Opened in 2004, World Cafe Live was designed to change the landscape for artists and audiences of all ages and become a new model of what an independent music venue in Philadelphia can and should be-a welcoming space for the community with exceptional hospitality. We began with a vision that our house of music should be a place that attracts and inspires musicians.
As a dedicated concert-goer, our founder Hal Real had become increasingly disenchanted over the years with the smoky rooms, tinny acoustics, and inadequate seating that had become the standard live music experience. At the same time, WXPN, the radio station owned and operated by the University of Pennsylvania and known for its nationally syndicated program World Cafe, had outgrown its studios and was seeking a new home.
As a dedicated concert-goer, our founder Hal Real had become increasingly disenchanted over the years with the smoky rooms, tinny acoustics, and inadequate seating that had become the standard live music experience. At the same time, WXPN, the radio station owned and operated by the University of Pennsylvania and known for its nationally syndicated program World Cafe, had outgrown its studios and was seeking a new home.
Services
World Cafe Live is an independent music venue where artistry and social impact meet. As our world rebuilds, we know that music will play a vital role in the way our community comes together to heal. Help us sustain a vibrant ecosystem of live music, virtual events, and education in Philadelphia. Our free music education and community programs promote creativity, collaboration, and learning.
Whether you're attending a concert, Bridge Session, special event, just stopping by to grab tickets or a bite-here's all the information you'll need to plan your visit. The Lounge at World Cafe Live is our intimate venue located on the upper level that doubles as a full-service restaurant. This unique space, which hosts up to 220 guests, is ideal for watching your favorite emerging artists up close and personal.
A neighborhood staple for over sixteen years, The Lounge at World Cafe Live welcomes diners and concertgoers alike with a seasonally rotating menu by Executive Chef Rob Cottman. Whether you crave a tasty snack or a three course meal, our menu offers everything from creative appetizers to hearty salads to Southern-inspired entrees.
For your special event, you want a space as unique as you. World Cafe Live is a one-stop shop for events of all types. With three floors and two separate spaces, we can accommodate events ranging from 50 to 800 guests. Our dedicated events team will help you create the event of your dreams down to the smallest details.
From open mic nights to sold out shows, from Bridge Sessions to beer fests, from workshops to weddings, we've connected with millions of guests since opening in 2004. We recognize the value of shared experiences, the importance of belonging. As an independent venue, World Cafe Live is devoted to the city of Philadelphia and its deep cultural roots.
Reviews (20)
Dawn Andrews
Jan 09, 2022
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Nelly Montana
Dec 26, 2021
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Dinner and a show is how I would love to spend most of my evenings. So when I was invited to check out world cafe live which features that I was hype! I was excited to see so many options on the menu. We started the experience with this amazing mezcal tequila cocktail as the singer warmed up. The waitress was very attentive and got our cocktails out very fast. We ordered a couple things off the menu, all of which was amazing! Absolutely love what the chef has put together. The catfish and grits were just like what you’d expect from NOLA, very flavorful. The shrimp was cooked nicely. The three
Matt Smedley
Dec 16, 2021
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Robert Henick
Dec 11, 2021
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Bill B.
Dec 01, 2021
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Bob Ahern
Nov 30, 2021
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Paul Feldman
Oct 19, 2021
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Even with having to be masked, World Cafe Live still brings premiere entertainment to the greater Philly area. The service at the bar was extremely professional and personable. I thought they were not serving snacks, but here they had three pretzels to spare. Who knew? There was plenty of water to go around, and the other drink I had hit the spot. But Christian McBride-wooo that’s a review all and onto itself, but perhaps I should make a separate index for describing that special mind trip. Either way, it’s great to have you back World Cafe Live. It’s great to have you back ðŸ‘ðŸ»ðŸ‘ðŸ
Joe Snyder
Oct 18, 2021
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Wonderer B.
Oct 18, 2021
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James Parker
Oct 15, 2021
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Ms. H.
Oct 03, 2021
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WCL is a great venue for live music. It's a seated and standing room venue with a smaller lounge upstairs where they sometimes have free shows and events, and a larger music hall downstairs with ticketed events. Check their website for show listings. I recently saw Maggie Rose in concert at the music hall and it's an intimate venue with good sight lines everywhere and good acoustics. Ticket prices are reasonable. Please note that as of 9/29/21, WCL is not selling food during shows, so plan to eat before or after the show. They are selling drinks however. One of the best music venues in
Christian B.
Feb 17, 2020
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Took my sister and step dad here to see Echosmith. I had no idea what to expect but was pleasantly surprised by the venue. It's a small, intimate establishment with easy to access street parking. Perfect considering how cold it is outside.
Once inside and down a few flights of stairs is the main venue area. Complete with a bar and convenient seating, it's a great place to see your favorite bands in a comfortable setting that really ensures you're close to the action anywhere in the room.
Food selection is good and prices are reasonable. I'd gladly come back to see another
Once inside and down a few flights of stairs is the main venue area. Complete with a bar and convenient seating, it's a great place to see your favorite bands in a comfortable setting that really ensures you're close to the action anywhere in the room.
