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Trocadero Theatre
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Arts & Entertainment Cinema Music Venues, Cinema [Edit]
1003 Arch StPhiladelphia, PA 19107
Neighborhood: Chinatown
(215) 922-6888
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 6 pm
Sat 11:30 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Since 1957 Wanamaker has been providing the highest level service to go along with the best access to tickets in Philadelphia and nationwide. Open 7… read more »
104 reviews for Trocadero Theatre
104 reviews in English
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Review from Angela E.
12/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love this place! I saw Michael Ian Black's comedy show and the seating was great, lines of folding chairs facing the stage. We got there early which is very important for shows, as the line gets ridiculous before they open the doors. The beers on tap weren't that expensive and weren't that good, but at least they were there for the buying!
I've also gone here for Monday Movie Night and that is really fun. Get there early and get a free drink, free bag of popcorn and get entered in a drawing. Once they open the doors for the movie to begin, you sit on the top tier, which is comfy stadium style seating that you can scoot all the way back on, cross your legs Indian style, or lay down if you want! No one is going to stop you here. Special Note: there's a full bar on the top. -
Review from Chelsea c.
Philadelphia, PA
11/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
i would like to second christine b's issue with the bathrooms. what the heck? they're uber gross. give those toilets a facelift, troc.
other than that, the troc is A-OK in my book. i've seen many a concert at this venue and have also attended some hilarious karaoke gong shows hosted by skeletor. the sound is usually good (although i've seen them run into some issues), but the space is hit or miss, depending on how many people are there. if you want to grab a drink during the show, it's nearly impossible to do so while continuing to actually see the show. if you're in the mood for a crowded dive-y venue, go to the TLA instead. but if the band you definitely want to see has to be at the troc, then go to the troc (obviously). just be sure to find good seating/standing space early on. it's a bit limited. -
Review from Nicole L.
8/4/2011
This venue is by far the best place to view a concert. I've been at the Troc to see the New Pornographers and, more recently, Sia -- this place rocks out without blowing your ears out. Though it gets a bit stuffy in the summer, the balcony is by far the best place to hang out (and you can avoid the crazy teenagers downstairs in general standing room).
Side perk -- cheap tickets! -
Review from kathleen d.
Philadelphia, PA
5/31/2011
The many shows that I've seen here have earned The Trocadero a special little place in my heart, next to all that other stuff. I was thinking that today as I was walking by. Upstairs bar, downstairs bar, balcony, the pit...good sound... all lead to a nostalgic thumbs-up.
I haven't seen a show there in a while but I have hit up some Movie Mondays, alright. That's some good three dollar fun, plus beer and popcorn.
I looked up what films are comin up. E.T.! That's the first movie that I ever ever saw in a theater. I was four. I'll always remember that night and the fact that when we got home, I puked. Ahhh the memories. E.T. and beer...just like being four again. Juuuuussssst kiiiddding....Heh.
Also, Hedwig and the Angry Inch?! Midnight movie, you say? On Friday June 10th, you say?? I might have to see about that. I might hafta take that wig down from the shelf.
This is a fun place, the Trocadero is. And let's also bring up the fact that The Trocadero is a cool name. Sounds snazzy.
Classic place.Listed in: Chinatown- Philadelphia, Filmadelphia, Music Venues
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Review from Christine B.
Philadelphia, PA
6/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really like this venue for concerts. I've been there a few times for different shows, but most recently went there for the Zombie Beach Party. It was a good time. They had two local Philly bands playing some fun beachy music. It was great to see all the people with zombie make-up. They also had some special drinks named appropriately for the event.
My main issue is the bathrooms. They are pretty gross even early in the night. Also, the bouncers are less than friendly. -
Review from James F.
Annapolis, MD
7/26/2011
BEWARE of the HEAT
Came from out of town to enjoy the Legwarmers 80s cover band. Picked the hottest weekend of the summer, and this theatre had NO air-conditioning. Some rotating fans were in place around the theatre but they didn't help. Left the concert after 30 minutes and was relieved to be outside in the 98 degree heat. It was so bad we saw several ladies grab rolls of toilet paper from the restroom and use them to constantly wipe sweat off their faces. Can't imagine enjoying anything here in the summer time. Otherwise, it was decently clean and good sight-lines from the balcony. -
Review from Igal K.
