The worst venue ever. Drinks were poured to the bare minimum (genuinely a splash of liquor), all staff were super rude, overall terrible experience. Please STAY AWAY! I've been to many clubs/bars/venues around Philly, this is by FAR the WORST! read more

Security wasn't friendly and was overzealous compared to other bars/clubs in the area. The door girl was miserable and got upset when I tried to show her my id instead of just handing her money for the $10 cover. The "club" was dead and drinks were on the expensive side. Would skip in the future. read more

Pulse has a nice VIP lounge (with a bar) overlooking the downstairs bar and dance floor. Can get crowded, and if DJ Wikked is spinning, you're in for a fun night! This spot is usually open past 2 am and the price for shots is expensive ($10/shot). Never had any problems with the bartenders or staff. Calling this place a night club is a little stretch, as it's smaller than my car. read more

I was walking by the entrance of the Pulse Night Club and Bar tonight, not even intending to enter, and the bouncer, an older gentleman, looked me up and down and rudely told me: "Yeah, you can't come in". This is almost certainly because I am visibly queer, and the bouncer felt the need to deny me access that I didn't even ask for solely because of the way that I look. I am disgusted by the behavior of the bouncer at this club, and I see that I am not the only one who has left a review complaining about his behavior. I will not return to this business and I will encourage all of my friends to do the same, until they start showing their customers basic respect. read more

Five stars for PhillyRain! What a bumpin DJ! I loved his music, vibe, and jams! I went on a Friday night and his music was so classy and his transitions were so smooth and seamless. The ambiance was good when we arrived around 1am. It wasn't too crowded which is good. There was plenty of room and space to dance and have a good time. It's all about the music in my opinion. So, five stars! There is a forced gratuity of 18.5% on drink purchases. We ordered two beers, one jack and coke, and one club soda and it was $28. Then there was a forced gratuity that made it $33. No complaints about my drink tho. Some of the bouncers are sweethearts and obvi PhillyRain is the bombdotcom. The door girl is a bit prickly and unhappy. She's about 5'9, 140lbs, and has a cute blonde bob. This is one of the only places in Philly that stays open until 3am, so that's fun! There's a door cover of $10. If it's empty, they let you in without cover. read more

Thump, thump, thump, thump. The skinny: Pulse is an after hours club that stays open until around 3. This is prime real estate in Philly, because there aren't many clubs of this variety. The space is relatively nice for what it is - it doesn't evoke the basement dungeonesque feeling that Club 27 does, while at the same time has a much more diverse crowd than, say, Plough. Dance floor is tiny, and gets packed. Keep your elbows in, and dance away. They usually stick to top 40 type stuff, but the DJ is always open to requests as long as it fits the mood of whatever he's been playing. I was actually just here last night, but they were spinning mostly house. So I had lots of requests (play "not house" please), but didn't bother making them. My only real issue with it is the astronomical prices for drinks, and the 30 dollar minimum for cards. Overall, worth checking out. Pro-tip: Bring cash. Also beware, people are allowed to smoke in here. You might not like that, pansy. read more

Went to pulse on a saturday night. It was empty as hell!! There were literally two drunk girls there. Drink prices were on the high side. The DJ played hip hop and took requests. The lighting was kinda cool but the vibe wasn't. They say it's an after hours club but looking at all the reviews here, it's a pretty wack club. Not sure why there was a security guard with an earpiece looking like CIA here, when there was barely no one here. Smh read more

Pulse Night Club - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

3 shots for $36 AND an automatic 20% gratuity added for $44? No wonder it's empty at 1 am. Never returning and no one should step foot into this stupid place. #ripoff read more

I had reserved the VIP area a month previous to arriving at Pulse. I spoke with the club manager Tito on the phone who took my name and number. When we arrived I located Tito who claimed to have never taken a call and had no idea what I was talking about and asked us to leave because there was a private party in the club that night. Although we were just a small party of 20 people I feel that the Club could have given me a call and explained this before my arrival, giving me time to find another venue. I would never return to this club or recommend it to anyone else for this reason. read more

