Was at Grizzly Bear last night at the Black Cat (Frickin' great show by the way) -- I arrived mid-way through the first opening act, standing near the soundboard. When they finished, about 50-75 patrons left the room to go smoke. After the second, another 25-50 people left to smoke. By the time Grizzly Bear made the stage, we were five rows from the stage, dead center.
I normally don't emphasize being near the stage at a show, but since sound/sightlines/chatty audience are such a question mark at the cat, I like being closer.