Level Up Bar & Lounge

Bar · Washington Square West

Level Up Bar & Lounge

Bar · Washington Square West

3

1330 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Photos

Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by Level Up Bar & Lounge
Level Up Bar & Lounge by Level Up Bar & Lounge
Level Up Bar & Lounge by Level Up Bar & Lounge
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null
Level Up Bar & Lounge by null

Highlights

Level Up is the Gayborhood’s vibrant, Black-owned bar where neon lights meet karaoke nights, killer wings, and an electric, welcoming vibe.  

Placeholder
Placeholder

1330 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Get directions

levelupphl.com
@LevelUpBarLounge

Menu

Information

Static Map

1330 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Get directions

+1 215 545 1959
levelupphl.com
@LevelUpBarLounge

Menu

Features

wifi
payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations
outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@infatuation

"“Level Up is a Black-owned spot. It is a place where you can be unapologetically Black, and no one's gonna have anything to say about it. It's just a lovely place to be, quite honestly. It still has the family vibe, just in a different way than the other places. And you know, if you wanna hear some really good music…if you wanna go in and do some really good line dancing….you wanna, you know, Bring In The Katz, you go to Level Up.”   " - candis mclean

Sapphira Cristál's Favorite Places To Eat & Drink In Philly
View Postcard for Level Up Bar & Lounge
@infatuation

"This is the Gayborhood's only Black-owned bar. And yes, at some point during bingo, late-night karaoke on Thursdays, or a drag show, you'll likely hear at least five Whitney Houston songs. The LGBTQ+ spot has a long bar, a few lounge areas, and goes full neon after 9pm. But it's not all glowing lights and cognac cocktails here. They serve decent wings (in over 20 flavors) and crab fries that you can snack on while deciphering what that straight couple in the corner meant by "we're just looking for a good time." It's the kind of welcoming place where you head out at 2am very sweaty and with three new friend groups." - candis mclean

The Best LGBTQ+ Bars In Philly
View Postcard for Level Up Bar & Lounge
@infatuation

"This is the Gayborhood's only Black-owned bar. And yes, at some point during bingo, late-night karaoke on Thursdays, or a drag show, you'll likely hear at least five Whitney Houston songs. The LGBTQIA+ spot has a long bar, a few lounge areas, and goes full neon after 9pm. But it's not all glowing lights and cognac cocktails here. They serve decent wings (in over 20 flavors) and crab fries that you can snack on while deciphering what that straight couple in the corner meant by "we're just looking for a good time." It's the kind of welcoming place where you head out at 2am very sweaty and with three new friend groups." - Candis R. McLean

Level Up Bar & Lounge Review - Midtown Village - Philadelphia - The Infatuation
View Postcard for Level Up Bar & Lounge

Monica Gough

Google
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.

Sekeya Clayon-Moore

Google
Was there Saturday night for the mid day unlimited mimosas and hookah. Great service and food. Music was jamming.

Dee Miles

Google
LOVE THIS LGBTQ SPOT!!! The OWNER is a sweetheart and the staff was amazing!!! Very welcoming and will have you in tears 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Food and drinks are actually good. Thursdays is karaoke and it was a lot of fun!! Located in walking distance from downtown hotels... Well it was from mine. Mostly men but the ladies do come in.

Dane S. Claussen

Google
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.)

Chanell Gooden

Google
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!!!!

Drip Tico

Google
you wanna go to a place to turn up go to or have a drink some food look else where . From the moment you walk in that environment its so ignorant i went alone like i always do at any other place asking around for menu its like the staff was having they own private party bartender didnt even know how to do his services asked for a order wings didnt come with no blue cheese nor napkins didnt even offer if i needed a drink when i told him i want a beer with my food horrible name its should b called level downed 👌 oh wait the wings were not even cooked right

Ron G

Google
They’ve instructed their bouncer to put cones in front and tell people they will be towed if they move the cones. This is not only completely illegal but it’s also not true. We moved their illegal cones, parked, paid the meter, and were fine as were the cars in front of and behind us.

Philly_mil

Google
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.

Leviticus D.