Brand new psychological techniques have been recently invented that allow you to enjoy a Pulse Night Club Experience from your very own home!! WOW! Just follow the simple instructions below: 1. Put your head in your hands so that your palms are covering your eyes and your thumbs are pointed towards your ears. 2. Chant "I hate myself" for a full hour, without removing your hands from your face. 3. Remove your hands from your face, walk towards your toilet, and place a crisp $50 bill into it. 4. Flush the toilet and go to bed. -- Overpriced, ridiculously crowded, insidiously loud. This place is everything I hate in a place to go for any reason. read more

Open until 3:30am, free to females before 2am and $10 for guys. We weren't ready to stop dancing after Ladder 15 closed and gave this place a shot. It's a condensed attic space with mirrors on every wall to prevent claustrophobia and help you monitor your dance moves. The crowd was in high spirits, in each sense of the term, and the dancing was fantastic. Lots of jumping, grinding, and grooving. No tap water is given to customers. Only bottled water is sold for $3. A dangerous policy, so hydrate prior if you are able. read more

I really wanted to give this place a shot since it seemed like the underdog on Sansom in comparison to ladder 15 and a few other places nearby. The cover was 10 bucks each. It has a nice interior, but that is where the charm stops. My girlfriend and I were the only people there besides a few drunk stragglers from a private party that just let out. The bartender charged us 10 per mixed drink; which were both bad. My girlfriends' was heavy handed on the liquor where mine was devoid of anything that resembled booze. The dance floor was too small to accommodate more than about 10 people. This was of no consequence since there was no one in the place. By far the worst part of this endeavor was dealing with the attitude of the staff. I was so disappointed that I requested my money back. Upon doing so I was denied my refund in spite of me only being there 10 minutes. I explained my reasons for disappointment, and was told that they didn't give a sh*t what I thought. I really hope that this place goes under. No customer should ever be treated in that manner. If you want to get reasonable and good drinks go to the raven lounge, Oscars tavern, or 1518. These all have nice staff and a variety of different feels. read more

On a slow night, the security guard pretty much body tackled me and insisted that I go inside (and please don't forget to bring your wallet). Being somewhat the type of guy that believes in the path of least resistance, I obliged and ordered. If you are a smoker, smoke 'em if ya gots 'em...right there at the bar. This place wasn't packed by any means. If every person in attendance smoked, your clothes wouldn't have even smelled the next morning. The Surgeon General would have little problem with the atmospheric conditions this night. One of the ways that I judge the Last Stop of the Evening is by checking the web cache on my smart phone the next morning. Without going into details, the highest rating in history goes to a place where I had apparently done a google search to get directions to a city in Siberia. When I woke up after this place, my web cache had a photography website with images of kitty cats and people with sad eyes. A star, just because. read more

I really hate this place yet I find myself here at the end of every night I end up going out in Philly. Bouncers are so rude (even though we've been coming here for years and they know us). Not like I'm looking for preferential treatment, but everyone is deserving of civility. They don't make girls pay cover anymore which is great and the only real reason we go is to dance. I always(x2) bump into people I know and it is an average priced bar ($3 waters, etc). Anyway, try another after hours spot if you wanna keep the night going, people are usually super wasted and the dance floor is uncomfortable because it is suffocatingly small. You'll leave unhappy. read more

I've only been to pulse as an afterhours spot and I have not been impressed yet. I've been there 4-5 times. My BIGGEST complaint is that it's 15 dollars for entry, another 4 dollars to check your coat and then the beers are like 6 dollars. There should be a trade-off somewhere in there. Monetary policy aside, there's just something about this place that makes it un-enjoyable. The music and DJs leave a lot to be desired. Would it kill them to learn how to match beats instead of just cueing songs or killing channels? The girls are attractive but generally unapproachable because: a) they think they are hotter than they are b) they happen to be from across the ben franklin c) they've watched too much jersey shore d) they seem to be on their cycle, always. it can also feel hyper-aggressive inside, very Darwinian but just the bad traits. should one MUST go to an after-hours spot, you might want to try the arts garage or club 27. i forget if they accept credit cards or not. read more

