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Categories: Dance Clubs, Bars [Edit]
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
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I don't think I have ever been in the 700 club on a weekend night or any night at that. I love to go here due to the fact that it is rather close to me and I can watch futbol games on weekends. I like how there are not that many people and I can watch in peace with a cold beer and some good friends.
To bad they are discontinuing beamish......
If you took hipsters, plopped them into Grandma's parlor, gave them a large, reasonably priced beer list and slapped it down within walking distance of the El, you'd have the 700 Club.
I was only there for a little while to celebrate a friend's birthday; we left early because we just weren't feeling the crowd and decided to head down to the Dive instead. I'll definitely head back up there if I'm sick of South Philly drinking for the night.
They lose a star because the crowd seems half hipsters, half-nolibs yuppie douchebags, and I really don't feel like hearing My New Haircut screaming about "fuckin skanks." But if you keep the crowd in mind, you'll be fine.
Dear 700 Club,
I would love to love you. There are so many things about you that I can get behind. Your wonderful beer selection (HITACHINO FTW), your house party in the parlor setting, your music.
It would all be wonderful, were it not for the intense number of DOUCHE BAGS that I encountered here! So many salacious remarks were made to me I didn't know what to do. I was afraid to leave the sides of my male friends and boyfriend. While getting drinks I was submitted to intense objectification. I merely said "excuse me" to some fellows at the bar, apologizing for interrupting their conversation so I could order. While BLATANTLY staring at my chest they said "It's okay, we were talking about you anyway". I left. Disgusted.
While with my friends I had a very nice time dancing the night away, but I just couldn't shake off the fact that there were so many skeezballs! Perhaps I went on the wrong night, but that shit was just unacceptable.
Been here a few times, find it pretty eh. Standard Tap is friendlier.
700 is my jawn. I love this bar and have loved it since the day I was allowed inside of it, over ten years ago. They have a fabulous selection, painted on the wall so you don't have to strain to see what's in the case. The bartenders are all lovely people and make amazing beverages, especially Anders who seems to take great pleasure in concocting new and tasty libations. They have a juicer so you can get your vitamin c and your drink on simultaneously. Vegan? Ask them for their beer and wine list, which clearly states which beer and wines are vegan. Absinthe drinker? They have the goods to do it right. Seriously, this bar is top notch.
They also have a huge television and show soccer games for all you fanatics out there. But my favorite thing about 700 is the dancing. Sure I've been there on a miss night when I didn't love the music or there were too many douchey douchertons that ventured north from Olde City and the crap bars on third street but all in all 90% of the time I will head onto the dance floor and only come off for a quick pee or a refill. I think I spent most of my mid 20's on this dance floor. If you happen to get there early on a dance night , before people are lining the walls and furniture you can take a look at the adorable cozy atmosphere that has been created on the second floor. The vintage couches, chairs, amazing wallpaper and curtains really give it a homey feel. Oh and did I mention there is never a cover? Yeah, that's pretty important because it is awesome.
Because 700 Club is also the name of that late-night Christian program, I wasn't sure I felt like dancing here. But one night it had gotten late and I didn't really know where else to go. So, I found myself dancing in what felt like someone else's living room. In fact, the toilet is still beneath the DJ booth.
The crowd at 700 Club is top notch. Strangers will dance with you and not try to cop a feel & you can sit your ass on mom's old couches when you get tired. The entire time I spent here, I imagined I was at a friend's house and made myself comfortable. My love for NoLibs is unable to be topped & 700 Club is just another endearing quality of the area.
While I've only been to the downstairs bar once (for shame, I know!) and the upstairs for dancing a handful of times, I have never had a bad time here. I can't say much about the downstairs bar because of said lack of experiences, but I do remember it being pretty dead (fine by me) the night I was there. And the bartender had on a great t-shirt. (I remember the little things, folks.) There was definitely a strong "locals hang here often" feel to it, though I remember feeling welcome on that first visit. Good vibes, my friends, good vibes.
Upstairs, though, is my jam. I love the whole house party feel, including the cruddy couches (on which I rarely ever sit because I'm too busy bustin' my moves), the bar in the kitchen and the massive amount of sweat dripping from people's bodies. Drinks are pretty cheap and the dancing is free. On Saturday nights, the DJ plays a fun mix of old school hip hop and other dance-y stuff. (I hadn't heard Cool C's "Glamorous Life" in nearly 20 years so naturally I had to watch the video over and over on You Tube the next day. Thanks for bringing back the memories, 700!)
