Housed in a former Catholic church built in 1924, Mr. Smalls Theatre is about as far from a traditional concert hall as you can get. The former St. Ann’s Church was converted into an 800-person music venue in 2002 by musician and former competitive skateboarder Mike Speranzo and Liz Berlin of Rusted Root. Today, bands play where the altar once stood, beneath 40-foot ceilings, stained glass, and a repurposed choir loft.

The Millvale venue hosts a steady lineup of touring and local bands, with multiple bars, a café and a rooftop terrace on-site. Here’s what you need to know about parking, transportation, bags, food, drinks and navigating Mr. Smalls Theatre.

The Ultimate Mr. Smalls Theatre Venue Guide

Where Are the Best Seats in the House?

Mr. Smalls is primarily a general-admission, standing-room-only venue, so there are no assigned seats on the main floor.

• If you want to be close to the stage, arrive early and stake out a spot near the rail.
• For a more comfortable experience, book a seat in the VIP Balcony, which is located in the church’s former choir loft. It’s reservation-only and includes seating, a dedicated bartender and waitstaff, and access to upstairs bathrooms. You must have a ticket to the show in order to book a balcony reservation. Plus, your booking fee goes towards your food and drink bill for the evening so you really get the most bang for your buck. There are multiple levels of seating and different options so be sure to decide what’s most important to you: the view, the hospitality, or the sound?

Bag Policy

Personal bags, including purses and drawstring bags, are permitted, but large backpacks are not.

• All bags are subject to search at the door.
• Outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Where to Park if You’re Seeing a Show at Mr. Smalls Theatre

Mr. Smalls is located on Lincoln Avenue in Millvale, northeast of Downtown.

• Mr. Smalls does not have a parking lot, so driving to a sold-out show requires some planning. Street parking is available along Lincoln Avenue and surrounding streets, but expect to walk several blocks for a sold-out show.

Alternate Transportation

There is no T station in Millvale so alternate transportation leaves you with either the bus or a rideshare app, which is your best bet since cabs can be unreliable and the bus line stops service early.

• From Downtown, you can take the 2 Mount Royal bus to the East Ohio Street and Grant Avenue stop, then walk approximately four blocks to the venue. But don’t count on the bus to get you home after the show since the 2 Mount Royal bus stops service around 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 p.m. on weekdays. 

Where to Eat and Drink Inside Mr. Smalls

Mr. Smalls has multiple spots serving food and drinks within the building.

• The main walk-up bar at the venue serves draft, craft and imported beer, along with wine and liquor.
• The connected Funhouse Restaurant operates a full kitchen during every show, serving burgers, chicken and snacks.
• A small café and coffee shop is located on the lower level (and is sometimes open after events).
• The rooftop terrace is the only place to smoke or vape in and around Mr. Smalls.

Insider Tips and Tricks

• Take a look around when you arrive: You’re standing inside a former Catholic church with 40-foot ceilings and stained glass, and the stage occupies the space that once housed the altar.
• Bring your ID. You’ll need it for any 21+ show, to access the bars during an all-ages show, and to pick up will-call tickets.
• The on-site recording studio has hosted artists including 50 Cent, the Black Eyed Peas, and Ryan Adams, who rehearsed there for a month before touring with the Rolling Stones.
• Mr. Smalls’ general admission is standing room only but has a roped-off section where ADA reservations include space for one guest and one companion seat. Email info@mrsmalls.com to submit your ADA accommodation request in advance.

Where to Eat Around Mr. Smalls

Millvale and the surrounding neighborhoods offer plenty of options for a pre-show meal or drink. Because some nearby spots have limited hours, check their current schedules before heading over.

• Grist House Craft Brewery: A popular local brewery with rotating food trucks. Confirm the hours, since the kitchen/food truck situation can wind down early.
• Dancing Gnome Craft Brewery: A Pittsburgh favorite in Sharpsburg, one town over from Millvale.
• Iron Born Pizza: Detroit-style pies with more than 20 varieties available. 
• Sidelines Bar & Grill: Wings and straightforward bar food.

Where to Drink After the Show

If you’re not ready to call it a night when the show ends, you have several nearby options.

• Harold’s Haunt: A welcoming and inclusive neighborhood favorite — with great cocktails and sober inclusivity.
• Double L: A neighborhood dive bar just up Grant Avenue, open until 2 a.m. every night.
• Smokey’s Tavern: A dive bar on Howard Street with inexpensive drinks, a small pub-food menu, a jukebox, karaoke and DJs.
• Poetry Lounge: A craft-cocktail bar on North Avenue from veteran mixologist and published poet Sean Enright.

Explore more of Pittsburgh’s concert and sporting venues in our guide to Pittsburgh’s arts, culture and entertainment scene.

About the Author

Kenny Gould is a writer and the founder of Hop Culture, a digital magazine focused on the beer industry. In addition to writing about food and beverages, he’s also the author of several fiction books, including the bestselling fantasy The Castle of 1,000 Doors. He holds a BA from Duke University, an MFA from Chatham University, and an MBA from NYU Stern. To learn more about Kenny, visit his website or follow him on Instagram at @thekennygould.

Photos From Mr. Smalls Theatre

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