OK honestly, this place is pretty gross. Before I even walked in, I stood outside with my friends that had dragged me there looking at my phone saying "Guys, this place does not have good Yelp ratings... are we sure we need to go in?" This is where everyone ends up for late night after the main bars have closed on a given night. This is where the trashed get trashiered (yeah I just made a word up). The space is upstairs from the entrance and it's cramped quarters. It's a split level space, not too wide, with a sticky dance floor. I will say that the music was pretty good and dancing was great until the place got packed with lurkers. The staff are all nice and kudos to them for putting up with the crazy drunko's in there. read more

Honestly this is probably the worst bar in Philadelphia. Let's start with walking in: the bouncers here (career bouncers in their 30s mind you) instantly give you attitude, like you don't even belong there. They also eye up every girl you walk in with. Comparable to Ronnie from the Jersey Shore. Huge tools. Fuck this bar and every tool in it. hot bartenders tho. Clean drinking water upon request. read more

We were in Philadelphia for the New Year's Eve and were looking for a night club, not too far from our hotel and this one showed up. We called them and checked it they were opened and the entry charge. Finding this place was easy but finding a place to park was difficult because most of the paid parking lots were full. We arrived at about 10:30 pm and the place was pretty crowded. They were charging $20 per person as the entry fee at the door. We quickly grabbed our drinks and hit the dance floor. I was surprised when a friend of mine told me that the drinks were costing more if paid by card instead of cash. Thankfully, another friend had cash with him. Within another 30 minutes or so, the place was totally packed and there was hardly any space to move. The crowd was good and it felt like a "dive night club". The DJ was playing popular tracks and kept everyone dancing. They also have an additional floor which is their VIP lounge I guess where I did see people smoking. Overall, it was a pretty good. Maybe the experience would be different on other days as I read in the other reviews. If I'm in Philadelphia again, I will definitely try Pulse once again. Cheers.. happy new year read more

Maybe because it was a Wednesday and things don't hop on hump day. I see some cool pics on Yelp. There's a security guard standing outside. I figured if there is a guard there has to be a few people inside, right? Yes...a few --- the bartender and two dudes hanging at the bar. There's the few. We took a spot at the bar, ordered a drink and were out calling it a night before we could finish the beer. read more

I went to Pulse one night with friends in town and the normal bar scene shot to hell. Never been and we decided to give it a chance. Maybe it was because it was midnight and this is more of an afterhour spot, but I was exceptionally unimpressed. Drinks..... It's the city, I get it. You are going to pay premium. But come on now. $30 for 4 beers?? Domestic run of the mill beers at that! Again I get things come at a premium but you damn well know that case of miller lite cost you $20 and every other bar around you is charging $4 less then here. Dance Floor.... I've seen a better dance floor at VFW's. It's a small floor that provides little to no space. Again I realize the more crammed you are on a dance floor sometimes the better (not for this guy of course). But if I got 15 people on that thing the fire marshall would be throwing people out. Atmosphere.... Standard night club. Low lights, smokey, loud music. So I wont say this is positive nor will it be negative, it's more a point of view. Take it or leave it. Also they allow people to smoke in there. Not sure when this became 1983 all over again, but I found that odd. Overall Experience.... Again it is tough to judge because I went when it wasnt "peak hours" but even if it was I would not have enjoyed myself. The place was too small to actually have a good time and being in the city there are way more options. Heck right next door is Ladder 15, with 5 times more space on both of the two floors. It's no wonder the bouncers out front are heckling people to come in like they are selling goods on the streets. People shouldnt frequent this place even if it is 3 AM and the party just wont stop. read more

This place is awful. Drinks were crap and the prices were steep. Automatic tip? No thanks. Go elsewhere.