Philadelphia, PA
8/6/2011
The Troc started my tradition of metal shows in Philly about 10 years ago so obviously like many others it has a sentimental value in my metal horns.
Let's start with the bad so I can promptly rave about the good: the bouncers! Oh eM Gi are they angry at life or what? I have headbanged with the wild crowd of Israelis and they are much more brutal than American metal heads, I have been to Wacken with 80,000 other like minded individuals and I've never encountered such rude and hostile bouncers. The only good job that they are doing is aligning the queue line pre-show but once you are inside expect to be shoved back with vengeance. I have a lot to compare when it comes to live concerts and even in the wildest night the crowd is much more docile than its European or Israeli counterpart so there is no excuse to act like officer Barbrady from South Park.
The good: Despite what some people mentioned, the sound check is one of the more professional and accurate that I encountered.
The concert will usually start no later than 20 minutes after doors have been opened and most of the crowd are in. If more than one band is playing that night the turnover is amazing, again, no longer than 15 minutes before the stage is ready fro the next act.
The bar in the back and the bar upstairs are convenient and the balcony lets all the young at heart-old at body enjoy the show as well (pshh posers!)
The merch booth is open prior to the start and after the end of the night.
*A small tip: if you work in the city you can go there any day during their operating hours and buy your ticket beforehand thus avoiding Ticketmaster's surcharge fees. -
Review from Vinny P.
2/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Definitely in a love-hate relationship with this place.
I've only been here twice. My first time was nearly 9 years ago when I was freshly 21. I came here to see Mindless Self Indulgence and they refused to accept my very valid NJ license as proof to let me upstairs to get a drink. I attempted to escalate to a manager but I was stone-walled. The show kind of sucked in retrospect.
Fast forward to last weekend. Friday midnight showing of Army of Darkness. I decided to go for it and I had a great time. 3 bucks get you a token and a PBR. I love AOD and with my friends around screaming out lines, it was a great time.
Their damn troc stamp on my wrist took forever to wash out. I really scrubbed.
Anyway, not sure if I'll be back for a show anytime soon but I like the movie nights. I'll certainly be back for one of them. -
Review from Nick B.
6/21/2011
Oh, the Troc, how I love you so.
I've seen so many shows here now (Stars, Ra Ra Riot, Two Door Cinema Club, Death Cab...) and each experience has been a pleasant one. I've stood in line for hours, stood in the front for countless more hours and enjoyed every minute of it!
The only bummer is that the bar is upstairs rather than downstairs, but judging by PA's harsh liquor laws and such, I fully understand.
This place reminds me a lot of the Glass House in Pomona, CA for many reasons, so perhaps that's why I like it so much....it reminds me of home! -
Review from Kaitlin L.
Philadelphia, PA
2/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I really enjoy this venue. You can just feel the history around you (History lesson: The Troc has been around under different names since 1870. It's been used as an opera house, burlesque shows, vaudeville, etc.)
Although a pretty small venue, this is a great place to see a show because of the intimacy. Although past reviews mention issues with sound, I've never been to an event here that had issues.
Last time I was here, the bar was cash only though, what the heck is up with that?Listed in: Music Venues
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Review from Ian G.
Morrisville, PA
4/28/2011
Perfect size for a music venue and one of my favorite places to go in Philly. I have never had a bad time here.
I don't mind being on the floor (or The Pit as hipsters say) at this venue because it's not that big.
That's what she said.
They have a bar upstairs as well as downstairs. The Bartenders upstairs make strong drinks and it's a good place to wait out an opening band that you don't want to see.
Sound has always been good here.
At The Troc I have seen The Walkmen, The Avett Brothers, Pete Yorn, The Old 97's and La Roux (don't ask about the last one). Well I will tell you anyway, I went to See Francis and the Light's who were the first opener and he ended up only playing 3 or 4 songs. Bummer.
I am always looking for an excuse to see a show here and if I lived in Philly I would be here weekly.
Go. -
Review from Sylvia M.
