After hanging at the Chop Shop last week during the Passport To NoDa food truck rally, I can absolutely echo Shauna's review.
While I wasn't able to take in a show, the space itself is expansive with plenty room to walk about, play some foosball/pool, grab a beer and enjoy the patio. The staff is friendly and Trish, the bartender du jour of my visit, was super sweet and quick to put together drinks. And yes, the drink specials are just as affordable as the tickets to the shows, so you can certainly make a great night out of it.
I'm looking forward to heading back out to Chop Shop to catch a show....they book a wide variety of groups from techno to metal to country. If you check out their calendar, you'll likely find something up your alley.