This bar has more security guards than bartenders, first time in my life that I've seen that. This is especially true when the bartenders simply all disappear for 15 minutes, leaving the entire first-floor bar unstaffed and unwatched (except maybe by one of the ubiquitous security guards). The security guards do a full search and wanding, photograph the front and back of your driver's license, and have you sign a liability waiver form just to get in the door. I guess they are scared of having someone frivolously sue them to try to get at the large profits they make on overpriced drinks and food. (They certainly have enough security guards to prevent any Pulse Nightclub-like shootings.)
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 2
Alexis Drake
Bit off.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Monica Gough
My experience with Level Up was a Level Down. The bar tenders were friendly and helpful but the food service was horrible. My partner and I arrived to order food and drinks, but to no avail the person responsible for the kitchen hadn't arrived. The bar tender suggested we wait until that person arrived, so we did. As soon as we knew the person arrived we placed order for chicken wings and crabfries. Mind you there was four people other than us in the bar other than the staff around 7p. We noticed after a couple of drinks other people started showing up and they received there food quickly. We received our food after speaking with a staff member from behind the bar they had no knowledge of our food even though we paid in advance. The food was served to us after 2 hours later only to be discussing. The bartender with the rainbow underwear did offer us a shot of cognac apologizing for what took place. The DJ was the best experience overall great music choice. The host Lasha was a good host but it's clear the games were set up and they had there favorites playing never giving anyone a real opportunity for fair play. Overall I would never recommend anyone to visit this place.
Jillian LaCroix
‘‘Twas an amazing experience with many lovely people
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Philly_mil
Good vibes with all types of people. Stumbled upon this spot walking around in the city and it was a little different than the usual spots I go to but the vibes were great and the crowd was vibing on karaoke night. Little expensive on the beers but it’s in the city so was expecting that and the hookah was probably one of the best in the city, done super well.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Nunya Bizniz
Why do gay establishments always charge so much for drinks, 4 drinks almost 80 dollars. If I was in a straight bar they would have less than 40 dollars for the same drinks.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 4
Budda Lauren
The ownlee black owned bar/club in Philly which is very gr8 my prob is they have too many drag shows there for my taste but they do have other entertainment as well so if ur looking for a gay oriented atmosphere to eat drink & chill this is def the place to go & they have Bingo games on wednesday nites @ 7pm which is hosted by my awesome grandmother Andrea Lamour btw its not a very big place so go early to grab a table or standing spot lolz
A place where you can have fun and be safe. Welcoming to every Race, Culture, or Creed. Food is great , and the music is hottttt.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wings and Fries, Crab Fries with Cheese
Andrea Aldridge-Edmonds
My 1st Margarita March and this spot definitely understood the assignment
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
DeAnn Cox (DJ Foxee Coxxy)
Before I start, I always state that I write Google reviews for exceptionally great or horrible experiences. Level Up Philly has consistently provided unprofessional and daunting experiences during its weekend hours.Let me give you the setting: This lounge is approximately 750 square feet, the same size as many apartments in the area.There is an upstairs area, which they call the second bar. There is not a bar up there. Their wait staff stand behind one of the lounge chair tables, taking orders. Gawd knows where they get the drinks from. They encourage folks to go upstairs to the other "bar." It would be okay, but you will feel secluded because everyone is downstairs dancing.There is no dance fall. There is a walkway where people stand, talk, and go to the bathroom, which is OK. It would be nice to have another designated area for dancing.PRICE: Their cover charges vary from $25-35. Their coverage charge is WAY too high to be in someone's "apartment." I do not mind paying up to $50-60 for a quality disco. Their cover charge should be $10-15. AND they promote getting there by a specific time. For instance, they will say their coverage charge is free before 9 pm. One night, I arrived at 8 pm. The abrasive security guard said, "NO. It's before 7 pm." You have to be kidding me!VIP: Their VIP is for groups only. I have often inquired about how I can make a reservation or otherwise just for me. Needless to say, my inquiry wasn't answered.FOOD: I am going into depth. I'll say don't come hungry.SECURITY: Their security is consistently rude, abrasive, and unprofessional. One of the security guards treats everyone like she is a correctional officer. I would not let them "secure" a pet rock! Why she is so hyped is beyond me. She