Philadelphia, PA
5/20/2011
Its not 2 stars but not quite 3... uhm where to start?!
the staff can be rude, but they can also be really nice and funny.
depends on the show, i almost want to push the stupid blonde girls dancing in front of me and pushing into me every 2 seconds, be mindful of your surroundings kids.
great picture opportunities.
bathrooms, gross! i prefer to carry antibacterial than wash my hands at the sink, but im sure they would throw it out at the door when searching through my bag.
openers can be better than the main attraction.
sometimes really cheap tickets!
i cant bring in my closed bottle of water? ok, ill just die because its so hot inside and your water costs like $4
it does kind of smell... -
Review from Darlene M.
Philadelphia, PA
6/4/2011
Went to the Troc last night to see Okkervil River. We requested seats for two people in our party with physical disabilities. They were very accommodating and provided two high backed bar stools.
My only complaints are the sound---sometimes so loud that the sound is just a cacophony of unbearable proportions. The bathrooms are questionable at best.
My biggest complaint is the people attending the concert. What happened to listening to a band? When Okkervil River was playing some of their more quiet songs, the din of conversation was unbelievable! It sounded like we were a crowded bar and was downright rude!
Other than the points listed above, I have to say that I love the look of the Troc. It almost reminds me of a mini Tower! -
Review from Meghan C.
3/25/2011
Haha. My husband got kicked out of here once.
It's a fine venue...I usually make a beeline to get upstairs...I'm getting too old to be knocked around on the floor, and my love for rock will never cease so...gotta do what you gotta do.
I really think your experience of a venue is heavily influenced by the band or artist you are doing to see. I've had awesome and douchey crowds. Bathrooms are gross, per the norm of concert venues. -
Review from Christine C.
Los Angeles, CA
8/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
An amazing place to watch a band perform. Because it was actually built to be a theatre in comparison to other converted-space-turned-music-venues, the sound is fantastic here. Lines of sight are extremely good as there are a few steps down to the pit, a balcony facing the stage, and room all around to stand and watch the performance.
It can get crowded though, so be prepared to stay put if a show is packed. For a Bosstones show I got in the pit, danced, and crowd surfed here -- and the security picked me up with deft and grace as well as all the other surfers, however after that I could no longer get into the pit again as it was so crowded. Despite that, I was able to hitch a spot right next the sound/light boards which is usually the best place to watch a show.
The sound guy as well as the lights guy were amazingly on top of things. It was a pretty awesome experience as the inside of the theatre is also old, with history, and beautiful. So to catch a show in here with great acoustics and technicians, it was a blast. -
Review from M S.
Philadelphia, PA
9/25/2011
I've been going to the Troc for shows for the last 20 years. Very cool, old theatre and generally a great place to see live acts. I haven't been to a better venue in Philly for rock/metal shows.
+ + + Relatively easy to move around here, plentiful ladies toilets, a few craft beers on draft for $5.50, shows start early
- - - $3 fee to use charge/debit card, they installed railing so you can't sit right in front of the balcony anymore, hot
I do have a complaint -- When I was there last Friday to see Opeth, during the "quiet moments" of the performance, I could here the noise/chatter from the bar (I was sitting in the second to the last row of the balcony) not to mention the group behind me sitting on the balcony who were chit-chatting during the performance. It was very annoying like when people talk during a movie. I guess a lot of people go there for other reasons then to listen to the band? -
Review from Julianna K.
Haddonfield, NJ
11/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
What can I say, the Troc is a tried and true venue for so many things from concerts to movies to costumed wrestling matches. I have never been disappointed with the Troc, mostly because it never changes, but also because it has soul.
The sound isn't always the greatest, but the atmosphere rocks (no pun intended). Its a beautiful old theater style building, with open space downstairs for standing and a balcony upstairs for sitting. Plenty of bathrooms, though not always the prettiest, and a couple of bars so you never have to wait long to get your drink on. Staff seems pretty friendly and the crowd is generally chill. The Troc has quite a history too. My grandparents, in their prime, traveled from Trenton on weekends, for a fine evening out in Philly. It was usually dinner and a burlesque show at the Trocodero. Who would've thought a burlesque show would be a fancy night out, but it was. Men donned their nicest suits and women wore mink stoles with their dresses. Nowadays you're good as long as you have shoes and a shirt on, but I digress.
If you looking for a nice intimate venue and a band of your liking is playing there, don't miss out on it, it will be a good time.Listed in: Miscellaneous
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Review from lalexica c.
