downtown feel so you feel like you are at the hottest spot.

I like seeing shows at Stubbs. The outdoor venue is a lot of fun and you get to see some good medium size bands come through. I’ve seen everyone from Garbage to Social Distortion to Airborne Toxic Event among others. Always a good time.
When it gets crowded space will be tight. Best bet is to get their early and claim your space. Drink prices are reasonable and they have free self serve water which is appreciate in the summer months.

Pretty intimate setting if you’re willing to come early to secure a place to stand near the front. The stage is pretty low, so shorter folks might have some difficulties.
The staff was friendly and competent. Bathrooms were okay.
Sound quality was the worst of any venue I’ve attended. I don’t know if it’s something to do with the acoustics of the space, but vocals especially were very muddy.
It might be a good place if you’re more interested in the scene than the music, or if you’re seeing someone for whom the intimacy is more important than the sound.

Over the past few years, concerts at Stubb’s (Waller Creek Amphitheatre) have undergone a disappointing decline in quality. Maybe it’s the increased cost of tickets and obnoxious service fees. Maybe it’s the drastically more expensive beverages. But most likely it’s the complete lack of audience awareness of proper concert etiquette. The crowd talked through M83’s entire set until «Midnight City» was played and then promptly resumed talking. There was a constant drone through the entire Passenger performance, which utterly ruined his music. At this point, I only attend concerts at Stubb’s if the band is A) very loud or B) I get there early enough to be very close to the stage.
‘Tis a sad era for live music in Austin.

Great place to see a show. But when its crowded, it gets pretty tight, long lines at bar and food stands. And like most music venues its a bit pricey, its not as big as the COA amphitheater but more intimate for the viewer, general admission is usual, but they do have a VIP area above the stage, looks cool.

After spending over $ 200 on dinner and tickets for a show, I am very disappointed. The employees that work the corridor between the general audience area and the restroom are extremely rude. If walking slower to take a glimpse at a band you paid a significant amount of money to see is an issue, maybe they should remodel the area. I understand safety is a concern, but their attitude is unacceptable. I prefer not to be treated like cattle especially if it’s not a free show.
Their food is complete shit compared to every single BBQ restaurant within miles. The new Wendy’s BBQ items are actually better. They love claiming their food has history, but that’s exactly what it should be. It’s obvious the only reason they’re able to sling this garbage is because of the few decent acts they’re able to book.
Bottom line: I wouldn’t give the homeless people, who harass everyone walking to this establishment, Stubbs BBQ because they deserve much better, even if they’re malnourished.
It’s very obvious why Stubbs NEVER makes any list on decent BBQ restaurants, it’s because it’s AWFUL!

If based on food 5 star, but service is the 2 star. They sat us under an air vent that started dripping on our food. Half my meal (approx) was dripped on. They resolution was 20% off. For a company of this standing, that is embarrassing. This was an issue caused by you. Take responsibility and adjust a ticket accordingly. It equated to $ 3 off a $ 17 plate that I ate half of. Tsk tsk.

My favorite outdoor music venue, hands down. I have seen some really great shows here, lots of fond memories. I think the stage setup and the slightly slanting standing area is just great. I also think they charge a little less then what would be considered «normal» for a concert venue for beer and food. You gotta love a chopped beef sandwich before a show. Stubbs forever!

Went to see Blue October tonight, the band was great, the experience would have been awesome if it wouldn’t have been a place where there was free reign when it comes to lighting up a joint.
One of the things that I was most excited about was that all ages are welcome, I took my young teenage son to see a band he enjoys listening to. We had to leave before the concert was over because of the overwhelming amount of pot being smoked in the crowd and the underage drinking.
I said something to the «security» team that was there and was told they would send someone over to check out the underage drinking that was going on however, an hour later no one had «checked it out»
My complaint is, if you advertise that «ALL AGES ARE WELCOME» there needs to be consideration that those of us that take our children don’t want them exposed to illegal drugs and IF underage drinking is observed and brought to the attention of the «security» team something should be done.

If you’re short, you’re shit outta luck.
I’m 6’3″. 6’4″ in heels. ;) I have no problem going to any concert and towering over the fangirls. But if you’re with a group of shorties, they’re gonna have a tough time seeing the stage.
Stubb’s has THE lowest stage I have ever seen at a decent-​size concert venue. It looked 3 – 4 feet high max.
If you’re short, and you like the band (s), ARRIVE BEFORE doors open to ensure a good spot in front. And also don’t expect to get out of your spot until after the concert is over.
But the problem is, the further back you are the tougher it can be to see ’cause of that large tree. The standing space curves to the right… but those people can also have their views blocked by the bar and the BBQ building. (And the only place for people to go is further back because up-​front is not WIDE by any means — like indoor venues.)
With that outta the way, the venue itself is not terrible.
It’s outdoors… and you’re standing on dirt the whole time, so dress accordingly.
I did very, very much appreciate the Fireman’s #4 stand with lots of deliciousness on tap. Friendly staffers. Don’t remember bar prices…
Yes, there are port-​a-​potties but YMMV (if people still say that. I’m really a 65-​year-​old woman).
There is decent parking — street or that little lot around the venue (Google it ahead of time).
I DID like how the line for the sold-​out show moved incredibly fast. Probably close to a half-​dozen ticket-​takers.

