World Cafe Live

I've seen four shows here, two Upstairs and two Downstairs. This is the best, cleanest music venue in Philly. The sound is great and its small and intimate. I've had the chance to meet some of my favorite musicians here. The only downside is some of the changes they've made. You have to purchase drinks/food to have a place to sit/table. I don't think I should HAVE to buy a meal at a venue in order to have a place to sit. The downstairs if you don't get a reserved seat you stand in the front by the stage, which was great, but still. I don't have any problem with ticket prices here... shows are usually like 10-30 dollars from what I've seen. Much cheaper than a bigger venue. Just don't buy it the day of show, which goes for anywhere... its always more expensive anywhere day of show. Pros: great music, small venue Cons: food more

The service was overall a pretty creepy experience . The pushing of alcoholic drinks by the wait staff is pathetic and annoying. I witnessed a patron removed from her seat because it was supposedly reserved. Too bad the bands do not have a better venue to play. more

WCL is a terrific venue, with the upstairs more intimate, and the downstairs venue much larger and more suited to a big dance party. I have seen several bands and always had a great time. The talent they attract is first rate, and most of the acts would play nowhere else in Philly. That said, their ticketing rules are very onerous, especially the one stipulating that you must pay a $5 per ticket charge when paying in CASH at the box office, and unlike the other postings I bought the tickets 7 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF THE SHOW! It's like they say to themselves ""ticketmaster is a bunch of jerks, so we might as well be too."" Pros: sound, venue Cons: service is very lacking more

I love the World Cafe Live. it's true that the food isn't amazing but that's not what I go for. The music is great and there is a huge variety. If you're looking for a fun place to here all kinds of music, come to the World Cafe! more

The downstairs venue is the best venue in town, by a longshot in my opinion. That said, the food is quite possibly the worst. I have eaten here many many times, sampling almost the entire menu in search of something good. I haven't found that yet!! So last week I vowed never to eat here again. Sure, I'll still attend the concerts, and I'll still take part in the Happy Hour drink specials, etc. but you'll never find me eating here again! Pros: Great music venue, both upstairs and downstairs Cons: Food, Service, and convenience charges! more

The Friday Happy Hour here is a safe choice. The DJ spins a great mix of music - I think I heard everything from classic funk to rock, and old school hip - hop. The free appetizers during happy hour didn't hurt either. And if you're a beer drinker, you can't beat the $2 brews. more

Food is terrible and overpriced. Nachos are just a small portion and made with Cheez Wiz, not cheese (I know, it's Philly, but I was really expecting more!) and a few peppers sprinkled on top. not much better than what you may get at a local convenience store. French onion soup came out just warm and incredibly salty - I could not finish the bowl. I think my blxxd pressure went up about 20 points just from that one soup. (Sorry, Citysearch will not let me actually write that word) more

I've been at the World Live Cafe to see a couple of events. The first time I was there, I saw a show upstairs. You have to pay a ridiculous ticket ""purchase fee"" if you don't buy the ticket at the door at least 24 hours before the concert, which I did in this case because I drove to the World Live Cafe the day before. Anyway, after you've paid the ticket, you are only going to get a table to see the concert closely if besides the cost of the ticket you ALSO have dinner there. Why do I need to eat? Why do I need to pay extra for a dinner to get a good view? I already pay enough and I want to sit comfortably during this concert! You take it or leave it, or sit at the bar... The second time I was there, I went to see a couple local bands downstairs (which is a much better venue). The ticket was $8, but I had to pay an extra $4 fee because I bought the tickets at the door the day of the concert. Yes, I complained to the box office manager... and he said, well, you take it or leave it... we have the cheapest fee in town! I felt insulted because I've seen many local bands many times around town and never had to pay an extra fee in the clubs I go to when you buy the ticket at the door. It's really scary how people are getting used to pay these stupid fees without a complaint. I paid the 50% of the value of this ticket to see this show, meaning I paid $12 and the band is not going to see most of this money... what's going on with this world... by the way, this show was advertised for $6 day before the show, and $8 at the door the same day of the show. more