I was here for a MEETUP dance party which was a lot of fun if you wanna actually dance, so i recommend coming on those nights. After the regular patrons started coming in, the music became more spastic and less danceable. The crowd was full of very attractive men and women, so if your trying to "hookup" you have a shot. Other than that I'm not sure if there is a cover, but there is an area to hang your coat but it's not secure so your taking you chances there. I would go back if the music was more dance and less clubby, also there is some sort of lounge upstairs, but I didn't go up there so no words on that. read more

Oh Pulse. The security guards are always beckoning for visitors when I visit Ladder 15. If anything that should be a telling sign. Still, after leaving Oscar's one night with some friends from California, I decided to walk up the stairs and check it out. It was completely empty at 11:00 at night. What kind of club is empty that late at night? And dance club might be an overstatement. The place is about as big as my living room with strobe lights and cheesy music. It actually reminded me of a frat party. My friends and I ordered beers which were a tad on the expensive side for cheap domestic drafts. After reading the other reviews, I'm happy that we got there early and avoided the cover charge and the crowds of people. We were lucky the club was so empty because we were able to sit down in the small area located to the left of the bar, put our drinks on side tables and light up a cigarette or two before leaving. I can see how the smoking could DEFINITELY get old especially if the place got packed. All in all, I won't visit Pulse again. Nightclubs generally aren't my scene and the fact that it's overpriced and gimmicky is a pretty huge turn off. read more

I came here last Saturday with my girls and they had just opened. Easy to get in, no hassle. It was dead for the first hr and a half, but once the music became a lot more edm, more people came in around 2:35am lol. The crowd of men there weren't pervy or suspicious; they'll all about having a good time with the music! I loved that. Although I have the say the dance area passed the steps is pretty tiny...but hey! It's free cover charge. Whatever lol. Good vibes that night. The bartender ladies were sweet too. Drink prices weren't bad at all! Three stars only because the size of this place. That's all. read more

I wish I could give this place 0 stars. Drinks were INSANELY OVERPRICED and they poured minimal liquor. Why would you ever want to pay $50 for 3 watered down drinks. Do not go here. read more

other reviewers weren't lying! overpriced drinks! bartenders throw out arbitrary prices! charged $15 for a regular crown apple with coke. shouldn't be no more than $7-10. no crowd , at 1am. look elsewhere before here! read more

Worst experience ever, bartender rudely charged me and my friends drink all on one card even though we had all our cards out. And then on top of that she refused to reverse the charge and when I refused to sign the receipt she tried to get me and my friends thrown out. Never going there again. read more

Literally! Never going here again. I've been a regular for a while, but my experience tonight has completely turned me off. Went there tonight and for the second time the top floor was closed! In addition the bartender over charged my friend and gifted herself a large tip even though we had cash to tip her and all our cards out to pay separately! When we approached her about it she instructed the security to kick is out the club ! Completely flabbergasted since I've had an unsatisfactory experience twice I will not be a patron of this club EVER... AGAIN! read more

Wish I could give it less than one star - terrible staff, disgusting venue, and unsafe feeling. I wouldn't suggest this to any of my friends, acquaintances, or enemies. read more

my first recollection: it's smoky. (i apologize to everyone who smokes...i just hate waking up with that smell in my hair) the music is good and it's fun to dance around. if you get here after 2, everyone is already wasted and coked up. but i didn't like the bitchy old woman who shoved me and was yelling at me. please, you shouldn't be out at 4am. go home. read more

This place is horrible. It's like hell on earth, but with smoke machines and laser lights instead of fire. I went here on my first visit to Philly- and generally I really liked the other bars we went to. The only pull for this place was that it is open til 4am, which is the only reason I can understand people going here. We walk in. Guys have to pay a $10 cover. It's effing 2am, sir! But whatever, we go inside. I didn't even bother buying a drink, the vibe of the place completely ruined my buzz and there was no hope of getting it back at that point. If you want to stay out late, its kind of moronic to spend more money to hang out in this place. I left and went to a friends apartment, kept drinking there, and had a great time- more than I can say for this place. read more

TERRIBLE!! I was waiting for my friend for like 10 sec I the bouncer told me to move. I told him sure in 10 sec but he screamed to me. And when I told him be respectful he told me to get out , SCREAMING!!! This is ridiculous. I didn't call the cops bc I was with my girlfriend and I just wanted to go. I don't suggest going there bc you will not get a special treatment, like a costumer, like you deserve. They don't deserve your money! read more

