World Cafe Live

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1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Philadelphia

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on February 14, 2016

   overall2food3service1ambience3

   I have eaten here a few times now and the good is generally OK and the vibe is good. They are friendly and they seem to try to get you seated quickly even if it is busy. But it also seems that they are understaffed across the board - in spite of what appears to be the earnest efforts of servers, the service is very slow and we went very long periods of time with no attention from our servers. Especially right before a big show. We even tried to only order soups and salads last time to ensure our meals didn't get bogged down in the kitchen - still took 40 minutes to come out. And in the meantime the server never managed to make it back to our table to offer a second drink. Final criticism - their draft beer tastes like those lines need cleaning. I recommend you order bottled beers.

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2. R

   Rosie

   Philadelphia

   23 reviews

   4.0

   23 reviews

   Dined on February 9, 2016

   overall4food4service5ambience5

   A great venue! Perfect for a fabulous lovely evening out with your significant other or group of friends

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3. m

   maryspal

   Washington DC

   12 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   12 reviews

   Dined on February 2, 2016

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Took my daughter to see Dylan Leblanc and Brian Dunne at World Cafe Live. We were very pleasantly surprised by the intimacy of the venue, the quality of the food and service, and the chance to see two great singer-songwriters up close and personal. What a great place to hear great music (and I do mean "hear") and get to hear the wonderful stories the artists share. Go.

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4. GS

   GerySasko

   Philadelphia

   60 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   60 reviews

   Dined on January 31, 2016

   overall4food4service4ambience5

   Great live music and good food with pretty good selection. One recommendation would be to change the "two top" tables; they are too rectangular and quite long. It's hard to talk or be even a little close to your date when they're seat is almost 4 ft. from you. And, because of the tight paths between tables it's virtually impossible to move your seat to side or closer as then you're in the way of the wait staff.

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5. NJ

   NJgirlonthego

   Philadelphia

   6 reviews

   3.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on January 18, 2016

   overall3food2service2ambience4

   The food isn't that terrific hear but listening to the band while eating was fun. It seemed that the servers were spread to thin. Try a salad, they looked pretty good. I had a grill chicken on Naan, it was boring and the eggplant fries weren't that good. My husband the roast pork sandwich and the pork was very good but he ordered eggplant fries and he got regular fries instead which were very good.

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6. K

   Kass

   Philadelphia

   3 reviews

   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on January 18, 2016

   overall4food5service3ambience4

   Dinner was delicious and staff was friendly. But a little too laid back. More dining staff or service training is needed. All over a great dinner and the best show for the price

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7. T

   Thomas

   Philadelphia

   3 reviews

   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on January 18, 2016

   overall4food4service3ambience3

   Dined upstairs before a concert downstairs. Adequate food and service. Open mic Jaz during dinner.

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8. AW

   AnnW

   Philadelphia

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 17, 2016

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   Overall, the venue was great! However, the talent night that was going on disrupted our conversations. The music was entirely too loud. Our server did a awesome job for a large party.

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9. BE

   BobE

   Philadelphia

   3 reviews

   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on January 15, 2016

   overall3food3service3ambience4

   The salad with the burger is good if you're looking to eat a burger with less guilt. The burgers were actually good.

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10. PC

    PamColesBirthdayDiner2016

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 4, 2016

    overall5food4service4ambience4

    I reserved tables for my wife's birthday. The wait staff was excellent and the food was great. We enjoyed Philly Rising and had a good time. The upstairs room was large enough to contain our twenty plus people and small enough to offer a casual atmosphere.

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11. K

    Katsons

    Philadelphia

    27 reviews

    1.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2015

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    The service at this location was plain aweful. Not at all curtious. Very slow. Food was not prepared well. No one seemed to know what they were doing as their primary job position. Felt like no one cared to uphold good quality care of service for customers wanting to enjoy food.

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12. M

    Mobilestills

    Tulsa

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2015

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    Loved the show upstairs. We had a table but not ideal, but we asked the server if we could move to the back. She said "no problem". We had the best spot in the house to enjoy the show! World Cafe Live is World Class.

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13. BC

    BlakeC

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2015

    overall4food4service3ambience3

    The menu is limited, but the offerings are excellent. Fortunately I've started eating meat again, because (quite surprisingly) there are no vegetarian entrees.

