I LOVED it! The new Crocodile is gorgeous and fun and though it's completely different, feels somehow just like the old Croc. The alcohol ran out early, thinning the crowd enough to provide ample space to comfortably explore. The mezzanine is a great space with lots of posters, a skylight and its own bar. On the main floor 'the pillar' is wonderfully positioned, the new layout is just perfect and the restrooms... did you see the restrooms??? Oh! The music was great too, though for me was overshadowed by the wonderfulness of just being back at a show at the Croc. My favorite set was from Hypatia Lake, who sounded amazing and played to a (very) sparse audience.

It was such a fun night - surrounded by friends and fellow Imaginarians in a new/old space I’ve always loved. So many great shows are already booked – including the Top of the Croc TIG show April 4. See you there!

It's was great. The sound is better, the lights are better, the pillar is better, the restrooms are better, and better-est of all, it's actually laid out in a way that makes sense, and that automatically focuses you on the music. I do sorta miss the armpit feel of the back bar, but I can always go to El Corazon or the Funhouse for that. The booze issue was a drag, but we'll just chock that up to opening night jitters.

One thing that did concern me, when I was standing next to the sound booth, I felt water repeatedly hit me on the back of the neck (at least I hope it was water!!). At first, I thought it was this drunken fool behind me Eff'n with me, but no, when I looked down I noticed there was a row of tiny puddles across the floor. They extended out from the edge of the sound booth about twenty feet, in a line running parallel to the bar. They seemed to be from a pipe directly above. I'm a nobody, and don't know any of the powers that be, but maybe somebody who does should let someone else know. Probably nothing, and either way, Hooray for new Croc day!

Just for the record, the old iron pole from the center of the room is still there, it still has a loadbearing job, but has been moved out of the way just in front of stage right, that's left of the stage for y'all.

I almost wish they'd renamed it something else entirely. It's not the croc anymore, but it's a space with a lot of promise in its own right. I actually never felt at all that I was in the same club I'd been in hundreds of times before.

The sound is much louder, but still not overpowering (though I wear earplugs) & all the instruments came through clearly. Even though Jim & his custom system are ensconced at Chop Suey, it was cool to see him working at The Crocodile again. I noticed one main disadvantage with the new layout is that I had to yell my choice of beer at the bartender three times before she understood. Having the bar directly opposite the PA doesn't bode well for future transactions. Poor UI design ;)

I like the lighting system, the larger stage, and the larger floorspace to see a show. Because it wasn't available, it will be interesting to see if the back bar/restaurant is still a good place to avoid a horrid opening band or just get a drink on quiet nights. I'm a little hesitant to believe that the club will be able to maintain the previous intimacy it had when only 20 people are watching a show. The emptiness will be very apparent.

The sound on stage was spectacular when we played and the other bands, Brothers of the Sonic Cloth and Akimbo sounded huge in that room. I just wish I could have gotten a slice of Via Tribunali pizza.