World Cafe Live

One of the best places to see a live show in Philadelphia is World Cafe Live. Located at 3025 Walnut Street, it is the closest venue to students in University City.  The story of how World Cafe Live got started is an interesting one.  Hal Real, a long time live music enthusiast and entrepreneur, heard a radio show called “World Cafe” on a public radio station being run out of the University of Pennsylvania called WXPN.  He listened and appreciated the style of the show and it inspired him to form a company called Real Entertainment Group for the purpose of "radically change(ing) the landscape for contemporary music audiences and artists."  The companies first act was to partner with the radio station and open World Cafe Live.  Since 2004 the multi-floor building has been the home to World Cafe Live and WXPN Radio Station.  Since then they have opened a second World Cafe Live in Wilmington, Delaware.  Hal is dedicated to spreading the musical philosophy and spirit of the venue, which is to bring new music to people and bring new people to music. 

There are two floors in World Cafe Live, the upstairs and the downstairs.  Upstairs is a restaurant that is on Open Table that includes a smaller stage that provides a more intimate setting for performers.  The lesser known acts usually play on this stage.  There are several tables on this level, many of which are raised a little bit to provide better views of the stage. Downstairs is the main stage area where more well-known acts perform.  This area fits about 300 people and boasts a full bar and balcony that has another bar and a more private bathroom.  Depending on the show, the seating may be all standing room only, there could be a bunch of tables set up in front of the stage, or there could be a little bit of both.  If there are tables, they allow you to order food as if you were at the restaurant upstairs.  No matter where you end up sitting, you can be sure that you will have a great view of the stage and that the acoustics and sound quality will be great.  The food they serve is not anything too special, but it is what I would call solid bar food.  Try the eggplant fries, they are addicting! They also have a great craft-heavy selection of beer, which is always a plus if you enjoy beer like I do. 

The types of acts they have here are all different genres, and they even have poetry slams, open mic nights, and things of that nature.  They have something going on every night of the week, so if you ever find yourself a little bored, check out what is going on here.  Even if you do not know the band that is playing, World Cafe Live provides a great live music experience that you are sure to enjoy.  If you want to attend a show here, I would suggest buying your tickets in advance because they often sell out.  You can buy tickets directly from their website.  They have some of the most affordable ticket prices of any of the venues in Philly, with most of their shows ranging between $5-$15.  If you are interested in seeing an upcoming show, you can see all of the shows they have booked for the next month by clicking here.  This week they have artists such as Fireside Collective, Whitney Rose, The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow, Loose and Alright, The Striptease Orchestra, and Blind Boys of Alabama.  Once you see a show here, you will almost definitely end up going back!