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Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
1106 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
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Jo
Review №1

What an awesome space! Love the vibe here. The staff was awesome. Parking was easy (if there relatively early.) Convenient bars in the venue with good selection. Great sound and house system. Very highly recommended.

Ja
Review №2

Such an amazing place. Security staff are awesome! Super helpful and very kind. The entire place was great. Beautiful structure. Parking can be sticky, but its the city and expected

Ke
Review №3

Very neat place with a lot of history and character. The show I saw there was very good. The staff gets you in and out pretty quick. Only complaint is the drink selection especially for those who dont drink alcohol. Otherwise great place to see a show. Standing only.

Wa
Review №4

The acoustics and the sound are OK, but not as good as other Chicago venues. There are plenty of bars, so the wait to get a drink isn’t long at all. If you don’t feel like standing up all night, paying extra for the upstairs VIP seating experience is well worth the cost.

Pa
Review №5

Awesome atmosphere! Great sound! Clean! Easy valet parking across the street. They will charge $10 extra for large vehicle. (Like Suburban, Escalade ESV, etc) but very convenient to venue. I hadnt been here for many yrs. And would def go back!

An
Review №6

First time at this venue for an event. Came from Ohio to Chicago for the Wu Tang Clan 25th Anniversary concert. Great size venue, plenty of security and concession stands. Bathroom were large to accommodate the large number in attendance. Parking was good also.

Er
Review №7

This is not my favorite venue to go see a concert, but I do like the historical architecture features inside. Parking was a lot easier than I anticipated. I was expecting $25-$30 for parking and ended up next to Aragon for $12. Sold out shows are fun, but there is only one way out and you will have a lot of impatient people. Also if this bothers you it can get a little smoky. I must of had several people in the audience with glaucoma because several people got out their prescriptions to use. Anyway the bar situation was better than expected. Staff was very friendly and patient. Very good job.

Ja
Review №8

Wonderful experience. Definitely recommend. Such a great concert venue.

Ca
Review №9

I’ve been going to the Aragon for 20+ years. Recently saw Nine Inch Nails there and the sound was fantastic. They have definitely improved how you get drinks and the whole process was very efficient. Funny that you still wait outside before the show in the alleyway just like when I was a little kid. No seats as always but that’s fine just see a show that’s worth standing up for.

A.
Review №10

The place is great for viewing your favorite artist seems more personal. The beer here is over priced around 13 bucks for a cup of beer. Will come back not a bad place.

Mi
Review №11

Amazing old school 2 story venue with beautiful murals and styling all around

Am
Review №12

Great venue! Good sound. Standing Room is most affordable...however, if you can afford the extra money for VIP, that would help a lot! Nicer people and shorter lines. BUT...overall great sound system and can still see the performances!

Er
Review №13

Love seeing shows here. No matter where you stand, you get a great view. Even some of the most iconic venues in the city can’t claim this! I’m talking to you HOB and Metro...

Sa
Review №14

So like... I got punched in the eye here 2 years ago at a Caifanes concert. Missed the whole concert because the lady that hit me wanted me arrested. (Spoiler: wasn’t arrested)Never been back since.Couldn’t miss Cage the Elephant.Got to admire once again the beauty that is the Aragon. 12/10 recommend.

St
Review №15

Beautiful venue. Womens restroom is very clean and modern and there are plenty of stalls and big mirrors. I thought the drink prices were pretty normal for a concert. Its like buying a beer at an airport or an amusement park, of course its pricey.

Dr
Review №16

Watched Greta Van Fleet perform, it was awesome. The opening band was also amazing too.

Dr
Review №17

One of the absolute best venues. Ambiance is fantastic. Every seat/area has a fantastic view. Staff is exceptional. Even the bathrooms are great due to short lines. Aragon is definitely the place you want to see your favorite band.

To
Review №18

Great venue for any concert. Seen so many great artists, U2, Nirvana to recent artists as 21 Pilots and Of Monsters and men.

Ja
Review №19

Really cool historic venue. It’s small enough that shows feel intimate still. The fact that it’s right next to the Red Line makes getting too and from the venue very easy. Only things that could be better is getting in and out of the venue. Granted it was a sold out show but they decided to split males and females at security going in, leading to everyone conjugating in the very tiny space between security and ticket scan and making things very chaotic. Going out, very few people were working the coat check, causing huge delays as well. Even if you weren’t getting a coat getting out would’ve taken forever, as there is only 1 set of staircases to and from the ballroom. Makes you wonder what would happen if an emergency evacuation was needed.

