02/26/08

Stellar acoustics, opulent ambience and top-notch acts make this a classic venue.

by Contributor

The View
Patrons could be sitting quietly during an acoustic set or jumping around to hip-hop beats. But the overall vibe is reserved, thanks to the theater's ban on smoking and drinking during shows. The regal showroom was beautifully restored and there are very few Seattle venues more carefully maintained. The sparsely decorated bar off the lobby has a tendency to get crammed between acts, so expect long lines and tight quarters while imbibing.

The Experience
The audience varies widely, as the theater hosts such varied acts as David Bowie and Slick Rick. Music isn't the only draw--Broadway musicals like "Chicago" and "Hairspray" regularly light up the marquee.

Photo by Chris Daniel

03/14/07

Fantastic Atmosphere

by jvuylsteke

Whether it?s music or theater the Paramount is one of the best concert venues in Seattle. Not only is the location small which gives it great acoustics, but the architecture of the building itself is gorgeous. I saw The Fray play back in November and loved it. I not only took pictures of the band, but everything around me as well. I can't wait to go back!

• Pros: If you get tired of standing they have seats along the back
• Cons: Parking is tricky. Make sure the lot will still be open after the concert lets out.

10/21/03

The Paramount

by badwhorsey

There really isn't a bad seat in this place. It is small enough to be intimate from nearly everywhere. Leg room is a bit at a premium if you are not sitting in the front, and the room isn't exactly acoustically perferct for some rock bands, but with some tweeaking, the sound guys usually get it pretty close. Parking is alrigjt if you get there early, not too pricy, but still more than I would like to pay.

• Pros: Intimate, Easy to find, Wide variety of shows
• Cons: Acoustics, Parking, Leg Room

05/05/03

Not Handicap Friendly

by lamipa

Overall the Paramount is a great theatre. The decor is wonderful, the seats are comfortable and the sightlines are good. Although the seats themselves are comfortable, the legroom is very cramped. I don't know how the sound is usually, but it wasn't very good at the performance I went to. They did manage to improve it during the perfomance though. The biggest con to the Paramount is that there is no elevator. My Mother just had knee surgery and couldn't walk up to the third floor. She also couldn't use the restroom since they are either in the basement (down a huge flight of stairs) or on the second floor. The manager very graciously gave her a seat in the 4th row, which was wonderful. It was just unfortunate that she had to be seperated from her party when the whole reason we were there was for her.

• Pros: Good Sightlines, Wonderful Decor, Nice Manager!
• Cons: No elevator, Poor Sound, Inaccessible bathroom

03/27/03

Paramount = Great Shows

by primeminister

It is clear that the Paramonut provides the best bands out their to play this Seattle based venue. I've seen everthing from Elvis Costello to AudioSlave and the performances were Phenomenal!

• Pros: great shows, great sound up front, intense energy
• Cons: uncomfortable seating, poor sound in the bac

02/27/03

Wheel of Life

by esmerelda

Wow. What a great show. The crowd was a little rude, coming in late and all. The theatre was amazing and after I asked the guy in front of me to stop leaning forward, it was all good.

• Pros: beautiful decor, great show
• Cons: late arrivals, seats too close tog.

12/27/02

Deteroirating

by mrmrs

The Paramount in the last few years has continually allowed late arrivers to enter in the middle of the first act of plays. These rude people interrupt the people who arrive on time. Both the Fifth Ave Theater and Benaroya hall control this better. We also had a billing error problem (two sets of tickets when we ordered one) that was 'resolved' at least 3 times but each time we got follow up calls asking us to pay for the mis-booked tickets which we returned.

• Pros: Good shows, Seating
• Cons: short engagement, billing/customer svc., late arrivals

06/24/02

Great place to see a concert!

by JHNYBGD

I think The Paramount is one of the best venues around to see a concert. I've seen shows there where the main floor was with seats and without, and I don't think you could complain either way. The intimacy of the venue makes this place one of the best.

• Pros: great view everywhere, intimacy, sound