Claremont, CA
7/28/2011
Come on who didnt live here growing up! I love the troc. I would have given five stars but they are a little expensive lately.
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Review from Lexi H.
Wilmington, DE
4/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yep, I'm a fan of the Troc. It is a gorgeous old theater thats been around forever and there is tons of history here, as is typical with so many of the buildings in Philly.
Downstairs, you can't have a bad view of the stage unless you're tiny and standing behind a 7 foot tall dude. If you're upstairs, you def don't want to be standing behind all the seating areas because you might be able to see the feet of people on stage and thats it. If you want to get a seat, get there early because they fill up fast.
The upstairs is 21+ and it gets super crowded since its not that big. My typical game plan is to get there about 30 minutes before the headliner, double fist some drinks and head downstairs where there's more room and a better view.
I've never noticed a problem with sound or attitude from any of the staff like some of the previous reviews, but as with any live events, shit happens and people can get pissed off. Whatchagonnadoooo? -
Review from Katherine R.
Philadelphia, PA
12/1/2010
They get some great acts here. Just to name a few that I've seen- Son Volt, Ra Ra Riot, Tim and Eric CHRIMBUS Spectacular (most recent). The location is pretty cool too, being right in the heart of Chinatown. It's an area I wouldn't hang out in regularly, so it kind of gives me an excuse to go to find karaoke after the show.
The sound has been hit or miss based on the show and also where I'm standing. If you can't get a spot literally right in the middle of the theater and end up having to stand on the sides, the sound can get kind of mucked up. I suppose that is true of most theaters during rock shows.
What's with not being able to bring beer downstairs? If you want to drink at a show, which most people I know like to do (including myself), you have to stay up in the mezzanine level and literally squat or sit down to be able to see the show live. They have TVs broadcasting the show in the bar, but that's not really the same. I guess they do it during some shows but not others or this is a new rule? I vote for beer downstairs.
All in all, it's an okay place to see bands. It's better than the Electric Factory at least. Plus it's not like I won't go see a band I like just based on the venue. -
Review from Natalie B.
Philadelphia, PA
9/20/2010
I went to see The Legwarmers here a few nights ago. The lower level has two small bars and tons of room to stand, while the upper level has some seats and another bar. It wasn't too crowded when I went, so it was great to go downstairs and dance and then be able to chill upstairs later. I'm short and could still see and hear the stage well wherever I was.
The bathroom was pretty small. It only had 1 sink and 4 stalls, which could have been a nightmare if it was more crowded. It was (thankfully) well stocked with toilet paper, but the hand dryer was broken and there were no paper towels.
Drinks were a bit expensive, but I kind of expected that. Definitely buy beer because my mixed drink was weak and small. The bartenders were friendly and took a few orders at a time so they could give people drinks faster.
It's not perfect but definitely a good place to see shows. -
Review from Brittany B.
Philadelphia, PA
12/19/2010
I suppose I should just start with the only good thing about this venue... it's cool looking.
Now that that's out of the way, I'll get to why this place blows.
1. The staff. I understand they have to deal with a ton of obnoxious drunks and douchebags. I work at other various concert venues, I know how these people can be. But this doesn't mean you give the nice people an attitude and act rudely towards everybody. Remove the sticks from your asses and try to learn what real customer service is!
2. The sound. I've never heard worse at another venue in my life. The first band was this all Japanese girl band. The sound was so bad that we couldn't tell if they were speaking or singing in Japanese or English! Ridiculous. It wasn't just that band either. Everyone sounded like shit. It's a shame I had to see my favorite band here. It was ear-shattering... and not in a good way.
3. The stage. Honestly... WHY IS IT SO FREAKING HIGH?!
I'm not even sure what note to end this review on. Probably a bad one because that's the only thing that comes out of that place.
I'm gonna stick to my good ol' TLA and just weep and stay home when my favorite bands decide to make the mistake of playing at the Trocadero. -
Review from Josh S.
Philadelphia, PA
8/27/2010
I love this theatre, but I had such a bad experience with the box office woman. She is the rudest person I've met in a long time. First of all, if you buy tickets in person with a debit card, they charge you a service fee. As I was purchasing a ticket, I had a simple question about the show, I would later see....and she screamed at me "You're going to have to speak up! I can't hear you!" And she rolled her eyes, and I said "Nevermind, lunatic." It really put a bad taste in my mouth. If you hate your job, quit! I'm referring to the asian woman (mid-20s) with the chip on her shoulder and a bad hair cut to match her attitude.
