Shank Hall

Shank Hall in Milwaukee is named such as a nod to the cult film This is Spinal Tap. Spinal Tap played the then-fictitious club in Milwaukee called Shank Hall. Shank Hall's current owner booked Spinal Tap to play a show at the University of Wisconsin Ballroom in 1984 and vowed to the band if he ever opened a club in Milwaukee it would be named Shank Hall. In 1989, Shank Hall came to be on Milwaukee's Farwell Avenue.

In 1992, Shank Hall was destroyed by a massive fire that was started by a cigarette. While Shank Hall was immediately rebuilt, the venue underwent another significant remodeling effort in 1999.

Patrons to Shank Hall can reminisce about past shows via the wall of photos capturing bands like Garbage or Alanis Morisette before they became big. National acts like Megadeth, Wilco, The Radiators, Bob Mould and Buckethead have all played Shank Hall, but the main draw to Shank Hall is their tie to local bands. Shank Hall has been referred to as a proving ground for regional acts. Four or five nights a week, folks can enjoy live music at Shank Hall from both local and national touring bands.

Whether it's a local or national band, the sound at Shank Hall is superb. Shank Hall is an acoustically friendly venue. The stage at Shank Hall is 22 feet wide, 15 feet deep and 1.5 feet tall.

Shank Hall's capacity is a mere 300 people. All shows at Shank Hall are for those 21 and older, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. While there is a bar in Shank Hall, the doors are only open the night of a performance. Shank Hall serves only chips and pretzels, but they encourage pizza-ordering or carry-ins (food only). The atmosphere of Shank Hall is that of a nightclub, but with a stage for the performers. Shank Hall has moveable chairs, making it easier for those who want to dance.

Shank Hall offers its own parking lot to concertgoers and once full, street parking is readily available.

Shank Hall
1434 N. Farwell Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202