You can practically set your watch to it: At almost every concert at the Pabst Theater, a performer will pause to comment on the historic opera house’s beauty. Good looks aren’t all the venue has going for it, though. In addition to flawless acoustics, the Pabst has a reputation for cheap ticket prices and pulling in acclaimed headliners that might otherwise tour around Milwaukee—in the last year it’s hosted unforgettable performances from Wilco, Grizzly Bear, Antony and the Johnsons and Steve Earle. Thanks to the Pabst Theater, and its sister venues the Riverside Theater and the Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee’s concert calendar now rivals those of city’s twice our size.
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The Pabst Theater
144 E. Wells St.
414-286-3663

http://www.pabsttheater.org/

Runners-up: Turner Hall Ballroom, Summerfest