Google reviewers rate the venue 4.6 out of 5 based on 1582 reviews, praising its intimate atmosphere, excellent sound quality, and friendly staff. Patrons frequently highlight the close proximity to the stage and affordable drink prices, though some note the space is small and lacks sufficient seating. A recurring criticism involves poor bathroom hygiene, with multiple guests describing strong odors, while others cite issues with ticket availability and security management.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
I've shot shows at the Grog Shop — it's a working live-music room where you can get close to the stage with a camera. The room photographs like a real club should: band right there, crowd right there. I'll be back with the camera next time a bill like that comes through.
I was in from California and went to see Chasing Abby. I'm a self-confessed venue. Snob and I'm spoiled because of all the great venues in San Francisco like the Fillmore and the independent. This was a great little venue and the sound was excellent. Albeit my ears were still ringing the next day but maybe that's cuz I'm old. The bartenders were super friendly as was the doorman. If I'm back in town and there's a decent band I want to see there, I wouldn't hesitate in a minute to. San Francisco equivalent would be the brick and mortar. Kudos all around!
One of the great venues in Cleveland. It's an awesome place to catch bands on the rise.
Best small venue in the Cleveland area
It's an institution for a reason. It's an amazing venue to see some live music.
Had a great time, bartenders are very nice, but the bathrooms smell so badly like piss. The smell leaches into the venue hall. Someone needs to take cleaning solution, a mop and sanitize both bathrooms down immediately.
Cool venue, wonderful time. But the bathrooms are HORRENDOUS. It’s worse than a music festival. They need to be bleached and pressure washed. They reek like piss where you can smell them from the middle of the venue.. a least the woman’s. Had a convo with 2 other women about that during the event I went to last night. Grungy doesn’t mean hazmat.
Love this place. Intimate venue with great sound
View from the "cheap seats", The Tear Garden.
Great place to see a show! Just a bar with a stage, but it feels like more than that!