Great show though. -
Review from Soyoung K.
Philadelphia, PA
7/20/2010
I know it's been a while since I've been to the Troc but I've recently gotten into yelping about everything - I must include this one as well. The last time I was at the Troc was when The Get Up Kids played. Lord almighty, I fell right in love with the venue. It's cozy - there are two levels.The ground level is where the stage is and the people under 21 can stay there and form mosh pits, if they'd like. The upstairs is where the bar is and the seats are. If you're 21 and over and not really into being in the pits smelling like pot, you can stay upstairs while drinking adult beverages and watch the show(and the pit). A great view, might I add. From my vague memory, they had magic hat on tap. Grool!
Anywho, I walked out of that concert semi drunk and more in love with The Get Up Kids than ever. OH the ticket was very inexpensive - somewhere around 20$. LOVE! -
Review from Matthew S.
Hillsborough, NJ
Great venue. Saw Dredg play here on Friday. Definitely not huge, but a good size for the crowd Dredg draws. Beers upstairs were cheap and they had a surprisingly good selection on draft. Cool place to catch a show. The Troc is located in a great neighborhood right around Chinatown. A lot of great bars and restaurants in the area. Get there early and enjoy the area before you see your show.
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Review from Carrie E.
Philadelphia, PA
8/13/2008
Other than getting past a barricade of security that makes you feel like you're smuggling drugs across state lines, your concert going experience here should be quite nice. After all, it's lovely, dark and deep (name that poet!) and some pretty good bands play here. I recently saw Slick Rick kick off the Popped! Festival as well as CSS and The Go! Team, and the sound and surroundings were cool. The crowd, though, never ceases to amaze me - it's a perfect picture example of the diversity of Philly. So yeah for that.
Bummer that you can't bring drinks with you down to the floor area (you've got to go through another line of defense to get upstairs to the bar) but all in all, it's not a bad place to see a show. -
Review from cherie c.
3/17/2008 ROTD 3/27/2008
The Troc is a legend. Movie Mondays are a blast. For $3 you get a $3 bar credit and a free movie. And popcorn, too. The shows offer a pretty good range of well-known to obscure.
My favorite Troc story: way back in the 80s, my cousin & met at our grandparents house before a show. Grandmom asked where we were going. When I said, "The Trocadero," my grandfather slowly turned to me with a suspicious look and said, "What the hell are you doing there?" A relative explained that they now hosted rock shows. Grandpop then told me about going to see Gypsy Rose Lee there. I assured him I wasn't headed to a burlesque show, and he was relieved.
Anyway, they bring in some good shows. Just be prepared for a loud time. As for the staff, they are nicer these days. Remember when the staff shirts simply read "F*** YOU?" Ah, the old days.Listed in: ROTDs
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Review from Shannon Y.
Philadelphia, PA
7/15/2011
I've been going to shows here for longer than I care to admit and I have never had a bad experience. I love the balcony especially because it reminds me of the single best show I have ever been to (The MC5/DKT with my dad). The only think that holds this venue back from being a 5 star place is the over-zealous nature of the security guards. I understand safety, but taking away my favorite pen before a Doug Stanhope set is pretty silly.
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Review from Christopher R.
Philadelphia, PA
12/5/2009
I was racking my brain all Friday trying to remember if I had ever been to the Troc and I came up blank. So, Ghostland Observatory marks the first time I've been here and it made quite an impression; between the music, stage presence and awesome light show, if you want to check out a venue, you couldn't pick a better band. I like that they closed the balcony because I think the energy of the crowd really benefited from not being spread all over.
The layout of the venue itself reminds me of the TLA but with more rounded corners and slightly cheaper beers. I also like that they have a coat check ($3 plus tip).
I will be coming back here in the future.Listed in: Bring a spare butt in case you…
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Review from Jeff D.