To put it simply: The 700 Club makes for a perfect last minute, must-go-dancing-after-three-pitchers-of-margaritas destination.
I think the fact that I've had fun on every single visit most definitely warrants five stars.
PS. It gets really hot upstairs. If that sort of thing (getting sweaty) bugs you, then upstairs is not ideal for you. And if you're wearing lots of layers (wintertime, especially), forget it. Either ditch 'em, leave 'em at home, or wait 'til tank top season to shake your thing.
This place has something for almost everybody. There's a DJ upstairs, soccer on the big TV downstairs. You can bring your dog, you can bring your baby. Seriously, last time I was there a woman had an infant strapped to her chest. The beer selection is good, too. Tracy also mixes a mean drink, especially when it involves using the juicer to squeeze some fresh citrus.
Most importantly, the whole staff is great. Even when they're busy they're still friendly and make sure that you're not waiting thirstily for your next round.
Hadn't been here in YEARS and went back this past Friday. I'm sure plenty of people have described the interesting homey dance floor on the 2nd floor. For a Friday it was surprisingly not crowded which made ample space for dance moves. The drinks are relatively cheap, the bartender was friendly, and the DJ was fun. Good time had by all? Check.
Last night at the bar, I learned about friendship, revenge and discovery. The ultimate trinity.
-A note about friendship-
You don't really know someone until you've seen them drunk. That said, don't marry or exclusively date someone until you've seen them drunk.
-A note about revenge-
If a drunk person is acting like an asshole, buy them a shot. Just make sure it's Baileys and Rose's lime juice. It's called a cement mixer and it spreads like a virus throughout their entire mouth, while congealing into a rancid sludge grossfest. This gets all up in your gums, in between your teeth, coats your throat. Ugh, just nasty. Last night's victim (might I say he rightfully deserved it) said it tasted like his grandmother's curtains. Best. Revenge. Ever.
-A note about discovery-
Was introduced to a delicious new cocktail, thanks to the talented bartender, Andrew (as per another friend's request). Called a Rosita. The traditional recipe calls for slightly different ingredients, but this was his take on it last night. Check it:
* 1 1/2 oz. Gin
* 1/2 oz. Campari
* 3 oz. OJ
* 2 dash Angostura bitters
Stir with ice, strain into an iced filled Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
So, what have we learned? Drink with your friends before you're ready to call them friends; devise alternate, non-violent, but equally satisfying revenge plots for assholes at bars; drink only as much as your guardian angel can fly.
With the Barbary and Silk City kicking off things in full swing, I rarely find myself here for a night of dancing anymore. especially since 941 Theater started bringing in the occasional dance night of epicness. But that doesn't mean that the upstairs doesn't have it's good nights. If anything it only means that there's usually more room to cut a rug, and when you're as tall as I am that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
But to me the best and most consistent thing about 700 Club is still the downstairs bar. The bartenders always whip up some pretty strong drinks. And the beer selection is always exceptionally well rounded. And this bar will always be known as the reason that I've sworn off Mad Elf (good thing it's seasonal!).
Not what it used to be is definitely the best way to sum up 700 Club. in it's heyday it bought in a… Read more »
Here's some good list:
Good place to:
hang in the afternoon
go for drinks on weekend to avoid dinner crowd
to meet friendly people
to listen to vinyl
try a new drink
have absinthe poured right
dance till you sweat through your clothes
pretend your in a beer commercial party where everyone is cool
answer to all 700 club
Ehh. Nothing special here.
Left another spot in the area after walking home a media "personality" and focus of tabloid gossip that I met over drinks. So after a brisk stroll through Northern Libs with her unbelievably cute, friendly chihuahua and after a little chillin', wandered outside to find my car sometime after midnight.
After bumming a smoke from a crew of people walking down the block, they invited me to a late night party around the corner, but wanted to stop in at their "Temple Law" party at the 700 Club.
I bumped some tunes for them in my ride and smoked a bit, then hustled down the street w my new crew of friends. They initially thought I was a Temple Law student, so that made my old ass feel young again for a drunken minute.
The bar was unimpressive, packed with eager law students drinking their way through post graduation euphoria. The service was OK, the music OK, but after my Stoli was empty I couldn't wait to get out and head to the party.
Nothing special. But it was a good night, the mid point in an interesting adventure, so I will give them an additional star...
This place would be amazing if they played the music that is meant to be played there.
Instead you'll be hearing random mainstream rap/hip hop with some "flashback hits", and I use that term loosely. They will try to trick you with a great indie anthem, but don't be fooled, your music experience will continue to suck.