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14. J

    Jayjay

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 10, 2015

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    We are fans of the artist that performed that night & it was our 1st chance to see him perform live. That part was excellent! The food was very tasty but very overpriced! We ordered from the "specials" menu. We thought we were getting a combo platter of different seafoods, including a bowl of Ne clam chowder for $17. What we got was a bowl of clam chowder that had pieces of what had been listed as "jumbo shrimp, sea bass, etc" . It was delicious, but we had to order sandwiches after eating it in order to feel satisfied. Had a better dining experience at the World Cafe Live at the Queen, in Delaware.

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15. S

    Sasha

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 8, 2015

    overall2food3service1ambience3

    First time here, to see a band I like. Made a reservation for dinner, got in, got seated... and it took upwards of twenty minutes for my server to show up and take my order, then another ten-fifteen for someone to bring my drink over (the bartender, not my server). I'd been seated for an hour before I finally got my food, and that was just one simple order for one person. My server came by once after that, to ask how things were going, without actually stopping for a response. Other tables got frequent drink refills, other tables had water glasses, but I got nothing. She finally came back over, at the end of the show, to drop off my check, but she didn't bother to come pick it up. The show had ended, people were clearing out, and I finally gave up and went up to the bar to try to pay... and there was my server, who offered to cash me out. I regret leaving a tip. Try the Tin Angel instead, or get dinner somewhere else before the show.

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16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    29 reviews

    4.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on December 5, 2015

    overall4food4service3ambience3

    We ate at the restaurant prior to a show. Food was good, especially the eggplant fries! All staff very friendly and helpful, although we waited forever for our bill. Sound system for the singer was a bit loud!

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17. JA

    JAF62

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2015

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    I am a huge Buffalo chicken fan and yet I have trouble ordering wings all of the time given their relatively low health benefit :). So I ordered a greek salad with seitan (veggie) and to my pleasant surprise the seitan was prepared with buffalo sauce and was crispy and delicious. The meal was very low cost, service was great and I would recommend this restaurant to almost every demographic.

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18. E

    Emkay

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2015

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    We went here to see a show and had a light dinner before. I loved the ahi tacos. Beware the chairs. I crushed my finger between the seat and frame pulling my chair in. The seat was not properly attached to the frame. Spoiled my evening and they only offered band aids.

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19. PP

    PistolPete

    Philadelphia

    30 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2015

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Had the salmon and it was perfectly cooked. It is certainly a step over bar food and well made. Someone knows what they are doing in the kitchen.

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20. C

    Colleen

    Philadelphia

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We arrived early for a downstairs concert and had time for dinner. How lucky for us. This was not our first time here, won't be our last.

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21. J

    Jodisim

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 10, 2015

    overall3food4service5ambience4

    My husband and I went for my birthday to hear Mecca 22 and Hammer down. The food was really great and the bands were great as well. They did not have strawberry syrup for the drink special but tried to accommodate me as best they could. Our waitress was tremendous.

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22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2015

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    The burger was PERFECT! I got mine with sweet potato fries. We also got a bottle of Riesling...delicious. I wasn't loving the chocolate cake, though. It tasted like it was cooked in a microwave. I was there for a performance and the sound was top notch! I appreciated how easy it was for the band to talk to the sound guy (Bob?) and adjust the settings.

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23. LL

    LoveLiveMusic

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2015

    overall3food3service3ambience5

    Danielle Nicole was outstanding, and the opening act of Liz VIce was very good. Good sound, nice ambiance.

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24. EG

    ElGreco

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2015

    overall4food3service4ambience4

    Place is a great venue for drinks and live music. As an ex restaurant owner I know that the food could easily be improved to make a good impression. Right now half the menu is mediocre and the other half is solid. Actually if the appetizers were brought up a notch by changing and adding one or two new ones that could do it. The entire experience is great so I will be going again and again.

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25. C

    Cantwell1

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2015

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    I love World Cafe Live in Philly. I always have a great time at their shows and in their restaurant. Even though the menu was missing two items I wanted, they were hospitable and took care of me. I am newly a vegetarian so the fact that they have veggie choices is so great. Try the Veggie Wings, they're tasty!

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26. F

    Firsttimers

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2015

    overall5food4service3ambience4

    We have never been to this World Cafe. We have been to the one in Wilmington. We came especially to see the Danielle Nicole Band and we enjoyed the meal, the atmosphere and the band!!! Service was a little slow, but we made due.

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27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    23 reviews

    3.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on October 3, 2015

    overall3food3service4ambience5

    Food wasn't great, but the service was excellent. The real reason to go is for the show, which was a lot of fun. Fine place to come for live music. Skip at non-show times.