yells at most consumers. Sis is so bad one night, a group of people said, "We'll be back!" HER alone is enough to make you turn around and go to Woody's like everyone else. She was abrasive on April 26, 2024, Philly Black Pride weekend, but that night she was on 1000! I asked her to stop yelling at me. I have very bad PTSD, and she was triggering the heck out of me. I turned around and left, intending to go home. Then, I walked past Woody's and said, "Why not." I NEVER go to Woody's. I am so glad I went to Woody's!! The entrance fee was $15.00. The security at Woody's was a completely different experience. They were very welcoming and checked my stuff without huffing and puffing, making me feel like I was bothering them or visiting a prison.BARTENDERS: The bartenders are typically attentive. I did notice they were less attentive to women. The drink prices are relatively reasonable and quality. Some of the bartenders suffer from Halitosis. That jawn is WHAMMING!!! I've offered mints that were not used. I tried.EXOTIC DANCERS AND THE SMELL: On Friday, they have male dancers in the bar and around the lounge. They are very friendly and work for the crowd very well. However, it would be very nice if they rotated the dancers. They have the same dancers every Friday. The thought of dancers on the bar sounds fantastic UNTIL they knock over your drink, and it lands in your lap. Due to the dancers in the bar, they do not offer hookah. It makes sense, but again, annoying. On top of EVERYTHING, some of the dancers' feet are off the hook! You would think Pepé Le Pew was there between Halitosis and stinky feet, and he brought a few friends! You can smell the feet when you walk in after paying your expensive coverage charge.CASHIER: The cashier is alright. He never greets me. He looks at me like, "Gimme your money," and gets out of the way. On one occasion, I was meeting one of my clients there and asked for a receipt for my write-off. That jawn turned into a whole production.SUMMARY: I've been going here since its inception. STAY HOME or go somewhere else! It is disheartening. This is alleged to be established as Black-owned & operated and the only one in the city. Are we payi
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Chanell Gooden
Only came here for a margarita crawl. Ordered an additional drink and an order of fries.... Fries never came after 20mins ... But I see an employee at the end of the bar scarfing down an order of fries.... I watch the bartender go down and say something to her after I said something about my fries and she laughs... But continues to eat the fries... Ended up needing a refund.... FOR FRIES!!!! Would NOT RECOMMEND!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 1
Thomas
Robbing your own people. I love to support black owned businesses but this place has gone downhill. They will try and take all your money if you let them. They now charge auto gratuity of 18%!!! for drinks at the bar. I have never paid auto gratuity when buying drinks at any establishment. A soda is $10!!! The drinks are way overpriced and the food is mediocre. Save you money and go somewhere else.
Cool spot.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
The phone stealers are at 2009 w Boston ave
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The best black owned space in town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wings and Fries
This bar has more security guards than bartenders, first time in my life that I've seen that. This is especially true when the bartenders simply all disappear for 15 minutes, leaving the entire first-floor bar unstaffed and unwatched (except maybe by one of the ubiquitous security guards). The security guards do a full search and wanding, photograph the front and back of your driver's license, and have you sign a liability waiver form just to get in the door. I guess they are scared of having someone frivolously sue them to try to get at the large profits they make on overpriced drinks and food. (They certainly have enough security guards to prevent any Pulse Nightclub-like shootings.)
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 2
Bit off.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
My experience with Level Up was a Level Down. The bar tenders were friendly and helpful but the food service was horrible. My partner and I arrived to order food and drinks, but to no avail the person responsible for the kitchen hadn't arrived. The bar tender suggested we wait until that person arrived, so we did. As soon as we knew the person arrived we placed order for chicken wings and crabfries. Mind you there was four people other than us in the bar other than the staff around 7p. We noticed after a couple of drinks other people started showing up and they received there food quickly. We received our food after speaking with a staff member from behind the bar they had no knowledge of our food even though we paid in advance. The food was served to us after 2 hours later only to be discussing. The bartender with the rainbow underwear did offer us a shot of cognac apologizing for what took place. The DJ was the best experience overall great music choice. The host Lasha was a good host but it's clear the games were set up and they had there favorites playing never giving anyone a real opportunity for fair play. Overall I would never recommend anyone to visit this place.