So, I've only been to the 700 club once before this weekend. It was the same night that I first went to Silk City, which is now my favorite Saturday night dance locale. So needless to say, 700 club paled in comparison. Based on a friend's recommendation, I gave it another try this weekend, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.
I still prefer dancing at Silk City, but this weekend I really had a good time at 700 club. The music is fun and easy to dance to, but they play a little more hip hop than I like. That being said, the crowd was fun, I ran into a bunch of people that I know, and there was a decent amount of room to dance, which is always good when you like to flail about when you're dancing.
I like the fact that the upstairs is set up like a house party, although it's still way cooler than any house party I ever went to in college. I'm also a little skeeved out by the couches. Fabric and dance clubs are not a good combination...
We took a break from the dancing and hung out downstairs for a little while, where I also had a really nice time. We actually got seats at the bar and were served cheap drinks (yay for drinks under $5) and were doted on by an awesome bartender, who not only kept our glasses full, but also didn't batt an eye when we only wanted water. Oh, and he also described us as "poised and full of grace" which are two adjectives that have NEVER been used to describe me before. Maybe he was drunk too, but it was appreciated :)
All in all, when I'm looking for a night out that involves drinking and dancing, but I'm not looking for something quite as "balls to the walls" as Silk City, I'll be back!
It used to be fun and I used to be a hip 23 year old jerk who invaded Philadelphia. would I go back? Probably not. It was a phase, and I am over it. It was good while it lasted. The summer of 2005 is the reason I got stuck in Philly and I owe some of that to the 700 club. Getting stuck here is probably one of the best things that ever happened to me.
Cool bar none-the-less and they show soccer games. The upstairs is a cool dance spot.
I really like this place. Although I haven't been there for late night when people are dancing upstairs. I went up there and it's super cute/strange, but it was still early.
I've had drinks with a group of friends here. And I've also gone solo and hung out at the bar. Both times I had great service and they were super great about letting me trying a beer or two before selecting one.
They are really friendly, helpful, and laid back. Good neighborhood bar!
i haven't been to the old 700 club in quite some time. But, ya know what, i don't think i have to. I would pick up the City Paper on a Friday, and check the listings, and , yep, the 700 Club HAS NO VARIETY same stupid shit, day in, day out.
On my last visit, i sat , watching a bunch of wannabe indie kids dancing drunkenly to fucking Justin Timberlake. What the fuck is that about? 'Cmon, I know you can do better.
The 700 Club was certainly the spark that sorta ignited the NoLibs bar scene, yet, thankfully it did, because there are a lot better places to go in the neighborhood.
This place is a good time, i was across the street at liberties with some friends having a very boring time of just staring at each other, when another friend said they were across the street .. decided to check it out and loved it.. the upstairs is pretty cool.. relax living room feel.. monkeys on the wall paper couches and windows and a small dance floor .. very fun and they were playing good music.. only bad part was i was with some lame girlly girllys that wanted to leave.. i shall be back! ... minus the snobs
I think I like the 700 club more every time I go there, which seems strange.
Well, there's something for everyone, I guess. Sometimes my friends want to go dancing, but I don't like dancing, so the 700 Club comes to the rescue! I kind of wish they had bar food, although the pizza down the street isn't bad.
I like that the 700 Club is hipsters-dot-com on the weekends, but it's just a chill bar during the week. Versatile, I believe they call that.
been going there for six-years... the staff(who has been here for years) are great. very welcoming. my only complaint is the start of a new semester, thus an array of out-of-towners who suck the soul right out of the place. love the intimacy of the small dance floor. 10 fingers is a legend. long live 7
Great beer selection and helpful bartender. They play soccer on the tube which is a nice change sometimes. The first time I went was after a great dinner at Copper on Valentine's day. (romantic, huh?) I always hear about this underlying snobbery that is supposed to hang over Nolibs and I have yet to experience it. I walked in there in a button down shirt and blazer, obviously not typical hipster apparel, and nobody looked twice. Luckily my girlfriend drinks beers and is always down to try something new. The bartender helped her make a selection that she liked and continued to be helpful during the night.
The second time I went was on a whim with some people who had never been. We were all pretty toasted when we arrived from our crab-fest dinner and proceeded upstairs to be the first ones on the dance floor. People seem to complain about this or that; things that don't matter if you're down to have a good time. Why worry about what "scene" it is apart of. We continued to drink delicious PBC beers, dance, and enjoy ourselves. I don't know what category or scene I fall in but my dance moves suggest I don't give a fu*k either!
