World Cafe Live at The Queen

I’ve been at WCL at the Queen several times for upstairs concerts. As a concert venue it’s great. But not so much for a dining experience. The service & food has been OK to good in the past, but on a recent in May 2016 visit the service really seemed to decline. It took well over 20 minutes for a waitress to arrive at our table after being seated. Ordered drinks first, they took 15 minutes, but I didn’t get the beer I selected, they said the tap was dry. I had to wait until someone could change the keg. They had 7 beers on draught upstairs (they have 2 bars, one upstairs, one downstairs) and no lager & no stout among those those 7, but had 3 IPAs — seemed strange. The main course arrived timely and was hot, but the waitress only ever takes orders, they use separate «food deliverers» so they were confused as to who gets which platter. When we ordered dessert, the «food deliverer» was wandering around looking for our table and couldn’t seem to find us until we called out to him. They help wanted signs posted for waitstaff, and they need some.

Horrible customer device after wedding reception. Guests were told to take parking coins to garage and they would be able to exit because guests had free parking. Cashier in parking garage would not accept any invalidated coins and did not make any attempts to call the box office of World Live Café. We guests either paid $ 5 to exit or stated an extra 30 minutes until issue was settled. Ultimately, the guests who were told to just take their coins all had to walk back to World Live Café and wait for a manager to validate out coins.
I’ve never been so disgusted and the apathy of two employees. The cashier at world live that just told ppl to go and the garage cashier. Neither of the two went above nor beyond to take care of the situation.
The garage had a huge sign that read «World Live Café Parking» yet the cashier said, «Like I told you, I don’t have their number. I can’t contact them.» There is absolutely no logic in her statements.
She claimed that ppl from the wedding wet getting attitudes, seems like she failed to notice the person with the biggest attitude, herself.
We were upset that there was so much miscommunication about incident.
Amazingly, since I was the last guest to walk back to validate my coin, there was no one at the front desk, so I yelled for assistance. No one came. I wondered where everyone has gone that fast. The coin validator was on the front counter unplugged and unattended, so I took it, plugged it in the wall, and validated my own coin.
I walked back to garage, put my coin in and drove off. The cashier at garage did not say ‘good bye, thank you, I apologize for inconvenience, etc.‘
I will surely never pay this venue to have a wedding reception or any type of event. I would hate for my guests to experience such frustration.

The parking for this venue is not intuitive, so that is definitely not a plus. I went here to attend a small concert in their upstairs venue. Although the staff are friendly, the bar has few seats, and standing room is minimal.

We arrived on time for our reservation and were quickly seated. The reserved table was exactly what I had requested. Drink orders were taken and served promptly. Appetizers & entrees were also on our table soon after ordering. Buffalo wings and Quesadilla were cooked perfectly and quite tasty. My burger was a nice medium rare (as requested) and the salad was fresh & tangy. My date had the BLT&E which was also terrific. Live Music was provided by Cliff Hillis & Smash Palace. 1^st Class Entertainment from some of the finest musicians around. The sound was OUTSTANDING; it was Rockin’ but not too loud. FYI– I have never heard bad sound at a World Café event and I have attended MANY, MANY shows at the Queen, and in Philly, both upstairs & downstairs. The sound is ALWAYS GREAT! Thanks Hal Real for another wonderful evening.

Attended the «Grilled Cheese» and Beer Tasting event on Jan 16 2016, and a big thumbs up for the food, beer, and service. Will definitely attend the next event.

We had our son’s Bar Mitzvah party at World Café Live at the Queen in April, 2014. It was a fabulous party and Stefanie was wonderful to work with. It’s an incredible venue for a party or wedding. The rock and roll theme fit perfectly and we didn’t need to decorate much because the atmosphere is so amazing. I didn’t know what to expect with the food but it was really delicious. We did stations and the guests couldn’t believe how much food there was and how good it was. Desserts were also wonderful. Stefanie worked with us to create a menu for the adults and kids and everyone was thrilled. She was incredibly helpful from the minute we came to look before booking, to after the party — always responsive to emails and phone calls and really knowledgeable about everything related to the venue. Everything went smoothly and we were completely satisfied with every aspect of our party there. Easy and safe parking right across the street, too. Overall a fabulous and memorable day!