Lu
Review №20

Love this place. The ceiling twinkles and the artwork and decor is very cool. Awesome venue. A must see. Loved Metric.

Jo
Review №21

Favorite concert venue ever, so many memories at this place. Pantera, 311, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, Metallica, Pixies, Silversun Pickups, Silverchair! Love this place!

Ni
Review №22

This place is an amazing venue to see some music. Standing room only, but the architecture is really cool and its huge. My only complaint is the line can be very long and slow. They only have two metal detectors and would do well to figure out a more expedited entry system.

Al
Review №23

Finally got to see Galantis it was such a good time! Ive been here twice and I love love love! That parking stays 20 dollars and it never is set too far away from the venue itself.

Ma
Review №24

Nice venue. My third time here!! Last times were for Bring Me the Horizon, went to see Babymetal, with Avatar opening for them

su
Review №25

Looks cool on the inside, but there are lot of things to improve. Packed like sardines with no air circulation is not conducive to good health. Needs better air circulation. General admission all standing area is not like a theater with elevated standing space, it’s all plain, in other words a gradual elevation will bd great so that people standing in the back can see the stage better. Needs multiple exits.

Sa
Review №26

The coolest indoor venue I’ve ever been too, with the Spanish styled balconies and starry ceiling. The acoustics were good and the bands easy to be heard. However, the staff are beyond rude. They frisked everyone and yelled constantly, not a fun start to a concert.

Pi
Review №27

Security were the best Ive encountered at any venue -- they ensured that people didnt run and handed out water during the show. Atmosphere is gorgeous, although it does get very crowded at capacity and took me almost 15 minutes to get out of the venue once the show has ended. My only complaint is the fake snow that they had blowing on the crowd. It was making us cough and smelled really strange.Aside from that, great venue and great show!

Ch
Review №28

Great artists! Amazing Venue! It can be a little hard to see if the show is crowded. Also, if its winter the coat check line is a MESS. Dont check your coat or dont wear one. :)

Sa
Review №29

Bunch of sweaty 17 year olds, but super cool looking venue with decent sound quality.

Jo
Review №30

The staff was amazing! And the venue was magical! Seeing the last show of the album 1 tour was amazing thanks to @sanholobeats!

Er
Review №31

Went here for New Years to see Zomboy, Whipped Cream and Nightmare. We got VIP to be upstairs and thats just about all we got out of it plus some kids snuck up without wristbands which seemed unfair due to the fact that we paid additional to have the experience plus people took our seats when we got up. I think they shouldve at least had a coat room for VIP but they didnt. No drinks came with the experience either. It was basically pay extra for a good view, and bathrooms with a shorter wait. The venue itself is beautiful and the show was really awesome.

We
Review №32

Beautiful place! Had a great time but didnt care for how high the stage is.

Ev
Review №33

Great place to go and see bands live! I don’t like getting there too early otherwise you’ll stand outside in the cold. Easily accessible, but either Uber or take public transportation since parking is scarce. One gripe I have with Aragon Ballroom is that sold out shows are beyond packed to the point where I wonder about safety in case of an emergency. I have been to many shows here and some shows are jam packed it’s hard to even walk around.

Je
Review №34

Beautiful place, great shows. Neighborhood fills up quickly with trucks and crew when setting up a show, so I feel for the residents. But always professional staff.

Ko
Review №35

Loved seeing Of Monsters and Men here!!! The show was great but the atmosphere of the crowd wasnt. Plus there wasnt that much room to really dance, and for some reason, they pass people through metal detectors based on gender and promptly mistook me for a guy and tried to make me go through this detectors -_- apparently they couldnt see the chest I clearly had or all the makeup I put over an hour into doing.

K
Review №36

Cool Spanish aesthetic. Get there early to claim a spot on the upper level balcony. Decent views on the floor.

Le
Review №37

REALLY cool place! The inside looks amazing! Look at the ceiling when you go!! Main area is this huge standing space and the second floor is the balcony with some seating.

Ia
Review №38

Staff was amazing! I hadnt heard great things, but everyone was so friendly and helpful for new years! Lots of parking, for a price, but its available. Ill definitely be back

Zh
Review №39

Great venue to see concerts! Jack White concert was in town and sold out. Security was phenomenal that evening dealing with drunk attendees and those who would not lock their phones in the Yondr cases.

St
Review №40

Saw AJR here and they put on a wonderful performance! Took forever to get out because of only having one staircase for everyone. Overall loved coming here!