This place is possibly my favorite place in Philly....
After moving to Philly from Atlanta, I was looking for a "non-pretentious" club., like MJQ in Atlanta (if you are familiar with it). A place where you could go in jeans and a t-shirt, dance to some non-mainstream tunes and just have an overall good time. I asked around a few folks told me about "700 club." I was told it was like a house party.
Well... I really like this place! Downstairs you have a long narrow bar with some quality beer on draft and in bottle (score some points there!). then you walk to the back of the bar and up the stairs (with old school wall paper) to the "house party". Kitchen, living room, bathroom and all. There's a DJ spinning is own remixes and old school tunes and you'll usually find a fun crowd dancing and sometimes singing.
A few words of advice.
- Don't come expecting to hear the latest Top 40 music.
- Don't worry about getting "all dolled up"
- Basically, don't expect the Olde City scene....
I'm pretty sure I went to this bar. I never remember that much when I go out drinking. I went with my cousin. It was a pretty good time. There were some wooden seats and a really good vibe. The music was good. It was super crowded too. They were cranking billy Joel ---yeah Pennsylvania fun though..
Update: yeah I did go here drove past yesterday....
This was always bar #2 in my holy trinity of Standard Tap, 700 Club, and Minfo. I had way too many stupid nights of coming too early, sitting on the couches or coming too late and tapping hemispheres with other ladies to try to get to the tiny kitchenette bar upstairs. But I could always get myself two free packs of cigarettes when those Camel people came there [which was every night, it seems].
The downstairs is cool if you just want to stand around looking not-so-impressive and talk about stupid shit like how the guy wearing the Locust shirt isn't really into them because they're noisy garbage, he just wants the street cred.
Or there was always the upstairs that used to play some good music, but I hear it's now Jock Jamz 2008.
My favorite night there was when we were upstairs sort of close to the set of stairs and this guy comes barreling by with his hands ringed around another guy's neck. They tussle around for about 10 seconds. The one guy exclaims, just as the music goes down and the lights go up "I had ANAL SEX with your girlfriend! EVERYONE in here had anal sex with your girlfriend!" I quietly say "Um. I didn't, sir."
What a cool little neighborhood bar.
These are the kinds of places I look for and love. Just a chill place to get a cheap strong drink and not be bothered by drunken dipsh*ts or morons. Instead, what you will get here is a totally down to earth vibe, a pleasing decor with awesome green walls and dark woods and a charming and approachable owner/bartender named Kurt/Curt (sp?) and a really nice time.
Yeah, if I was a Philly-ite, I'd have a warm seat here for sure!
I liked the 700 Club much better when Cosmic Cat was DJ'ing. I suppose I am showing my age by revealing this information. There's nothing particularly wrong with the place, it just doesn't have that swag anymore.
Something definitely has changed here. They were playing "borderline" by Madonna on the dance floor; are you kiddin me. Am I at the right place I thought to myself. What happened to that funky sound they used to play.
I lasted an embarrassing 10 minutes on the dance floor, before I split from my boys and headed down stairs to meet the girl of my dreams, only to loose her number to new phone-itis. I pushed the wrong buttom.
I pretty much always have a good time here. The downstairs bar is great and upstairs is just a super fun place to dance after getting yo drink on. Cheap beers and strong drinks pretty much always makes a good time. The music is sometimes hit or miss, but if you let go of expectations you're gonna have a good time.
I'm not as xenophobic or nostalgic as some of the others posting here. Places change and different folks move in -- it's inevitable. For me, the 700 Club is a matter of how fun you make it. And at face value this spot is very fun. I'd prefer to dance the hell out of some occasionally great/occasionally terrible music rather than compare it to 5 years ago.
Like many of the other reviewers I visited the 700 during its heyday in 99-00 when it was a very cool place to be - great music, great people and it was genuinely hip. I can't comment on its current "unhipness" as I've moved on, but I can tell a 700 Club story...
Back sometime in 99-00 I was there and I was upstairs toward the front near the DJ. the place was packed and it was jumpin. I was shaking my booty and making starry eyes at my lady friend when pa-whoosh! The speaker right next to the DJ burst into flame! I was a LONG way from the exit so I grabbed a tablecloth and smothered it as fast as I could, saving the day! And that's how I managed to live another day and be a hero for my lady. We fell in love and lived happily ever after.