I had an enjoyable experience at WCL at the Queen. I went here for a concert in the upstairs venue. The space and ambiance is very much in tune with the WCL in Philadelphia. No pun intended. but it does feel and shares the same aesthetic like its Philly counterpart. We had a reservation for dinner and to watch the show. Our seats were literally steps from the front door so our view to the singer was at a sharp angle to the main stage. Not the greatest seat. but it was alright and made it through the concert just fine.
We all ordered different things. I had the pulled pork sandwich with eggplant fries. Sandwich could have been a bit warmer and the fries were good. The wings, quesadillas and the salmon entrée were very tasty and solid choices to order. Our waitress was working hard with all the tables, but she was attentive as best she could and we appreciated her honesty on some of the menu items.
Overall, I would definitely come back. I would up this rating to a 4 star but it was literally a very chill and laid back experience… which was great. Nothing went wrong, but nothing was overwhelming fantastic about the evening either. I enjoy WCL just in general, and I’m now curious about the downstairs experience. I’ll be checking the schedule for other acts…

Nice place to see good music. Intimate shows upstairs with bigger acts downstairs Convenient location right on Market st. Occasional free local shows, like Wilmo Wednesday, Fringe Fest preview, punk rock karaōke. Good happy hour Weds — Fri with discount drinks and $ 5 apps. If you get the eggplant fries ask for a side of marinara sauce instead of the ranch dressing it comes with. Have not had dinner yet (other than pizza) but, the lunches are a great deal. The desserts change up but, are usually very good. Great beer selection on their menu, but they don’t always have everything in stock. Staff I’ve dealt with has always been friendly. Overall a great place to support. Clean bathrooms.

I saw a concert here on 1÷15÷15 the concert was awesome and I loved the venue. There was plenty of room to move around and the music sounded great. My problem came in the form of the food. I stupidly showed up very hungry so I decided to try something out. There was very little to pick from downstairs. Fish tacos, chicken fingers, hummus, nachos, and a few other things. I opted for the $ 11 chicken nachos. The bartender said they are really big, I said I hope so for that much. She said give me 15 min and come back to the bar. After about ten I went to check and she said they just came up. I wish I had taken a picture of them because I would in no way consider these «big». As I started to eat them I realized they were cold! How can you make nachos cold? Especially when she said they just got delivered? My other problem was that they put onions on them and it was not listed on the ingredient list so I was not a happy camper. So fine I ate the cold nachos anyway because I was so hungry. About a half hour later I got the most upset stomach I have had in a long time! I don’t know what was in the cheese or the chicken but I was about ready to leave the concert I was so uncomfortable! Alls I know is that I will definitely go back for another concert but I most definitely will NOT show up hungry again!

The venue is great for live music. There’s a photo booth outside ($ 3). We came here after work on a Wednesday and they had a live band singing blues. There was no cover but I’m not sure about other nights. There was a decent amount of people here (considering this is Wilmington). It was mostly an older crowd. If you’re here for work I’d recommend checking it out if you’re free after work. Not much to do around here. I checked out the other singers they had lined up but I didn’t really see any big names (then again it is Wilmington).
Food– I got the fish tacos ($ 9) .pretty good comes with two fish tacos and small side of guac and hot sauce. I wasn’t really hungry but this isn’t filling. The taste was good but I’d prob should have ordered fries on the side. The loaded fries (bacon, cheese, siracha sauce) looked really good ($ 7).
Service is friendly and they take card. I’d recommend checking it out if you’re staying here for work during the week but I would not go out of my way to come here.

I have been here a couple of times for happy hour. They have drink specials and half price appetizers. The ginger wings and chicken nachos are delicious.
One time we stayed for a show they were having. The first band was nice love the music but the 2^nd one was so loud we had to leave.
This place can be pricey if you go in the evening after happy hour.
I wouldn’t mind going back for one of the shows and when I have extra money in my pocket.

I really like this place. The large room downstairs is an old theater renovated for live music, and the upstairs room is a cozy intimate setting for acoustic artists or local groups. I have not tried the food yet, but the evening is still young. :)
I am coming back to edit this because I ordered food later in the evening. I ordered the WCL Burger. It was delicious and cooked medium rare exactly as I requested. The croissant bun was notable as well. but the real stars on my plate were the sweet potato fries (a substituted for a modest $ 2 upcharge over the regular fries).
I’m not usually one to gush, but these sweet potato fries were amaaaazing! They came lightly seasoned with some sugar and some other secret ingredients, but I suspect what really set them was the light agave syrup that was drizzled over them. It wasn’t too much syrup, but it was just enough to set off a sweet flavor explosion in my mouth. I thought I died and went to sweet potato heaven.
The performance by Storm Large was also fantabulous, but then every artist I have seen here has been great. This review is really more about the venue, and on that front, World Café Live hits all the right marks. I’m adding a fifth star, because I need to go back again and have more of those sweet potato fries.

