The Atlantis — Local services in Washington

While I would like to leave a positive review, my first experience at the Atlantis to see a show was awful due to lack of leadership skills on Sam’s behalf. I purchased tickets through a 3rd party site purely because tickets sold through the actual site were sold out within 1 minute of them going on sale. Yes, I understand that purchasing through stubhub is not the ideal route to go, however I really wanted the chance to see this up and coming artist. So our tickets were scanned (total of 2) I was allowed entry however my friend was denied entry due to being unable to verify the validity of the ticket. This is not on Atlantis. Sam when I spoke to him a few times disclosed to me that I would have to wait an additional two hours due to occupancy regulations and said he would make a decision based on that to allow my friend in. I understand the inner workings of the industry as I myself work at a music venue. It was quite possible for him to make an exception at his discretion. I’m disappointed in the lack of leadership. I will not be returning to this venue.

@owner I do understand the liability issue with having to verify the validity of it and I am not disagreeing with your concern. However, a few points I will make: The original root cause was not being able to verify validity, why was I allowed in and not my friend? Also there were 30+ people who were denied due to “inability yo verify validity” from stubhub. When I spoke to Sam he stated that he has to observe occupancy limitations, I worked in DC for many many years and am familiar with the marshals dropping by and possibly issuing a fine. I understand that as a business your #1 priority is profit... trust me I do, but what about the experience people place trust in you to enjoy a live show? See I tried speaking to Sam about how important this show was for me and my friend and I was still told that I had to wait 2 hours before receiving a decision. Life is busy and two hours to wait is unacceptable for me to have a customer wait to see a show they booked through a partner you allow to sell tickets to your venue to, that you make a profit from. I don't expect you to understand or care, but people should know what my...

Deets: Sold out show, raining, Saturday night doors at 7:30 Pros: the venue was CLEAN and personal for an intimate show. The stage is raised so, while the floor is flat without an incline, you can still sort of see the bands heads (5’2). Bars on both levels. I assume the rooftop is a nice addition but didn’t get to experience it due to rain Cons: if you’re not a giant, you can’t see much. There is a balcony but you’d still have to be on the rail to see anything since you have to look down (vs on the floor you look UP at the stage and can sort of see). The balcony can hold maybe 2-3 people deep if that so it isn’t as much room as it may seem. If you go to the bathroom, good luck getting anywhere back to where you came from. The sold out show IMO sold too many tickets. Didn’t want to be against a bar (on the back wall) listening to a concert … when you walk in the door, that’s it. That’s the crowd. It does sort of have an hourglass shape to fill the floor so everyone gets jammed into the funnel without a way to get closer. Sort of awkward with staff trying to get by but you have no where to go to make space for them. Couldn’t even TRY to get to the merch you’d have had to go thru the entire crowd. Couldn’t lift your hands to clap you’re so packed in. The ADA section is roped off but you’d have to get thru a crowd in a walker (yes I saw this) which was near impossible.

The line took a while to get thru (several people asked if the doors opened late and why there was a line still 25 mins after doors) security was pretty slow but staff were mostly friendly.

I’ll give 3/5 stars since it’s such an intimate setting and clean and staff were friendly. However, it seemed oversold limiting the ability to enjoy the show without fighting people for space to shift your weight. Would have liked to view the merch but couldn’t make...

The Atlantis is tied, in my estimation, with the Black Cat as the best music venue in the city. An intimate space that pulls big acts, there are almost no bad places to stand, as you’re always under 20 - 30 ft away from the act, and usually much closer. There is one pillar on the first floor that could conceivably block views, which was included as a nod to the original 9:30 Club, I think, but it’s not that hard to avoid.

We’ve seen Billy Idol, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Alice Merton, and Miya Folick here, among others, and will keep coming back. There’s rarely a wait at the bar, and the beer selection is good at average venue prices. Unlike the Anthem, though, there are plenty of reasonably priced bars nearby where you can get cheaper drinks before the show.

The sound quality and volume are good, far less deafening than other venues in the city. The bathrooms are clean and easily accessible. I love this place, and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to see either their favorite band or a new...