Ja
Review №41

Absolutely love this venue! There is not a bad view no matter where your stand. The staff are usually friendly and helpful with directing you around. There are also plenty of bathrooms where there is hardly a line to wait. Also the L is right outside the venue making transportation to and from incredibly easy.

We
Review №42

The line to get in moved quickly, which has been a complaint in the past. There were quite a few bars open so I went upstairs to the less crowded area and got my drinks fast. Very nice atmosphere, it felt like I was outside while watching the show

He
Review №43

We saw 5SOS here. Cool, historic venue. Smallish. Wish there was some seating for us parents! No parking at all close by. Take an Uber from your hotel.

Ca
Review №44

Really neat venue. The ceiling is pretty wild. They also have seating/viewing above the main floor that wraps around.

Ka
Review №45

We recently attended a Nightwish concert at the Aragon, and the ballroom is just as beautiful as I remember it. The band sounded great, which is always a challenge in smaller venues such as this. Visibility was good and we were able to get fairly close to the front, which feels much closer to the band than at a very large arena show. Drinks were pricey but not as expensive as Soldier Field and the United Center. There were a decent amount of parking lot options available within reasonable walking distance (parking cost not included with ticket prices unless theyre offering a package deal for the lot across the street). The ladies restroom was also very clean. Over all, it was great concert experience at a venue I would definitely go to again.

Vi
Review №46

The venue is quite nice and ornate. I havent had issues with the event staff, but the office staff can be a little short. No real qualms though.

Jo
Review №47

Great venue. Easy to get drinks without missing the show. Super unique architecture

St
Review №48

The show was great, staff was great; venue needs a bit of a facelift and a new egress process.

Dh
Review №49

I went to this place for Gesaffelstein’s concert. It was one of my best experience. Sound system was really good. Place was spacious enough to fit more than 500 people and service staff was really great and helpful.

Da
Review №50

I absolutely loved the show I went to but the bouncers could not have been more horrible! I’ve worked in the service industry for my entire life and I cannot imagine speaking to ANYONE the way that they did to me and my friend. When we did absolutely nothing wrong.... I hope that Louis the Child doesn’t continue to do their Thanksgiving shows there because I never ever want to go back!

Z
Review №51

Beautiful space for shows, with some great bands that come through. Not as intimate as some smaller venues but preferable to any stadium or arena shows. Sound is pretty good for the space, though with a room that big the crowd chatter can get annoying. Drinks are a bit pricey and lacking in selection theyre not outrageous. Just a heads up, they use metal detectors so make sure your pockets are empty.

Ky
Review №52

First of all I would like to say that this place is really cool looking, provides a good show and the artists I saw were amazing. BUT. First of all, the show I went to had doors at 8:45. I arrived at 9:15 and did not make it inside to the security portion until 10:30. WTF. There were 500+ people outside waiting in line while it was 20 degrees out. That is pathetic. Then, they told me I could not bring in my diffraction glasses because they altered my vision? And the alcohol being served doesnt do the same thing? They literally sold them inside at the merch booth!!! Security guards were disrespectful to people, treating us like cattle. I drove five hours to this show to only be extremely disappointed with the venue. Ill probably never go back here ever. Thats a shame to because the place was so cool.

Ma
Review №53

I do love going to tons of events here just the security is way to aggress compared to any other place I’ve been to in Chicago.

Ti
Review №54

Sound quality is great. The inside has such unique decorations and atmosphere, but leaving is a nightmare as you get funneled down 2 sets of stairs into the entrance hall.

Ni
Review №55

Amazing place, wonderful venue to see your favorite artist! LCD Soundsystem was a blast.

Ma
Review №56

Im a concert photographer and I love shooting here. The inside is beautiful and wide open for shows and the drinks, while high, are decently priced for concert standards. Security isnt super pushy and are respectful too.

Br
Review №57

Great venue! Saw Nine Inch Nails there. Sounded amazing!!

Ja
Review №58

Gorgeous theater and great venue for concerts. Staff were polite. Bathrooms were clean. The inside is really cool.

Ru
Review №59

Been here quite a few times for various alternative bands. I did get double charged for drinks once. But it happenes. Please employ the taco ladies that are outside after the shows. Them sauces and tacos are awesome.

Ch
Review №60

Was my first time here, an awesome space!

s
Review №61

Ive seen some of the best shows in my life here. Staff are always professional and efficient. With that said, however, each show always get stifling hot to the point where its pretty hard to breathe. Havent had any accidents yet but its a bit scary sometimes. Also, somebody always manages to bring in and smoke weed despite the security checks.