Strictly as a concert venue.
Were there for an acoustic show and the venue is much like the sister WCL in Philly. We were in the front row of the balcony and the sound and sight lines were excellent. I’m quite partial to these types of venues were you can settle in and enjoy shows.

The venue is not too shabby. The service is good, the drinks are tasty.
Saw Califone there, which was a super weird and sometimes awkward show… but all in all, the place is well suited for intimate performances.

This is an absolutely awesome venue to see a show! My friend and I went to see Ivan & Alyosha on a Wednesday night (you’ve got to check this band out). Parking was a little tricky to find, but when we finally found it, we were happy that it was in a safe garage and cost only $ 5.
The show we went to see was in the upstairs area of the venue, which moderately sized yet spacious. There were tables everywhere, and my friend and I were able to sit right next to the stage and enjoy food before and during the performances. (We arrived for the soundcheck, which was awesome.)
Some of the food seemed overpriced, but some of it was priced very well. I gravitated toward the Margherita personal pizza, which was only $ 6, and it was delicious. If you’re looking to eat affordably, pizza is probably your best bet.
We had an amazing experience here. The food was great, the layout of the venue was great, and the sound quality was excellent.
I cannot wait to come here again to see more performances!

What a venue! I came here after searching the internet for good live music and realizing it’d probably be easier to drive here than the location in Philly, even though that’s technically closer. It did not disappoint. The old theater has tons of charm, decent acoustics, and not a bad seat in the house! We were seated at a table in front of the soundbox and were perfectly comfortable. Parking was easy and just $ 5.
Unlike World Café Live in Philly, the menu is really limited and not at all veg-​friendly. I satisfied myself with Yuengling and fries (girl’s best friends), but I wouldn’t come here hungry.
If you’re looking to hit WCL in Philly but not so keen on who’s playing, check out the talent here. It’s definitely worth the drive to Delaware!

Beautiful old venue, great acoustics, unique idea, lacking service, sh*tty location.
A group of us reserved a table of 8 for the Cope show a few weekends ago. Driving down from Philly, we didn’t really know what to expect aside from those that had been to the World Café in Philly.
First, the venue is beautiful. High ceilings, old organ pipes up top. It made for gorgeous side, even though we were all the way back at a table by the bar.
The idea of reserving tables with waiter service for a concert is pretty ingenious, and it works well for a concert like Cope. However, service issues plagued most of the night. Too many tables, not enough servers, and drinks took quite a long time to come out. At one point, I just went up to the bar to order drinks, but I think I pissed off our server that way. Sorry lady, you were taking too long. Drinks are pretty reasonably priced compared to my Chicago-​standards, but for Wilmington, they are probably on the expensive side.
The layout poses some problems, especially with the tables behind the general admissions. You run into a lot of blocked views, which is compounded by the servers running about with drinks and foods. And you also get people reserving tables that sit and talk to each other the entire time, failing to actually watch the show. Just a bit annoying.
And downtown Wilmington… wow. Totally different than what I imagined. I always pictured it a corporate hub given all bankruptcy filings we do out of there. It’s…definitely not. Guard your wallets. But parking is plentiful!

I came here opening night when Ingrid Michaelson played. This venue is beautiful! So much history was created in this theater before it was shut down and then brought back to life by the same man who created World Café Live in Philly. I’ve only been in the downstairs stage area but the feel was very intimate and the sound was great.
I don’t know much about Wilmington, but I’m really excited about having the Queen there to see shows. I’m really excited for the revitalization efforts that are going on in the Queen’s area. I also want to go back at some point to eat in the upstairs area.

