12/23/08

Weak and annoying service

by nadinearsell

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.

05/29/08

Great venue, bad staff

by rileypw

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."

Also, and this is big, I have yet to meet a courteous or friendly bartender or wait person. The last time I was there with my wife, in the balcony above the downstairs venue, and we were told we had to spend $10 per person at those seats. fine, I understand the rule. I wasn't able to do this, however, because we saw our waiter exactly once! I had to go down to the bar twice to get my own drinks. When the show was over, and I asked at the bar for my check for the balcony, the waiter was very rude and questioned why I went to the bar. I just said that I didn't see him, and that I wanted better service. I did however tip about %15, call me a nice guy. Every single person I've talked to about the WCL has repeated the same experience, that all the wait staff there are totally rude and unprofessional. I give 2 stars ONLY because the sound is great and the acts incredible. I've never tried the food, only because others I spoke with said it was terrible. The service and the food definitely should be improved there.

• Pros: sound, venue
• Cons: service is very lacking

08/30/07

Great Music!

by cll8

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!