I went to Pulse for the first time last night. Honestly, it will probably be the last time I go there. I was out with a pretty big group and the regular hour bars had all closed. One of the girls I was with suggested we migrate to Pulse. Once we got there, we found there was a gender-based cover. All of the girls got in for free, all of the guys had to pay a $10.00. We had a lot of guys in the group so obviously this did not go over well. There was also a $30.00 minimum on all card transactions. Additionally, the dance floor was small and cramped. Pulse bouncers patrolled the dance area all night, which just made it feel awkward. Not worth the time or the money. read more

Tried to book a private party for later this Month. All but guaranteed the space until owner tells me one week ago that they need my party to be over at 11 b/c they have a private party coming in at midnight. UNPROFESSIONAL!!! to say the least. Would not recommend dealing with this owner/staff for private events especially b/c they will sell you out and book under your nose to the highest bidder. read more

A bunch of crooks. Went in on a Friday night and ordered 2 Red Bull Vodkas. The bartender looked super suspect and almost screamed at me asking if I wanted doubles. I told her no, because obviously the late night club spot charges astronomical prices for a late night mix drink. I asked her to close my tab. Get the tab back and it was $70. I just looked at her and said ummm you just charged me $70 for 2 Red Bull Vodkas. She then started to freak out at me about how I ordered doubles and the charge was correct, etc. WOW. It was a lot to handle. I decided to hold onto the receipt and I'd talk to management in the morning. Something had to be done about this bartender. So I call in the morning and leave a message. Receive a call back from the Manager, Tito, who I told the story to. Apparently the girl was over charging customers all night. He told me to come by on a Friday or Saturday night and ask for him and he'd give me $70 cash. So I go by Pulse to get my money the next Friday, ask the bouncers for Tito. They say he'll be right with me. I wait, wait, wait, eventually get told he can't get to me tonight. OK whatever I'll come back the next week. Come back the next Friday, ask for Tito. Same thing happens. I then deal with a back and forth of texting Tito, asking him if he was going to be around to give me my money. After literally the 5th time this happened, I texted Tito and say dude wtf I keep coming by and you're not there. He says come by Friday, I'm working from 10pm - 3am, and ask for me. So I show up that Friday night, 2:53am, and ask the bouncers for Tito. They say he'll be right with me. Nothing, nothing, nothing. So I text him - Yo dude I am outside. No answer. *sigh*. Then I wake up in the morning to a text from Tito saying "WTF you doing YO DUDING ME at 3am?!?!?!?" I said yeah bro just following directions provided by you. Dude is a complete joke and thief. Then I tried to file a claim with my credit card company and apparently my time to dispute it was already up. Whatever. $70 down the drain - not a big deal but just a PSA to the public on how they do business at Pulse!!!! read more

Anywhere with a dance floor has a chance with me. In the back, there is a small floor which is constantly covered in strobe lights and fog machines (which prob help mask the cigarette smell other places in the bar). Its not the most swanky place, and the other people here aren't exactly the kind you'd bring home to mother, but it still gives great opportunity for fun with your friends at sub-NY drink prices. read more

The venue is still stuck in the 90s and they use plastic cups. I would not call it trashy but it is no "night club". Having a dance floor and playing club music is good but a good night club is so much more. B-school kids come here to reminisce the college days. Philly can do a lot better than this. read more

Came here after Ladder 15, it was great. Even sat down with the owner and he was very friendly and inviting. Would definitely recommend anyone to come here read more

The crowd is very questionable. However, it's a late night -- so if you are already drunk and with a good group of people, it can be a really fun end to the night. Ladies are free, but guys have to pay! Don't make this your only destination of the night, and definitely don't expect to meet someone. read more

I love this place, I used to go weekly and it just a chill spot, unfortuantly there are alot of fights but just keep to yourself and you should be good. Small dance floor, great drinks and nice upstairs to chill out and relax. Get popping after 2 am read more