Kerns Music Shop

Stopped in for an easy Thursday night drink, knowing nothing of «Say Anything» playing. Nathan the bartender was fantastic, doling out shots and neighborhood advice like it was his fricking job. Oh wait… It was his job. He did it extremely well and is a great host. Moderate prices, great bartending. Check it out!

Small and intimate, great place to have a drink and a bite to eat before seeing a show at the Showbox. They have a small menu with about a dozen items; appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. The food is good and prices are moderate. The bar opens two hours before doors to the venue, and sometimes you can even hear the band doing their soundcheck. Seating is limited, so don’t wait too long to show up or you might get denied entry. 21 and over, ID required.

I like hitting the green room before a show. However, I always get the overworked and spaced out waitress who forgets our order. Never fails.

My wife & I returned to the Green Room for the first time in a couple of years and they haven’t missed a beat. Great, inexpensive mixed drinks, good beers on tap. Better than adequate pub food at reasonable prices.
Nice option for a drink and snack before a show, also just a great lounge to hang around in.

If you get to the show early, this is a good hiding spot. You can get away from the madding crowd upstairs – even with all the different bars upstairs, it’s still nice to have someplace to duck away while you wait for the band. With the closed-​circuit TV, you can wait down here until right when they hit the stage and then head up.
It’s the usual meaningless selection of drink options, just like upstairs, just like most places that focus on the music. But you’re gonna have a drink at the show, which means you’re not gonna be picky, so it’s fine.

Cool little bar located in the entrance of the Showbox. The bar area is small. The service is solid and the drinks are priced reasonably for downtown. $ 6 for mixed drinks and pints of beer. The downstairs area is nice but also on the tight side. They sometimes have live music on the lower level. Check the event calendar for more info.
The Green Room is a nice place to meet up for drinks if you plan on going to the Showbox.

I like the ‘attached aspect’ and early entry for the Showbox. It’s a great idea to allow you to come in and get your drink/​food on before the show.
I ordered a beer so I can’t speak to the mixology skillz of the bartender, but the beer selection was great — Negra Modelo on tap for me.
I ordered some food from the limited menu, had the chicken strips and fries. It was — well, as you’d expect for chicken strips and fries– and a beer and that came to $ 14. Not too bad, not cheap.
The problem was that it took almost 45 minutes– 15 of which the food sat behind the bar not being given to me– to get my food.
I’ll go back if it’s a show that I REALLY want to get in quickly for but it’s the last time I’ll likely pre-​funk there for any other reason.