Yelp
2 Staff members with Horrible Energy and Customer Service! NEVER GO !!!! to this place if you expect to be treated like a human being. I know it was a Tuesday but you showed up to work so work! I'm coming to spend a lot of money in the establishment. When you're not the owner it's imperative that you're kind and courteous you'll get a better out come. 1) The Security Guard Tuesday Night on 4/23/24 was extremely rude for no apparent reason. You are the front of the house so people interact with you before they enter. Your goal should be making people feel safe and Welcome!! The rude Guard Tuesday gave none of that. Rude in tone and demeanor. 2)The Bar! 1st let me say it was Not Busy! We sat down and had to wave to get the female bartender's attention because she was in her phone. We ordered to Stella's as we began to discuss what we wanted to drink that night. She came back with the drink and said "$17" customer service 101 she should ask if we wanted to start a Tab! That way we can continue to order and the bar makes more money. So, I said "is it ok if we start a tab?" As I handed her my card. We ordered food. The flat bread was good the back of the house did a great job. Now Back to the bar she never asked if we wanted anything or another drink as our bottles were empty. She was in her pink phone the whole time! So we yelled for her so we could get the check. She is bad for business and left a horrible impression on what should've been a fun space.

William M.

Yelp
I've been coming to Level Up for some time. My friends and I absolutely love this establishment. The food is great, the music is love and my favorite bartenders. Terrell, Blair and Moxie. The owners are very down to earth and courteous. Shout out Level Up!!! And Moxie, welcome aboard because you definitely pop up and knock it out. Love the energy!!!

Tina M.

Yelp
Cute vibes for a gay bar downtown. Drinks and hookah are super cheap and the music is on point. Seating is everywhere so you can dance and rest afterwards without worry. Everyone and everything was a vibe here!

L. J.

Yelp
It's unfortunate that this is the only Black-owned bar/lounge in Philly for LGBTQ Black people. I find it hard to support this establishment because of the weak music, cramped space and their security. Their security people so miserable and act like they don't want to be around gay people. It costs nothing for these people to be respectful and professional. You have to get a TSA pat down to enter, pay a cover just to listen to back-to-back Nicki Minaj. I took out of town friends there on Sunday, 11/5/23 and this very large sized male security guard slouching outside the bathroom area actually put his hands on me because I was moving an EMPTY stool to bring it to our table. 4 of us = $20 cover/entry charges, Round of drinks = $50, but moving a stool is an issue for these people? This place is trash. Younger people go here if that's who you want to be around, but the service has consistently remain at the bottom of the bucket. This place isn't going to be attractive to professionals 35+ because we're going to expect more than what they can deliver as far as the quality of service.

Zareena M.

Yelp
4 shots 4 drinks $125 before tip Bartenders are attentive and keep the bar clean Space is small inside No cover on Wednesdays Music was a dope mix of throwbacks Security was good vibes Reduce drink / shot prices by $1/$2 i'd give another

Donte J.

Yelp
MOXIE def is a vibe When he host and bartend he makes everyone feel like they are seen. I was sad he announced he was headed to ATL. Hopefully he will be back soon for another LIT happy hour.

Mino A.

Yelp
Terribe, staff, service, and venue. Photots are misleading and this is photoshopped. The place is a dive. A very expensive one at that.

Claude R.

Yelp
Unfortunately I always try and SUPPORT the black gay community, but when Unnecessary costs and attitude becomes forefront, I go the the racist bars. I just need a ace to patronize and grab a drink before my train I 1 hour. There's a cover and a bag fee. My bag has a Hoodia and a tablet, hell I'll sit in the train station and save $8 cover and bag and $15 drink and tip charge.

Stan H.

Yelp
A friend invited me to an event at this place. The staff is very friendly and professional here. Very clean, classy establishment. The drinks can be strong. They are decent. It was a chill time. Bars aren't normally my thing, but if they were, this would be one I would come to more often. I normally don't have friends that invite me so either I hardly go or it is because I am in some kind of league or they have free billiards or something like that.

Gregory L.

Yelp
One of the worst gay bars I have ever frequented in Phila. I used to go to the bar when it was Boxers pre-covid. It is now black owned and I decided to visit with a friend fromthe Dom Republic who is black. The doorman was very courteous so we went inside. On ordering two cocktails I realized theu were $14 each. But luckily we entered at 6:30pm or so on a Sunday eve beforw they started charging a $20 cover at 8pm. I didn't like the $14 fairly weak drinks but what bothered me was the fact that they had reserved 5-6 of the 10 or so tables across from the bar for people who might come at some time during the night. My black Dominican friend sat down at one table and nobodynsaid anything. But after I paid $32 for two weak drinks ($14x2 plus a $4 tip) I went to sit down and an employee or manager yelled over that the table was reserved. So as a white gay Trump-hating guy whi just wanted to give some business to a relatively new bar in town, I was extremely disappointed. Judge for yourself, but I don't believe that white folks are welcome there. I have read about racist white employees at certain other gay bars discriminating against blacks, but to now do the same is sad. My recommendation for gays visiting Phila is to stop at Ubar ($10 strong drinks) or Tavern on Camac among others.

