Patio Theater - Chicago, Illinois

Katy K.

I am disabled, and use either a wheelchair or a walker. I'm glad I brought my walker to this venue, because my wheelchair would've been impossible to use here. No ADA info is listed on their website, and I was unable to reach anyone via the phone numbers (several were "out of service") or emails posted online to find out more info prior to the show.

The entrance ramp from the indoor lobby area to inside the theater is super steep, and there was a large triangular plastic cord cover at the very top at least 3 inches high that I had to step over and lift my walker over (I wish I had gotten a picture of this, but I was literally exhausted and feeling faint afterward because it triggered my condition so badly). All the other aisles between chairs also felt pretty steep. Their normal bathrooms are in the basement. Their accessible bathroom isn't actually up to standards either - the toilet is super low, the door was very skinny, and again there was a large and tall cord cover I had to go over. It was at the front right in the theater, directly next to the stage and by the old green room. The ADA seating area had an okay view, but the rows of folding chairs were very close together and I felt super crowded. The folding chairs provided in the main floor section were incredibly uncomfortable, to the point where I was considering leaving the show for a bit.

No huge issues with staff like some other reviewers shared, but they didn't seem super informed on how to handle guests requiring ADA accomodations (security at entry was going to make me wait at the end of the line going around the block, for example).

No parking lot on site, we had to park several blocks away.

Such a bummer, I really adore old historic venues and love the personality of this place, but it was horrible for me to try and navigate with the sub-par accessibility modifications they made.

Marisa I.

Great - moody- venue. It was serving vintage darkness with a hint of vampire haven.

Went for a dance recital.

Restrooms: You will be going downstairs to the "dungeons," and some doors don't lock, so go with a friend.

Space: Large venue without feeling so expansive that you are disconnected from the event.

Cleanliness: This is largely impacted by attendees.

Seats: Plastic folding chairs in main space, with permanent typical venue seating in back.

Overall: Cool place to experience. If there's a fun event that calls your name... give it a go!

Gabriela R.

I went to this venue for an event last night and it was amazing. All the staff took great care of everyone. The security guard named Benny was making sure our experience was great as he kept checking up on us and making sure we were having a good time.

H N. Y. (.

For the event that was going on, the Patio Theater was pretty appropriate. Ghost Files is all about to spooky and haunted and this place definitely played the part.
However, I saw that there are other types of events that also take place at the Patio Theater, including plays and concerts, and I'm not sure how these work out.
As a breakdown, if you've got seats up close, you're going to get a folding chair. There's no question about it. The seats towards the back are all normal Theater seating, which looked relatively comfortable compared to our metal foldable chairs.
The audio was good, the vibes gave creepy/spooky due to age, but it might be too old and outdated for those other types of events. The floor is definitely crumbly and the building doesn't look like it's been kept up too well, either.

Cleanliness: 3/5
Audio/Audible from Stage: 5/5
Seating Comfort: 3/5

Irvin V.

The event was cool but the seats were horrible. As soon as I sat down I was stabbed my a spring from the cushion of the seat. The decor is completely faded. This places needs an upgrade badly.

Patricia B.

Great way to explore where famous artists have performed. Sit where others from a different Era have sat. Rustic Charming highly recommend the day trip.

sonomiraie

I saw xikers here and while they were amazing, the venue wasn't.

The folding chairs were packed together as close as possible and the venue was very stuffy. The back of the theater has properly cushioned seats and I wish that was the case for the entire audience area.

I did appreciate the numerous staff members who made the concert and M&G decently organized (not sure if they were MMT or Patio Theater staff though). They were polite. Also, I don't think there's a bag size limit which is a big plus.

Honestly not the worst place, but the facility looks like it could use some updating. The temperature control could also be better.

Ren T.

Went for the Everglow concert. There is no elevator, but it is also an older building. We have a wheelchair. Carmen made us accommodations without any trouble and we had a great view and time. Not fully ADA friendly, but they did what they could. Thank you Carmen and Staff.