Food selection is good and prices are reasonable. I'd gladly come back to see another
Susie Q.
Jan 05, 2020
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I'll give the band 5 stars. Went to the Bowie tribute. All good. My advice to you is, don't go hungry. My 3rd time there. I witnessed people waste chicken. Last trip, couldn't even get decent french fries. They were fried 2x's and came to the table cold. My friend ordered a cocktail. It was overwhelmingly ginger...$11.00. So, save your $$.
Eat before you go.
Eat before you go.
Justin Y.
Jul 02, 2019
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Notes: This review is only for the upstairs space only and it's worth noting that I'm not much of a local venue show person, so proceed with caution.
World Cafe Live offers an intriguing Happy Hour in an odd location (31st and Walnut) for those looking to grab a bite before a show or even on their commute home. However, I was surprised by the food, the (somewhat local*) beer and the experience. I don't think I'll seek out a return, but I wouldn't rule it out either.
My experience was meeting an old (and older) co-worker and his wife for a show. Specifically because
World Cafe Live offers an intriguing Happy Hour in an odd location (31st and Walnut) for those looking to grab a bite before a show or even on their commute home. However, I was surprised by the food, the (somewhat local*) beer and the experience. I don't think I'll seek out a return, but I wouldn't rule it out either.
My experience was meeting an old (and older) co-worker and his wife for a show. Specifically because
Shane J.
Jan 14, 2019
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Kris K.
Jan 09, 2019
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Went to a show here with my in-laws on a week night expecting to have a meh time and we all had a blast! The band itself was great, but I also appreciated the lighting and atmospherics in the venue that really enhanced the show. We had seats in the front row so we were very close to the band. The venue is intimate and when the show was winding down, the lead singer jumped off the stage and into the crowd and greeted nearly every person individually. The food was good and service was fast. Will definitely come back in the future for more shows!
Tanya M.
Nov 18, 2018
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So I've only been there once before and for a wedding, so when I got a ticket to see a band and was very surprised when you could have dinner and watch the band. So I ordered a steak ( which was amazon) see pic. We were having some beers. The problem was our server. She was actually training a girl ( who was spot on). We couldn't get drink refills. Two times I got up to find the waitress. Two times I went to the bar and bought beers. It was ridiculous. So if I had good service. It would have been a 5 star. But for a $100 food and drink bill ( after getting a couple rounds from the bar
Anna D.
Sep 16, 2018
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One of Philly's smaller concert venues. There's the smaller upstairs stage and then downstairs stage for bigger crowds. Will call for picking up your tickets is super easy and quick.
I love that the place is CLEAN. Maybe I'm getting old, BUT sticky floors and leftover weed smell at venue just isn't my jam (hah...). Staff is super friendly and helpful, bartenders are friendly and they host great artists. Definitely a good place to catch a gig!
I love that the place is CLEAN. Maybe I'm getting old, BUT sticky floors and leftover weed smell at venue just isn't my jam (hah...). Staff is super friendly and helpful, bartenders are friendly and they host great artists. Definitely a good place to catch a gig!
Nicole F.
Nov 12, 2017
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Not a pleasant experience.
I went for a show in the Downstairs Live "Cafe."
Bar reeked of vomit, and it wasn't even 8:30pm, at the beginning of a show. Another patron remarked on the smell, unprompted.
There was an advertised food menu that seemed very appetizing and catered to vegetarians, vegans; and gluten-free people, but when I tried to order I was informed the kitchen closed at 9:15pm (no where was this posted). It was only 9:01pm when I tried to order. Unacceptable. Also, what kitchen closes at 9:15pm on a Saturday night with two live concerts happening?
Bar staff was
I went for a show in the Downstairs Live "Cafe."
Bar reeked of vomit, and it wasn't even 8:30pm, at the beginning of a show. Another patron remarked on the smell, unprompted.
There was an advertised food menu that seemed very appetizing and catered to vegetarians, vegans; and gluten-free people, but when I tried to order I was informed the kitchen closed at 9:15pm (no where was this posted). It was only 9:01pm when I tried to order. Unacceptable. Also, what kitchen closes at 9:15pm on a Saturday night with two live concerts happening?
Bar staff was
Sari Marissa G.
Aug 27, 2017
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World Cafe Live is an awesome music venue located in University City. The sound quality is excellent and the artists who play here are all unique. Because of their partnership with the radio station WXPN, the musical acts are held to a certain caliber and perhaps not as well known to the masses.
All shows are general admission and buying tickets in person will save you in fees although their tickets seem to be fairly reasonably priced, comparatively speaking. If you're an XPN member for around $4-$6 a month you'll save even more on tickets!
I've attended many shows here upstairs
All shows are general admission and buying tickets in person will save you in fees although their tickets seem to be fairly reasonably priced, comparatively speaking. If you're an XPN member for around $4-$6 a month you'll save even more on tickets!
I've attended many shows here upstairs
