I loved Bogarts! I was nervous while reading reviews, but after reading mixed reviews I decided to go anyway. All of those negative reviews are written by people who are way too uptight. We traveled from Central Indiana to go see Porcupine Tree, and it was a great show. We got $1 all day parking right down the street from the venue. There are some weirdos walking around, but the area isn't dangerous. There are panhandlers, but there are panhandlers at every concert. You have to get ride of your loose change anyway, so just give it to them. Security was fair: no cameras, no markers, no loose change, girls patted down girls and guys patted down guys. The venue was neat and dark and had plenty of room. However, it isn't very well ventilated and heats up after awhile, so wear an undershirt. The only con about this place was the bathrooms: THAT review was correct, they are gross.
They have fair rules that are easy to follow. They WARN you that there is no smoking allowed, it's not like it comes as a surprise at the door. Of course they will throw you out, they told you it's against the rules, as well as with any other rule. The rules change because different bands want different things, and Bogarts tries to accommodate the band as well as their customers.
I'm a very shy, picky person and I would gladly take the trip back to Bogarts again.
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