I really have a love/hate relationship with the HOB. This used to be THE spot for shows. It is small, intimate and has a great vibe. Since The Joint expanded, I am no longer a fan of HOB. The Joint is still small enough and is never quite as crowded as this place gets.
I mean, they really JAM the people in. Maybe because I am getting old, but I am just not down with fighting for space with a bazillion other people.
The last show I saw here was Social Distortion, and we ended up leaving early - crazy! It was way too packed, it took forever to get in, and I didn't want to pay $10 for a PBR tall boy. I HATE PBR. I drank about 1/2 my beer and it made my tummy hurt (yes, I am a beer snob), and I just couldn't stand there with the guy next to me elbowing me all night.
Overall, shows are a decent price. The location is cool - inside Mandalay Bay and near most of the bars/restaurants of Mandalay Place.