6/21/2011
Saw a show here a few nights back for the first time. There is an upstairs and downstairs section. I cannot speak for the downstairs but the upstairs is small, yet cozy. I saw a friend play there and the sound was great. As for the drinks, ehhh. Once again, I understand that you are in Philly but $4 for a Yuengling on a Thursday? I must be used to Jersey prices. It wasn't that crowded but, I can see it potentially being that kind of place where drinks are spilled and shoulders are rubbed when fully packed. Overall, not bad.
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Review from Chad T.
Philadelphia, PA
11/23/2008
The Troc books great bands (thanks for giving Robert Earl Keen a place to play in Philly!) and has a great location, my rating focuses on the state of the venue's preservation.
The Troc is a beautiful old venue that is absolutely falling apart.
Please please please reach out to Penn's Historic Preservation program to get some guidance on applying for preservation dollars lest we lose another great old theater. You'll also be saving yourself some lawsuit dollars since it is only a matter of time until some plaster slips through that net on the ceiling and impales a reveler or two... -
Review from Vicki M.
Delaware County, PA
6/14/2008
Sadly, I've only seen 3 shows here (Rev. Horton Heat, Jello Biafra & Toad the Wet Sprocket - don't judge, Toad was great, even though it was a fairly sedate show).
I love the Troc. Unlike the Electric Factory, the bar doesn't fill up quite that quickly and even if it does, you'll still find plenty of standing room upstairs to catch the show. Like another reviewer said, the upstairs is stadium style seating with padding, so it's not too bad (comfort-wise). I love the layout of the place...for me, it always feels like part mid-90s grunge, part classy concert hall. Okay, maybe not so much on the "classy" part.
The sound is okay. Jello Biafra was great, but it was one of his spoken word shows; Toad, on the other hand, sounded a little off. It was pretty difficult to hear the vocals over the band, but still an all around great show. (Don't ask me about Rev. Horton Heat, that was the night I learned I hated rockabilly.)
The bar is great, I haven't had problems getting served there. The staff is generally pretty friendly (then again, I also happen to think that the staff members of both Buffalo Clothing Exchange & The Last Drop are pretty nice, and most Yelpers have seething hate for those employees) and all in all, it's a very nice change from the Electric Factory.Listed in: Oh Hipsters!
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Review from Joe Z.
Philadelphia, PA
6/30/2008
Like most of my reviews, my opinions are based on an inspiring event. I don't really write reviews about mediocre places. Only places that suck or are amazing. The Trocadero sucks pretty much as bad as anywhere have ever been. The staff and house policies are fascistic, and that it why I hate this place.
My first bad experience centers around not being allowed to walk down a flight of stairs to the front door. See, there are two flights of stairs that lead from the Balcony to the exit, both are well lit and go to the same place. After a screening of V for Vendetta, my girlfriend and I attempted to walk down that staircase because the other one was jammed packed. We made it to the bottom and some moron bouncer told us that this way was off-limits and that we had to go back upstairs and come down the other way.
The door was 5 feet away at this point and being a ornery sumbuck, I said okay, and the bouncer turned away, so I walked for the exit. He grabbed me and tried to force me back to the stairs. I pushed him and made him throw me out just so I wouldnt have to go back up the stairs. My girlfriend was not too happy with me after that... Point is, close the stairs with a rope or something and use COMMON SENSE.
My second experience came two weeks ago. I won free tickets to the POPPED! Music Festival's opening night with Slick Rick and went there with a friend from out of town and my girlfriend. We were there a total of 10 minutes when the downstairs doorperson refused my friend access to the bar because he was visually wasted and couldnt even stand up straight. The funny thing is, we hadn't as yet drank a single drop of alcohol. So, I get thrown out for going on a tirade on how the Troc is a shit venue with terrible booking and draconian policies that are counter-intuitive and run completely roughshod over music and artistic expression blah blah blah.
Long story short, big clubs are crap. Especially this one. And yes, I know I'm an asshole. -
Review from Gray P.
Philadelphia, PA
4/10/2008
Well since I'm going to see Explosions in the Sky there tonight and work is particularly dull today I figured I'd give my 2 cents on the venerable Troc. Being a musician myself I generally know a good venue from a shitty one and the Troc is one of if not the best place to catch a national show in Philly (TLA - I refuse to call it the Filmore - and The Electric Factory also come to mind).