Mi
Review №62

Bring me the horizon was awesome. However everything you have read about the acoustics at this place are true. Half the show you only heard the crowd. Almost like Ollie should have been in the center of the room.

Em
Review №63

This was such a beautiful theatre! It was like being transformed into another world where the beauty of music and architecture collide, leaving everyone in awe. The staff was wonderful and had everything well under control. They run a tight ship! It was a great experience for the whole family!

Jo
Review №64

One of my favorite venues in Chicago. Open Ballroom, old building with cool architecture. Plenty of bars, additional bathrooms have been added recently and made a huge difference.

Ch
Review №65

Awesome venue. Why not 5 stars?No Red bull sugar free option at the bar and security made me throw a pack of cigarettes because it was already open... It was full!!!

Me
Review №66

Good venue, very cool architecture. Parking wasnt terrible if youre there early enough ($20 in a side lot). Only downside is its mostly standing room only, which means if youre short like me, its not the easiest place to see the band.

Tr
Review №67

Good venue to see any band. Man it was packed for the black keys.

La
Review №68

The building itself is beautiful! Parking can be a bit of a walk. Make sure you get there early or you will be waiting in line as the place is large and they pack it in!

Ch
Review №69

Its a beautiful venue and everything but Im used to going to places that allow reentry. I like to grab my merch when doors open before the show starts and then run outside and throw them in the car. So if you buy multiple pieces of merch you will have to put it on and be hot or try to hold onto them during the show. Or wait until after the show but that takes forever because the lines get out of control and I usually just want to get the hell out.

Ch
Review №70

Great concert venue! When the audience gets jumpin’ the floor flexes ALOT!

Ma
Review №71

Great venue for concerts. Not a bad seat in the house.

To
Review №72

Good place to see a show. You are shoulder to shoulder with all of the other fans as this a standing room only venue. Not an intimate space but you are close enough to the stage when you at the back of the house to make it fun.

St
Review №73

Seen Galantis there a couple weeks ago and it was mind blowing with the balloon drops and funfetti flying everywhere. I was very impressed .

Br
Review №74

Great venue for large circuit parties.

Ra
Review №75

Gotta love the ambiance of the Aragon. Its a step back in time with great sight lines and sounds great when the right sound company is there.

RE
Review №76

Ive been here a few times now. Every experience has been the same. I have only been to a couple where i had to wait in line to get in. The others i had bought early access tickets. The last time i went we had to wait outside around the buliding by the train station. There was almost nobody watching the lines to keep things in order. Of course once they started to let the first row in, the people behind us was sneaking in that line, which was very aggravating. Other than that everytime i went there was the family that makes tacos and etc, always smells good but ive never bought. Once inside its chaos. You have the security yelling at you, people pushing and running towards merch, restrooms, and main hall. The hall is big, never went upstairs but the hall looks cool. Nomatter where your at it seems like a good spot. No free water. No fans, so it gets hot. People still smoke, you know its all about being the cool person who does. Then you have people who pretend their meeting someone in front of you just to try and get closer. Exiting the concert is terrible, it almost seems impossible to leave right away, even though once you get down the stairs, there is no one blocking the way. Other than that ive always had fun. Will go back again soon.

Be
Review №77

Hands down one of my favorite places to see a great artist. The ceiling design alone you have to witness at least once. Ive been to many shows here and have never had a hard time. Quick and easy ticket verification/ security check. Always have the best time here! Sound quality is amazing as well. Hoping alison wonderland returns! Zeds dead round 2 in December

Ja
Review №78

Ive been fortunate enough to have seen multiple shows at the Aragon and its one of my favorite indoor venues to see a show. As for the location itself, its a wide open hall (if you have general admission tickets) with plenty of space for the crowd to pack in and get close to the stage, there is easy access in and out of the ballroom, there are tons of beverage stations and bars, and the restrooms are huge. The sound quality is pretty decent, I still bring earplugs but thats a personal preference. You can see the stage well from pretty much the entire floor. There is very little (or none) airflow once youre on the floor, so bring beverages and be prepared to stay since you cannot get back and forth once the crowd has rolled up to the stage. Overall, a great place in Chicago to see a show, Ill definitely go back to see another one there.

Ma
Review №79

Beautiful historic venue but very strict on what you can bring in! Watched a girl have to throw away her juul and I had to throw out my chapstick along with not allowing bandanas in. Be prepared for metal detectors and being patted down along with any bags and purses being searched. Also you are not allowed to bring in bottled water and it is $4 inside

ke
Review №80

Fantastic venue for a concert! The sound is fabulous and the place is iconic to boot. Easy to get in and out,clean,plenty of bar areas and plenty of security. Cant wait to go back!