Sue B.

Yelp
I only stopped in for a beer. My Mango Cart IPA was $9. The bartender was a sweetheart and his playlist was straight fire.

Miah G.

Yelp
Worst seevice ever. Wait 30 mins for bartender to even address me. My order was wrong. I am highly unsatisfied I will never come back!

Jay S.

Yelp
If i could give this place negative stars i would. The atmosphere is nice compared to our places but i would have never taught i'll get discriminated in a gay bar. I was asked to leave because someone " sorry " I was feeling on a female and im gay black male. When i asked about the allegations again me and why would you just believe anyone because i didn't even leave in this city. I'm very disappointed in this establishment and it's security and management. If you do decide to come to this place just make sure not to spend that much money , you will understand when you get there.

Sean W.

Yelp
I really liked the the staff and food until my recent visit May 27th. A few friends and myself went for some drinks and wings which were amazing until the end of nigh, when I was told my credit card I had giving the waiter was missing. I noticed the staff earlier looking for something maybe my card? I was told when it was time for the bill my card was missing and they would refund my card which was awesome but the ball was dropped when the staff didn't ask for my name and telephone number if the card was found. I waited a few days to see if the card was found there was no attempt to call or follow up. I decided I would stop by and see if my card was recovered. i was told the bar is a busy place and cards get lost and after 48 hours cards are destroyed. The fact there was little or no empathy about all things that come with a loss or stolen card. I don't recommend this place because their too busy to treat customers credit cards with safety and care. I really liked the place but I will no longer be a customer.

Christian V.

Yelp
A pleasant surprise.... The hubster and I escaped NYC for a city we could travel to without having to quarantine upon return. We, along with three other friends, ended up here not realizing it was a completely new incarnation of the previous business (Boxer's) occupying the space. Due to COVID, our party had to split up. We not only understood, but really appreciated the measures this place took with regard to safety (from COVID and CRAZY); Center City has its fair share of "shade" at night. From the bouncers, to the manager, to the bartenders, we were welcomed enthusiastically. Small world moment: The bartender/security, Nile, attended the same elementary/middle school as my hubby. Our server the second night, Delilah, was a delight. Though she seemed a bit overwhelmed with the amount of tables, she didn't miss a beat. I truly hope this place survives, and I hope the nabe embraces them as a Black-owned business who welcomes ALL. Drinks: Potent!!! Food: Cheap, tasty and abundant (servings too big, if you ask me)

Mr N.

Yelp
I live in D.C and the first time I discovered this place I was on a work trip and just went on tik tok to see which places people go to.I had a good time the first time and I have been there 3 more times and will be going back one more time before the year end.One thing that keeps drawing me back is the fact that everyone is respectful and if you have been to D.C spots you know how it feels to be disrespected even by staff member.Everyone who works here is awesome from my experience and the environment and energy in this place is awesome.The drinks are reasonably priced and the hookah is good too.I am an introvert and solo traveller who usually keeps to himself but I always end up having a good time here and engaging in conversation.I really wish this place gets the hype it deserved and I will keep coming here when I need to escape D.C and get some fresh air.10/10 I highly recommmend

C E.

Yelp
Came here with friends for a Birthday. It wasn't busy and the bartender could care less about taking your order. We had one drink and left. Go somewhere else.

Mike P.

Yelp
They lost my credit card and said these things happen. Without any concern and never got back to me. Luckily I reported it stolen that same nite . So I won't be going back

Chaddrian C.

Yelp
Black owned. Friendly staff. Adult water ice! What else do you need? No seriously this place is super cool. Some nights they do a soul food menu and the oxtails and greens are amazing. If you like booze and water ice this is your spot. They have other mixed drinks as well.

Gregory M.

Yelp
I really enjoyed the vibe and was going every couple weeks, but the experience we had this past weekend with being overcharged and no one seemed to care or offer to resolve the issue, we were harrassed by the bouncers and treated as if there mistake was our fault. No one seemed to care about my hard earned money being stolen so I likely will not be going back to the establishment no matter who owns it.