by Gustavo J. on If you're coming here for a live show, I already have to apologize to you. The sound in the Grand Ballroom is deplorable for rock bands as the room is essentially built/renovated for drum and bass techno type sounds. I've once gone an entire concert there without hearing the vocals at all. That's 3 bands, no vocals, all night. Drowned out by the bass, drum, and guitar, completely not present in the mix. Was there even a mix? As a venue or club, it is definitely very nice. The Grand Ballroom is very charming and has a very good atmosphere about it. If good DJs or electronic acts are playing, you'll probably have a very good time. The Marlin Room I find a bit skeevy and while it's OK to dance in for a couple of minutes, the DJ usually plays out novelty top 40. The basement was too crowded to even attempt the times I've attended. I'm not very big on judging the places I attend by the crowds that I encounter there being that it isn't necessarily the place's fault that they've started drawing upon certain demographics, but I will say this, Webster Hall potentially draws the worst of the worst, and it does so frequently. I suspect that as a direct result, security and staff aren't very nice or welcoming. Simple door procedures shouldn't be all that complicated, especially for a club that has been in existence for 20 odd years. But instead of organization, the bouncers rarely know what's going on and guide the people (most of whom are dumb and annoying -- seek nightlife alternatives NYers) like dazed and confused cattle. If there's something good and cheap going down here, I'll definitely check it out. The douchebag parade is definitely amusing here and there. But if I had to attend this place more than once or twice a year, I would be a very unhappy camper.
by Hannelore Mcanaw on This place gets props for their multimedia rateclubs video thing! (are you seeing this up there) I haven't experienced THIS before. Steee-RIKE, Bowlmor. I think this place is a lot of fun and I like the vibe of the bowling alley cum sleek bar with music videos, but I do think it's a bit too expensive (though not as bad as Chelsea Piers). Good for a fun group event, but I couldn't make it a habit.
by Jenny R. on This place is what it is. I don't understand how people don't expect putting a mall in the middle of Center City Philadelphia won't end up in a disaster. But some highlights: Gamestop: Lots of geeks and helpful staff. I've had kids recommend a game in pretty much every system. It gets crowded in there but if you are shopping for video games in the first place then I'm assuming you have some time on your hands. Asian smoothie place in the foodcourt: I forget what it's called but they sell really good and fresh smoothies for cheap. Plus they are the nicest people and I like to tip them generously. Kicks USA: This is my favorite place to visit in the Gallery. It's bright as fuck in there but the sneaker selection is pretty good (for a sneaker store in a mall) and their fitteds are what's up. If you wait a few weeks, the $85 dunks you wanted are gonna be on sale for $60. They are good like that. That's about all the highlights I can muster. This is place is gross otherwise. Their woman's bathroom smells like period all the time, they have rats in their foodcourt (couldn't make this up if I tried), and most of their stores are so unkempt that you are better off digging through a trash dumpster.