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28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 3, 2015

    overall4food3service5ambience4

    I went for the rock lottery, interesting concept and very entertaining.

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29. BI

    BIGMummyFan

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2015

    overall5food5service3ambience4

    My friends and I made reservations for a quick dinner before a show in the lower level. Among the three of us, we chose the Pork Shoulder sandwich, Grilled Chicken Pita and the Angus Burger. We complemented the main dishes with eggplant and sweet potato fries. Everything was very tasty. The only complaint is with a slow waiter. Granted he was the only person handling the tables. But the dining room was only half full. All in all, it was still a nice experience. And the show was exceptional.

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30. M

    Matt

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 6, 2015

    overall3food5service1ambience5

    The upstairs is a nice intimate venue to enjoy music, but since it's also a restaurant you feel obligated to not only pay for the ticket but also order food or drinks. If, like my (pregnant) wife and I experienced recently, you plan on eating food at a show and don't order alcohol, you might end up being ignored by your server. I love all that WXPN has done to promote music in Philadelphia, but as a music lover I also like to save my money to pay for tickets and records and don't appreciate being mistreated by a server for not spending more money in the restaurant.

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31. M

    Mugsy

    Philadelphia

    17 reviews

    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2015

    overall3food2service4ambience4

    Really enjoyed the intimate atmosphere of the Upstairs music venue. Great way to hear music, up close and personal. The food...well, its ok. Nothing spectacular, but decent. Was impressed with the service. One waitress handled the room excellently.

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32. l

    luv2eat

    Philadelphia

    19 reviews

    2.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2015

    overall2food2service4ambience3

    My friend and I had lunch after the Friday Free At Noon downstairs at WXPN. The place was surprisingly empty...after hundreds of people were just at a concert downstairs? First, I'm sure David Falcone (who provides guitar music at this hours) is a local favorite but the music IS JUST TOO LOUD!!! It's lunch...NOT a concert! Turn the volume down...PLEASE! My dining companions and I could barely carry on a conversation. My summer salad had a dressing so hot with cayenne it was like lying on a hot beach. Hmmm. Not quite what I expected for a "summer salad." The sweet potato fries were fine. My dining companion enjoyed her burger although it was quite rare. Having food served right from the kitchen by kitchen staff is a plus but not enough to make up for an overall "blah" experience.

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33. PP

    PaPatti

    Philadelphia

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2015

    overall4food3service3ambience5

    ...but the food is pretty good, too. Vegeterian and vegan options make it a great meeting place for everyone.

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34. H

    Hawwison

    Philadelphia

    167 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    167 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We liked the food, and we liked the setting, with one exception: the live music, while entertaining, was way too loud.

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35. c

    carolngeorge

    Philadelphia

    130 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    130 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2015

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    We were sorry that happy hour prices end at 6pm, just as the lecture began, and we'd not yet ordered. Too bad, so we spent more and got less. For us and our age group, music is not the attraction at WCL.

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36. J

    Joie

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 15, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great venue for band music, food was delicious and different. The grilled chicken on naan bread with sweet potatoe fries was my favorite. Good selection of craftbeer on tap as well. The dining area was quite spacey. You can enjoy your meal while listening to great tunes!

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37. UB

    UncleBob

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2015

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Great location to view both local and national talent. The shows were fantastic, the seating is very intimite. Food was good

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38. C

    Chapinfo1

    Philadelphia

    41 reviews

    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2015

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    World Café Live is a unique experience, whether attending a downstairs concert , or dining and listening to (sometimes comedy) in a more intimate setting. The food is very good and the prices fair. I have been there several times and expect to return again. I highly recommend it for a night out with friends or your significant other - and even of going solo.

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39. DT

    DoTheMath

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2015

    overall4food2service4ambience5

    If you are going to WCL upstairs to hear music (and you should) then definitely reserve a table, it makes the evening much more fun. Otherwise you stand a lot because the bar fills up. The food is not special but is reasonably priced. I had the pork sandwich and it was quite good but served on a regular store bought hamburger bun. The eggplant fries are very good. Beer selection is not vast but I had a nice Harpoon IPA on tap.

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40. GD

    GourmandDoc

    Philadelphia

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2015

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    This is a great place to hear live music, have a few drinks and some good bar food. They don't rush you and the service is fine. Nice way to spend an evening with friends. I like the upstairs as there is more room to spread out. Parking is free on Walnut St after 8PM. Fun place!

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