Dillinger's is a great venue for being so small. Located right inside a busy little bar called the Irish Exit you can get your drink on and enjoy local live music, if you step down the hall.

 

Surprisingly, although they're in the same small building you can't really hear the loud bustle of the always busy bar. Luckily, there's a bar inside Dillinger's so you don't have to walk down the creepy hallway.  Of course, the peole in the bar can't too easily hear the music so there's no issue with distraction for those just wanting a drink.

 

For being an old building it holds up pretty good.  Originally, this was the Parthenon Building which was a bank founded in 1837. So those of you who enjoy a bit of history and architecture might appreciate its look.  Inside though, they took great care to make sure it doesn't stink, it looks updated and everything is at code.

 

Capacity for Dillinger's is close to 100 so you won't find huge shows there although it does make it easier to reach capacity that way.  The acoustics are good and it's lit up well enough. There's a couple tables, a few chairs stacked up if you want to sit but this is mostly a standing room only venue.  Outside, there's a flight of neat steps that most people sit at or group around and talk. One drawback for Dillinger's is that you can't tell if it's air conditioned or not. It's way too hot and that brings down the fun a notch, especially for performers.

 

The stage is big enough for possibly a 5 piece band. More than that and it might be trouble.  Location is great too because although the town of New Albany is small it's situated where the many people who like to bar hop or walk around on a warm evening can step right in.

 

The staff is also a huge plus.  As of the time of this review (9/02//2013) Nick was the manager I met.  He really supports local music and more of the Southern Indiana artists than Louisville but still supportive just the same.  Amanda and Wesley were the kitchen staff on the two occasions I attended and their friendly mannerism and fresh product delivery were top notch. Definitely a great team!  The food itself?  Like typical bar food I suppose. Reminded me of just frozen generic stuff you can get at any store. Thankfully, the preparation and pleasant attitudes of the kitchen staff allowed me not to mind the almost satisfying taste and prices of the food.

 

Speaking of prices, the early specials are awesome. If you want your drink on before 9pm then you can do so and use that spare change you have laying around. And the bartenders? I met Andrew and Natasha who were awesome. No nonsense, polite and ready to treat you like a friend. In fact, Andrew's sense of humor and suave character made him instantly ilkeable and leaves a great impression with anyone there.

 

In the end, this is probably the best place for live music in Southern Indiana.  Usually, the staff and venue being cool is a rare match but this place has it.  To sum it up, they do nearly everything right. So the only issue I had was the almost excruciating unpleasantness of the heat (I went during the summer and ceilings are tall. I mean it has more than one story. Come on.)  Well, I suppose getting there is tough too. For first time visiting I couldn't find it. Turns out that the sign is super faded and hardly readable. the building is a chalk tan looking one and it has no lights to identify it. The best way to find it is to remember that it has a black gate in the front that stays locked and is actually on the corner of the intersection.   For parking I'd just park behind the block by that Farmer's Market.

 

I definitely recommend this for artists starting their careers or adding a notch to their small tour belt.  It's you and the promoter who needs to bring the crowd no matter what. So that does not compute in this review. I give this venue ann 88% chance of sunshine!

 

Daniel C. Morrison - Louisville Limelight Magazine