Tips for Music Center at Strathmore
355 Music Center at Strathmore Tips
- Casual 1
- Formal 1
- Parking is free 3
- Take public transit 1
- Park in lot 1
- Dine before you go 2
Park on the lowest level of the Metro parking garage to avoid the traffic jam from cars coming down from higher levels.
The food in the cafeteria is mediocre, and the selection is poor. It's good that they added more seating, but the menu hasn't improved. You'll have a better experience if you eat elsewhere.
We enjoyed having a pre-show dinner at the Seasons 52 nearby. The food and service were great and we really enjoyed our dining experience.
The weather was Rainy. I wore Dressy top and jeans. Dress up more if possible (as it is a gala), but come prepared with spare shoes and a jacket for any inclement weather. .
Parking is in the adjacent Metro lot. It did take a long time to exit at the end of the performance. Despite the signs about parking charges, we were all let out without paying.
The parking garage at Strathmore is undergoing repairs so parts of the garage are closed. Get there early to avoid the traffic in the garage since cars were exiting while others were entering.
Easy to find and very close to the beltway.
Ample parking. Lot is shared with Metro's Red Line. Covered walkway on 4th level takes you to the theater. I suggest parking on 2nd. or 3rd. level & use the elevator. The lower the floor, the shorter the exit time.
Parking is NOT free for shows at the Levine School of Music, but is free for the Strathmore. Confusing and disappointing.
Leave home early, even if you live close. At this time of year and time of evening, Rockville Pike and other roads are usually bumper-to-bumper, plus the line to get into the parking lot (from Rockville Pike onto Tuckerman Lane, (vs. where you enter for the Mansion, despite the posted road sign), is one lane, also bumper to bumper. Parking is free but another challenge still lies ahead with long waits for elevators in the parking garage, transversing the long, elevated corrider between the parking lot and the venue, and additional elevators with long lines inside the venue, which take you to the level of your assigned seats (there is an elevator operator checking tickets and telling individuals if they're on the correct elevator, etc.). If you're not familiar with this whole scenario, best to leave a trail of breadcrumbs from your parking space to your seat, assuming there are no birds in sight. : \
There's a cafe right in the music center. They also serve wine and beer. A bit pricey but the food is good and it's very convenient to be able to eat right there and then attend desired performance.
Take your time leaving, after the performance. You'll have less of a (long) wait to get out of the parking garage.
Metro is easy to use to get there, although there aren't a lot of signs.
Nice cafeteria in the theater open before the show.
The weather was mild.. I wore sport coat & turtleneck..
food service better than most, well priced.
easy walk from the Grosvenor Metro stop, path well marked. Couldn't be easier.
The Strathmore cafe has a good choice of entrees, sides, desserts and drinks. The line usually opens at 6:00 but may open earlier if there is a pre-concert lecture (but not before 5:30). Call ahead to check on when the line will be opening for a particular evening.
Casual dress