Be
Review №81

Scenery is amazing. Concerts are crazy there, security is strict but bearable. Lines move really quickly. Bathrooms are clean and huge.

Jo
Review №82

One of my favorite venues in Chicago. Its like seeing a concert in an old Town square with stars over head

Ga
Review №83

Was here for NYE to see Zomboy and NGHTMR. The show was awesome and for the size of the crowd Security did an excellent job getting people in and out. Barely a wait for the restroom and the bartenders were super friendly! We had a blast and I’d love to come back!

An
Review №84

Interesting layout. Wish that we were on a stage to see him a little more eye to eye since Virtual self was on an additional stage for the amazing lighting

Ni
Review №85

Legendary venue. Easy to see stage from anywhere at any height. Great security, friendly and genuine staff, super cool ceiling... that’s all you need!!!

Pa
Review №86

️ came here 2017 Beautiful concert & staff was dope! Building super ancient love it! Lots of rooms!!I can’t wait come back. Drove from MN, 7 hour drive

Mi
Review №87

Really cool venue old venue. It was all standing room, but lines for bars and bathrooms werent bad. Prices pretty standard for Chicago/event. Security here is no joke. Metal detector, pat down, possibly wallet search. No pashmina, no open cigarettes, no vapes. I did really enjoy the show I saw however.

Du
Review №88

It would sure be nice if they had a spot for people to step out side and smoke between sets. Other than that, a great venue!

Ni
Review №89

Easy to get in, easy to find parking! Small venue so you can get as close as your comfort allows. Loveee this place

Er
Review №90

Had an AWESOME time at Aragon Ballroom!! Couldnt have picked a better way to spend leap day 2020 than here to see Jauz on Feb. 29, 2020. Best show of my life!!!!!!

Ch
Review №91

This venue is very unique compared to most! There is only standing room so prepare to spend time on your feet and avoid Aragon if you prefer having a seat. Otherwise Id highly recommend visiting to see the interesting design inside, including the Spanish terraces near the stage and the night sky painting on the ceiling.

Ed
Review №92

Great old ballroom for seeing concerts. This place has been a concert venue since the late 60s.

Na
Review №93

Fantastic venue. Such history and great vibe. Highly recommended. Especially with WOTE

ra
Review №94

Awesome venue. Spacious and has several bars so you are not standing on line for drinks. The bathrooms are HUGE. So you dont wait in line for those either. I saw Stone Temple Pilots (with the new guy, obviously) and the sound was fantastic.

Al
Review №95

Good acoustics. Clean bathrooms. Good snack and drink choices. Need better exit process.

Aa
Review №96

Historical building. Nice to go to concerts, events, etc, if your in Uptown Chicago. Had a great time seeing Erykah Badu!

Ja
Review №97

The lines to get in circle around the block, some of the search lines make you take off your shoes and will hold you up over an inhaler for asthma. There are undercover peeps every where and its so hot I got heat exhaustion and threw up $30 worth of water because 1 bottle costs $4. The first aid people are incredibly rude and told me i would be escorted off the premises if i puke (after i threw up 8 times). The one staff member that made my night was Esmeralda the goddess of the lobby who provided water and kind words to every one who passed her. She is a treasure

Ra
Review №98

Aragon along with the Riviera and Uptown theatre have been a fixture in the Uptown neighborhood for decades. The aragon ballroom is beautiful in the inside. Very courteous staff and security who made sure people in tje front row were hydrated. The sound system was difficult and there was so much distance between the front row and stage which made it less personable.

Se
Review №99

Small, but amazing venue. Very rustic. Saw Baby Metal perform with GA tickets and it will be a show I wont ever forget!

No
Review №100

Very cool venue but the acoustics can be iffy at times. If youre at the front youll be blasted by the bass and the sound mixing can get a bit weird. Despite this, it was still an amazing venue to go to.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.2 Rating
  • Address:1106 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
  • Site:https://www.livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAFdJnA/byline-bank-aragon-ballroom-events?utm_source=GMBlisting&utm_medium=organic
  • Phone:+1 773-561-9500
Categories
  • Concert hall
  • Live music venue
Working hours
  • Monday:10am–6pm
  • Tuesday:Closed
  • Wednesday:Closed
  • Thursday:10am–6pm
  • Friday:10am–6pm
  • Saturday:10am–6pm
  • Sunday:10am–6pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:No
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating:No
Amenities
  • Bar on site:Yes
  • Restaurant:No
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