It's a shame the DJ never has any flow, because it would be a really great place to dance if he did. Bar and cool casual atmosphere upstairs, but no hot beats. I'll give it another chance, but I'm growing tired of long gaps between ill-chosen songs.
I never went to the 700 club in the late 90's, as I was a midwestern teenager at that point, hanging out in basements and parks, so I can't really confirm or deny this "change" everyone seems to be speaking to. What I do know is that I've had a really good time there the few times I've been.
I guess I didn't go for the scene or to measure the relative douchiness of the frat boy types lurking about( which indeed, there are many). I just went to dance, which I was able to do wildly and unabashedly to music that was popular and fun. It felt simple and spazzy and lacking in self-consciousness, which feels to me like a rare, precious thing in Philadelphia.
Also, the drinks are strong. Real strong. Prepare for a headache that is hopefully worthwhile.
Ah, the nostalgia I feel for this place. psych!
Fun dancing, hetero or not. But it was fun because of the youngsters (myself included) who were more willing to let loose and enjoy it. Yeah, there are some fratty guys (but it is still way better than old city). There were a handful of creepy, older guys plastered to the wall, sexually harassing everyone with their glances. The drinks were reasonable, and aside from a few awful, floor-clearing songs and some awkward transitions between songs, the dj was great and it is a fun place.
ps: if the crowd looks younger, it means that you are getting older, and it might be time to move to the suburbs.
One of my favorite nightlife spots in Philadelphia. The beer selection is amazing. The prices are very reasonable. The crowd and staff is eclectic. The downstairs bar is cool, but the real fun is upstairs where you're transported to an 80's style living room cum bar and dance floor. The first time I went up to the second floor of 700 Club I felt as though I walked into a scene from the movie, Never Been Kissed. A great departure from the normal Philadelphia nightlife scene.
I used to go to 700 often. The DJs were good, genuinely cool people hanged out there, and I often felt as if I was at a house party as opposed to a bar.
Then, one day, I began to notice a change. The genuinely cool people began to be replaced by people who were ingeniously...well....I wouldn't even say these people were ingeniously cool. They were complete tool boxes. Yuppies and "bros" starting taking over.
About two years ago, this "dude" accidentally backed his rear into me while preforming a dance move that resembled a drunken antelope on a treadmill. His response wasn't "sorry" or "my bad." Instead, he utilized this occasion to announce, "make way for the train!"
That's when I knew it was time to make way for the exit. I've only been back a few times since. And now, the fact that 700 feels like a giant can of sardines being held over a fire is much less tolerable. It's a shame because the DJs are actually pretty good.
I've never seen a bar with such a split-personality as 700 club.
Downstairs is a nice, casual bar, with a great selection of beers on tap, served by knowledgeable beer aficionados.
Upstairs is probably fun if you're in the mood to rock out to loud music in a living-room-like setting.
If you needed proof that Northern Liberties was gentrified, look no further than the 700 Club. This used to be a low-key hangout with an upstairs dancefloor that catered to indie rockers. I loved that the upstairs looks like someone's house because that's how it felt -- all the fun and energy of a house party, with none of the cleanup. These days you're more likely to see annoying Olde City types packing the joint -- but that hasn't stopped me from supporting this cool little place.
since my first trip eight months ago, i've spent maybe every monday (and a lot of tuesday) evenings at this fine establishment. five stars alone for monday and tuesday nights, when two of the city's finest gents will pour some tasty beers, will mix any cocktail you desire, even if its only for the sake of experimentation, and will genuinely converse with you on any number of topics. i'm not one to frequent the establishment on busier nights--thursday, friday, and saturday. but my few times there have resulted in drunken merriment and stumbling walks home, which are always the mark of a good evening. in the end, a great neighborhood bar during the week..and, on the weekends, a great something else, whatever that means.
see you next monday
Just came here for the first time, and I think it's now one of my favorite spots in Philly. First off, the DJ was playing great music that was off the beaten trail of clubby-dance-fare (I didn't have to listen to "single ladies" even once). Second, I loved the seating area filled with cushy chairs and couches. Third, the drinks are super reasonably priced. All in all, a great place to dance and/or chill on the weekend.
This is the place to go when you want something low-key but don't feel like sitting at home. People are friendly, staff is great, upstairs has DJ's. You can wear jeans and a tee and not feel under dressed. Good prices on drinks.
Neighborhood: South Street District
Category: Dance Clubs
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Category: American (New)
Philadelphia, PA
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Logan Square
Category: Dance Clubs
Neighborhood: Washington Square West
Category: Dance Clubs
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