What an absolutely fun place to see a show. It probably helps this review that I saw one of the funnest, yes funnest bands, Matt and Kim here. Drinks are reasonably priced and a great outdoor area to see a show. Didn’t have any food or anything but definitely want to check out a gospel brunch in the near future

A solid good venue for performances and parties. Most of my experiences come from SXSW, which I know is kind of unique, but it’s a lovely venue with a decent setup for drinks.
The food leaves something to be desired. I know it’s kind of an extension of the Stubb’s BBQ place adjacent to it, but I wish the food had more variety and was just better. On the plus side, the prices are reasonable, especially for a concert/​party venue.
Mostly dirt ground and outdoors.

I’ve been here a number of times, and my previous complaints were mostly crowd-​related: twenty-​somethings who were in diapers when the first Modest Mouse album came out yet go to the show because of that one song they played on the radio. And then they have entire conversations while I’m trying to listen to the music. But I am a cranky old person and that is not Stubb’s’ fault, of course.
As a short person, the views are usually not bad, because as others have mentioned there is an incline. So in that respect, it’s a good venue. But there is a tree on the right-​hand side that can block your sight lines. And people try to climb it and then get yelled at by security. Another reviewer thinks the tree is an asset — maybe it is if you’re not a tiny person.
I finally figured out the best way to get a good view: get close to that stage (durr) on the left-​hand side. They ground seems to be slightly elevated. And people who are close to the stage tend to be polite (a taller person even asked me if I could see OK. awww) and into the music rather than playing on their phones. People say get there early to get these primo spots, but we got there halfway through the opener and still managed to work our way forward with little resistance. And I have no qualms about slinking closer to the stage (the hidden advantage of being short!) when it comes to Interpol (my boys… so much love… total fangirl).
However, and this could be because we were close to the stage or because I have been spoiled by ACL Live, which has such amazing sound, but I found the sound at this particular show to be muddy. And I don’t know if they had certain mics turned up too loud, but most of the background vocals were drowned out. The sound just seemed less «full,» if that makes any sense. And I know it’s not the band because the previous six Interpol shows I’ve been to have been impeccable (including one at the dreaded Austin Music Hall).
And I didn’t really remember this until I saw it another review (I apologize for the amount of references in this review — Stubb’s seems to elicit similar opinions) but it can be hard to hear if you are in the back. I had thought that was the previously mentioned twenty-​somethings and their loud-​ass conversations, but maybe not.
Overall, Stubb’s is an enjoyable venue. They book solid acts, the outdoor space is inviting, and it’s generally a good experience. But the sound aspect… hmm…I’m starting to have my doubts… but I’m sure I’ll be back regardless.

A lot of my favorite musicians stop at Stubb’s, so naturally I follow… I’ve been here a handful of times now, most recently for Conor Oberst on 9÷20÷14, and each experience has just been okay.
Since the venue is outdoors, there is a lot of noise pollution. Unless you’re right up next to the stage, it can be difficult to hear (and see!) clearly. You’re also at the mercy of the weather gods and there is very little shade from the heat nor any overhead covering if it starts to rain. The sound quality gets better the closer you get to the stage, but who really wants to deal with pushing and shoving by über-​fans? I’m too old for that! If you’re standing more than about 20 feet back, there’s a pretty annoying tree blocking the right side of the stage. I’m generally averse to cutting down perfectly good, healthy trees, but this one just doesn’t belong. There is also virtually nowhere to sit unless you’re looking to get trampled.
Also, the port-​a-​potties are disgusting and TP is not replenished as frequently as it should be. For an established venue that is clearly not hurting for funds, you’d think management would install a more permanent bathroom solution.
On the plus side, alcohol is cheaper than I expected. Two vodka/​sprite/​limes only set me back $ 11. Not bad considering most other music venues charge about $ 10 each.
Females: please heed my advice and do not wear heels/​wedges here! I love showing off a fab new outfit as much as the next gal, but you’re guaranteed to look ridiculous. It’s always dusty, and it can become very muddy after recent rain. Tone down your look to casual-​cute (e.g., some combination of cotton dress and sandals or tee/​shorts/​sneakers, etc.) and you’ll be immensely more comfortable.

Awesome outdoor venue in downtown Austin about 2 blocks from 6^th street. Upstairs is the BBQ which I’d skip but the bar is open.
The venue is GA so get there early if you wanna jam up front. But for quality acts in an intimate setting you can’t go wrong. Well, if the Texas sky’s open up and dump rain it does suck! Your pretty much screwed and figure your shoes are toast and you took a group shower.
Had a blast and would go again!

I like this place and I don’t like it. It’s not a terrible venue. Its uniqueness is a charming quality, but its uniqueness is also a downfall.
The stage is somewhat tucked away. If the show is too busy, you’ll be pushed too far back and it really detracts from the performance. The music seems to just float to the heavens and its energy is somewhat lost on the crowd. Just like Stubbs barbecue itself, the food is nothing to write home about, but it is nice to be able to get a bite to eat when you’re running late.