As an avid wine lover I’ve been to my fair share of tasting events and this has been one of the best experiences. Marnie Old is the Oprah of the Rijoa region of Spain. She is very dedicated to putting this wine region on everyone’s’ palates.
The event started with three tasting wines and passed h’orderves. The favorites of the borderers were the cheese crostini manchego and smoked cheddar atop a garlic brioche croûton. The figs with fennel were also amazing. The sweet fig with the licorice fennel left my taste buds hanging on for more. The wines matched up perfectly and were very drinkable all very young the highlight for me was the Palacios Remondo 2009 mainly tempranillo based wine that was juicy and very drinkable.
We sat down for the beginning of the tasting and tried three brand new wines one white and two red. Marnie discussed a little about the region and we tasted the way salt, sweet (honey stick) and smoke (smoke almonds) changed the taste of the wines. New fact restaurants over season with salt because it is the hope of the chef that you will be enjoying your dinner with a nice acidic wine (the wine cuts the salt in half). After our tutorial trios of appetizers were brought out blackened tiger shrimp, duck confit on brioche and pork loin.
Theses wines were aged longer than the previous wines the highlight of this tasting for me was the Rioja Vega 2009. It had a great body and paired very will with the tiger shrimp appetizer.
At the start of dinner the wines were all reserve wines. Lush batches that lingered on the palate and created a long finish. After tasting the dinner course which consisted of and herbed crusted lamb rack with potatoes and asparagus, sea bass with «Spanish risotto», tofu scallops with a sweet potato hash. Pairing the wines with this course was a fun challenge the favorite for me was the Marques de Caceres Reserva 2004. I’m usually not a fan of oak aging however French oak brings something else to the table and this wine was amazing!
Dessert was a trio of sweets a bacon doughnut, chocolate mousse and a mini apple tart. All quite good I was very full after the wine and previous courses so I just did small tastings of each.
Marnie is very passionate about her work and it shows in her presentation. I was very pleased with the execution of this event though there were a few hiccups that kept this from being a 5 start review.
The event started later than stated on the ticket and I think the late start impacted the temperature of our dishes. Every entrée was cold it’s a shame because I probably would have enjoyed them all a lot more if they had of been at least warm.
This event put me in a very good place it brought back memories from my trip to Spain and I would definitely return to do future events at the Queen

Came here on a Tuesday night to see a show. I didn’t know what to expect but heard that the venue is pretty new, having opened in a long-​abandoned theater in April. When I arrived, I found street parking to be pretty easy (and free).
There are two different stages/​floors at this place (though I read that there are possibly plans to open a stage on the third floor at some time in the future if this venue is successful). Anyways, this review is for the downstairs stage as that’s where I went for my concert.
First thing… It’s an absolutely BEAUTIFUL venue… one of the best I’ve been to in the DelMarVa region. Seriously… for the first 30 minutes or so, I would find myself staring at the venue’s décor.
The bands played on what I’m assuming was the former theatre’s stage. While there were lighting units and speakers, the venue did a good job to preserve some of the historical aspects of the venue. They also did not repaint the area around the stage so it gave the stage a quaint run-​down look that gave subtle nods to its past (such as the faded/​chipped murals). It was also cool that they allowed the audience to stand REALLY close to the stage (practically the edge). The flooring in the whole area was made of wood too.
However, the back half of that same room was impeccably renovated in a nice, modern fashion. There was a very long, classy looking bar at the very back and a handful of tables for patrons lucky enough to score one (the concert was billed as standing room only). There was also mood lighting that changed colors.
There wasn’t a bad spot in the entire area… there were clean sight lines everywhere (no columns or other view-​blocking obstacles).
There was also a balcony on the second floor. It wasn’t open for the show I went to but I guess if there’s a big act or whatever, it would mean extra seating.
Overall, the back half gave off a trendy lounge vibe while the front had this shabby chic-​ish look to it. And somehow they complemented each other… it wasn’t an awkward marriage of styles. To top it all off, while it wasn’t the most intimate venue I’ve been to, it still managed to have a good amount of intimacy… enough to allow the performers to connect with audience members at least.
I found the sound to be very good here too. The opening acts were mostly acoustic but they sounded really good. The sound was very balanced and clear… there wasn’t much coloring in the sound (ie unnatural bass). Even the house music that played between acts was very nice and articulate.
The headlining act was a full band with keyboards, 2 electric guitars, bass, and drums. The sound was still pretty good. It wasn’t quite as balanced as the opening acts and at times it was hard to hear the vocals over the electrics. Not sure if the sound people adequately sound checked the main band. But overall it wasn’t a bad mix by any means.
The lighting crew did a good job too. They messed up a few times by highlighting the wrong band member during vocal or instrumental solos but overall, it was well done.
The main reason I decided to deduct a star was that the food and drinks seemed a little on the pricey side to me. I understand that food and beverage at concerts usually have a premium markup but this seemed a bit much to me. I ordered a Dogfish Head beer off tap and a Peach Kamikaze and those two drinks ended up being a little more than $ 16 (not including tip)! I saw the menu for food, which admittedly was a little more reasonable. I think an order of french fries or chicken tenders were $ 6 each while an order of eggrolls or eggplant fries were $ 7 each. I didn’t try out the food though because we ate prior to coming to the show.
Overall, I had a great time at World Café Live at the Queen. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful venue with great sight lines and sound. I’d definitely make the trip from Baltimore again if there is a good show there!