I've seen many shows at the Troc and the sound quality is usually pretty good. I also love the atmosphere. Upstairs is great with 2 bars and a little side stage for local acts and I really like the seating up there. Its stadium style bench seating but with padding so it doesnt take too much of a toll on your ass after a couple hours. If your more of a floor type person there is plenty of room downstairs to bust a move (or some windmills/flailing kicks, depending on the type of show it is). -
Review from Ryan M.
Ridley Park, PA
5/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went to see pauly shore at the troc and the show was good however the building and staff are horrid. The place is dirty and has a permanant stickiness on thr floor. The beer tasted bad either from never cleaning the tap lines or from just having skunky beer. One female staff member would not allow my friend on the balcony and flagged him because she didn't like the way he looked. The thing was he was not even drinking and caused us to split our group to two sperate floors. Godd show bad atmosphere.
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Review from Jake P.
PA
4/4/2007
The best thing about "The Troc" is its location. Some pho before a show (rhyme noted) is reason enough to go. (triple)
It is crowded, tight and sweaty. Still, I feel more of a grown folk going here than The Church. They have a quality selection of artists in many genres coming through, and its a much better area on a weeknight than the alternatives. The drinks are typical, and typically priced. The crowd mirrors whoever is playing.
I'm getting further and further away from concerts altogether (even though I attended two in the last week), but The Troc holds its own. -
Review from Elizabeth B.
Philadelphia, PA
1/11/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I really do (heart) this place. It's kind of perfect!
Not too big, not too small. Good standing room area downstairs, and the upstairs balcony is spacious enough and you can see everything from a good vantage point.
Even at a sold out show I don't feel super crowded. Never had to wait long for the bar or the bathroom either!
The acoustics are sometimes a bit harsh at first but my little ears get used to it. It is a small price to pay for great music in a great venue. Love it! Can't wait to go back soon! -
Review from Danny S.
Philadelphia, PA
11/14/2010
I came here for a Sara Bareilles concert last month.
The sound was superb and I just loved the atmosphere. It might've been because of how engaging Sara was with the crowd, but I felt like I was in someone's studio just watching her perform a private concert for friends. The bathroom was much cleaner than I expected, so that's a plus.
I like the location of the venue as well, you can grab some food from Chinatown before/after the concert and enjoy a concert in a nice intimate venue. There are also seats on the upper level if you're like me and don't like to stand the entire time for a concert. -
Review from Dacia L.
Philadelphia, PA
4/2/2008
Ahhhh...the Troc...how I love you so. Many a night spent at a $7 show crowd surfing or in the mosh pit...how you molded my youth.
The Troc was the best place in Philly to see great bands, most of the time before they sold out and went mainstream, for dirt cheap. I haven't been back since I moved back to Philly but I love that you have $3 movie Mondays and that you still have fantastic shows lined up.
Hopefully I will be back in May to see H2O and then I will update my review. For now the Troc will remain the 5-star theater that allowed me to rock out my teenaged angst. -
Review from Meredith K.
Philadelphia, PA
4/21/2009
Since the last time I visited was in 2002, I didn't remember too much about this place except that I preferred it over the Electric Factory (of course, I'd prefer just about any venue over that shithole). My second visit was on Thursday to see the Felice Brothers, whom I saw once before at the First Unitarian. We got there just as the opener was going on and were able to easily make our way up to the front. However, in retrospect, I'm not sure this was a very good idea, as our ears were ringing the next day from being so close to the speaker. Also, I think the sound would have been better had we stepped it back a bit. That being said, the sound was way better than the Electric Factory, but didn't come close to reaching the sound quality at the World Cafe, the TLA, or the Tower Theatre.
One thing that I didn't like about the Troc is that they sequester the 21+ people from the rest of the crowd. You're not allowed to take beer up front, so I decided to just skip the beer for the night. The Felice Brothers are great entertainers, and I didn't want to have to stand in the back just so I could drink their overpriced, shitty excuse for beer.
As far as the crowd up front goes, it was worlds better than what I experienced at the Factory. The crowd at the Factory had me seething, whereas the crowd here was just mildly annoying. There was no pushing and shoving, so I was happy. The band put on a great show, and although I preferred the Church's sound, the temperature here was much more tolerable and there was more room to dance around. Overall, definitely not one of my favorite music venues in Philly, but leagues better than the Shit Factory.