‘‘Twas an amazing experience with many lovely people
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Good vibes with all types of people. Stumbled upon this spot walking around in the city and it was a little different than the usual spots I go to but the vibes were great and the crowd was vibing on karaoke night. Little expensive on the beers but it’s in the city so was expecting that and the hookah was probably one of the best in the city, done super well.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Why do gay establishments always charge so much for drinks, 4 drinks almost 80 dollars. If I was in a straight bar they would have less than 40 dollars for the same drinks.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 4
The ownlee black owned bar/club in Philly which is very gr8 my prob is they have too many drag shows there for my taste but they do have other entertainment as well so if ur looking for a gay oriented atmosphere to eat drink & chill this is def the place to go & they have Bingo games on wednesday nites @ 7pm which is hosted by my awesome grandmother Andrea Lamour btw its not a very big place so go early to grab a table or standing spot lolz
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Wings and Fries
Restaurantji Recommends
A place where you can have fun and be safe. Welcoming to every Race, Culture, or Creed. Food is great , and the music is hottttt.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wings and Fries, Crab Fries with Cheese
My 1st Margarita March and this spot definitely understood the assignment
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Before I start, I always state that I write Google reviews for exceptionally great or horrible experiences. Level Up Philly has consistently provided unprofessional and daunting experiences during its weekend hours.Let me give you the setting: This lounge is approximately 750 square feet, the same size as many apartments in the area.There is an upstairs area, which they call the second bar. There is not a bar up there. Their wait staff stand behind one of the lounge chair tables, taking orders. Gawd knows where they get the drinks from. They encourage folks to go upstairs to the other "bar." It would be okay, but you will feel secluded because everyone is downstairs dancing.There is no dance fall. There is a walkway where people stand, talk, and go to the bathroom, which is OK. It would be nice to have another designated area for dancing.PRICE: Their cover charges vary from $25-35. Their coverage charge is WAY too high to be in someone's "apartment." I do not mind paying up to $50-60 for a quality disco. Their cover charge should be $10-15. AND they promote getting there by a specific time. For instance, they will say their coverage charge is free before 9 pm. One night, I arrived at 8 pm. The abrasive security guard said, "NO. It's before 7 pm." You have to be kidding me!VIP: Their VIP is for groups only. I have often inquired about how I can make a reservation or otherwise just for me. Needless to say, my inquiry wasn't answered.FOOD: I am going into depth. I'll say don't come hungry.SECURITY: Their security is consistently rude, abrasive, and unprofessional. One of the security guards treats everyone like she is a correctional officer. I would not let them "secure" a pet rock! Why she is so hyped is beyond me. She yells at most consumers. Sis is so bad one night, a group of people said, "We'll be back!" HER alone is enough to make you turn around and go to Woody's like everyone else. She was abrasive on April 26, 2024, Philly Black Pride weekend, but that night she was on 1000! I asked her to stop yelling at me. I have very bad PTSD, and she was triggering the heck out of me. I turned around and left, intending to go home. Then, I walked past Woody's and said, "Why not." I NEVER go to Woody's. I am so glad I went to Woody's!! The entrance fee was $15.00. The security at Woody's was a completely different experience. They were very welcoming and checked my stuff without huffing and puffing, making me feel like I was bothering them or visiting a prison.BARTENDERS: The bartenders are typically attentive. I did notice they were less attentive to women. The drink prices are relatively reasonable and quality. Some of the bartenders suffer from Halitosis. That jawn is WHAMMING!!! I've offered mints that were not used. I tried.EXOTIC DANCERS AND THE SMELL: On Friday, they have male dancers in the bar and around the lounge. They are very friendly and work for the crowd very well. However, it would be very nice if they rotated the dancers. They have the same dancers every Friday. The thought of dancers on the bar sounds fantastic UNTIL they knock over your drink, and it lands in your lap. Due to the dancers in the bar, they do not offer hookah. It makes sense, but again, annoying. On top of EVERYTHING, some of the dancers' feet are off the hook! You would think Pepé Le Pew was there between Halitosis and stinky feet, and he brought a few friends! You can smell the feet when you walk in after paying your expensive coverage charge.CASHIER: The cashier is alright. He never greets me. He looks at me like, "Gimme your money," and gets out of the way. On one occasion, I was meeting one of my clients there and asked for a receipt for my write-off. That jawn turned into a whole production.SUMMARY: I've been going here since its inception. STAY HOME or go somewhere else! It is disheartening. This is alleged to be established as Black-owned & operated and the only one in the city. Are we payi
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Only came here for a margarita crawl. Ordered an additional drink and an order of fries.... Fries never came after 20mins ... But I see an employee at the end of the bar scarfing down an order of fries.... I watch the bartender go down and say something to her after I said something about my fries and she laughs... But continues to eat the fries... Ended up needing a refund.... FOR FRIES!!!! Would NOT RECOMMEND!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 1
Robbing your own people. I love to support black owned businesses but this place has gone downhill. They will try and take all your money if you let them. They now charge auto gratuity of 18%!!! for drinks at the bar. I have never paid auto gratuity when buying drinks at any establishment. A soda is $10!!! The drinks are way overpriced and the food is mediocre. Save you money and go somewhere else.
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