The Blind Pig

Got kicked out after driving 5 hours to see a show. Bartender said he warned my brother once about leaning against the bar and kicked him out, there was no warning. It was the first time he spoke to him. Bouncer at the door was rude and staff not friendly at all. Bought one beer, was not ridiculously priced. Over all ruined the whole trip.

Pig is for dirty hipsters and the introverts who love them (read: me). Prerequisites for fun and acceptance: PBR, Beer Goggles, Dancing Shoes (Bang nights only).

The Bang is good sweaty fun. Caution: It's overrun with law students, so beware these tricksters and their conservative, non-themed attire. (Full disclosure: I am a law student).

Pig can be fun when its empty too. I saw VHS or Beta here last year and even though there were only ten people in the audience, they still said it was better than any show they ever played in Detroit. I got to know the surly bartender quite well, and boy does that guy hate VHS or Beta. Poor guy.

The cash-only bar is both a blessing and curse: although it is inconvenient and costly to use the ATM downstairs in 8-ball, it does prevent me from forgetting my card at the bar after I open a tab and proceed to use it.

If you drive and it's after midnight or so, I would park in the lot across from LIVE since they sometimes just open the gates on that lot at that time so you get free parking without scouring the streets.

Being in my mid 30's, I'm beyond the age bracket where I frequent bars and clubs much anymore.

However, being that I used to bartend in a club in my early 20's for many years, I do suffer an occassional fit of nostalgia that makes me want to hit a bar or club once in a while to inculcate all of the youthful energy.

So, that one night was this past summer when my friend and I randomly hit 8 ball so he could get his a$$ whooped in pool (by yours truly). Then, we hit a place called the Blind Pig, which I had seen listed in the Ann Arbor Observor nightlife section, but had never been to, despite the fact that I have lived near Ann Arbor now for the better part of a decade.

So, in we stroll...pay the cover, have no clue who is playing, and even less clue what to expect.

Maybe my experience was more pure than most because I simply did not even know the Blind Pig was connected to 8 ball the night we went.

I found the place dingy and dark, but this didn't bother me. It made me feel like I was right back in College...and since I am a young looking type (still get hammered for my ID everytime I buy beer), I fit right in.

I must admit that being surrounded by some pretty college girls certainly didn't hurt matters.

In any event, I had a good time...the band that was playing that night was really good. I immediately got into their alternative groove. And I still have no clue who it was since we dropped in on an impromptu basis.

The beers were cheap and cold.

So you do the math: cheap, cold beers + pretty girls + good band = high 4 star rating.

I haven't dropped in since that one time, and who knows if the next time will be as pleasurable (if it even happens) as the first. Maybe it won't because if it happens again, it will most likely be a planned visit.

So maybe this 4 star rating is a bit inflated due to the innate adventure of being spontaneous one summer night that just came together.

Dan

I would give zero stars if I could. The staff was rude. The lady who was working downstairs last night was belligerent and nasty. I stepped outside with a friend, my husband and the rest of our group including some of my belongings were still inside. They locked the front door so I went to the entrance downstairs. I asked nicely if I could please get my husband and my belongings . The lady working the door was so belligerent and nasty. She refused to let me in to get my belongings. Luckily someone walked out and I slid in the side door. I'm not ever going back to a place that treats their customers like this! I have never in my life been spoken to in such a way! Stay away from this place!

25 yrs I have been comming here it is Best Place to catch a live show.

In terms of a facility, I kinda hate the Blind Pig. It's gross, divey, there are few places to sit, the door people are mean and the bathrooms.....ewwww.

But, the Blind Pig is a great place to see a band or hip-hop act (always catching Subterraneous shows there - proper) although the sound can get a little loud and tinny at times. It gets props because of the shows they book.

I've been to the Blind Pig many times for shows. One thing I love about this place is that they bring in a good variety of shows, something for whatever is your liking.

The entire place is two floors, tho it's not at all big. The upstairs, where the shows are, doesn't hold much. There is a bar, a small area to sit or stand, and an even smaller stage. This place is neither clean nor well lit nor ventilated. But it let's you get right up close and personal with the band. And because it's such a small space, any seat in the house is a good seat.

It also has more than reasonable drink prices, which just makes this place more impressive. Not only can you actually see the band and hear the music clearly, but you don't have to spend a day's wage for a few drinks.

All in all, the Blind Pig may be the best venue in Ann Arbor.

The service was extremely rude and irrational. They treated me as if i should not have been there. Heard good things about this place but after visiting, never going back again. If I could give it 0 stars I would. Many other better places in Ann Arbor to spend time with family and friends.

I've always said a small intimate concert is always the best. There's nothing like seeing a group or artist in a small venue... That's why I have to say the Blind Pig has to be one of the best concert venues in the area!

I've had the honor of playing at this venue as well as see some amazing bands before they got too big to play at a small venue. Either way it's always a blast.

Get there early and go downstairs to the 8 ball. There's kind of a funk/sewer smell, but they have the the best juke box in 4 counties so deal with the smell, play some pool, or darts, and drink a PBR!

It's true: the Blind Pig (especially the 8 Ball) smells horrible. (Update: 8/25/2010, stopped in after the smoking ban passed. It's not so bad in there anymore!)

But once you get over that, there are a lot of really awesome bands that come through (e.g., Ingrid Michaelson, Feist, Matt Nathanson, etc.) and it's probably the smallest place you will ever see them. The Blind Pig also happens to have some pretty affordable drinks, and the occasional bar stool. It is usually a little bit loud, but that may be my old person side starting to come out.