HarrisburgNightlife

Excellent pics. I’m in pretty high demand for the next few weekends but I hope to find my way down sometime by July. Looks like we may have a winner here.

Left by floor9 on May 17th, 2008

I absolutely love Level 2! I have managed to get there twice since their grand opening and have thoroughly enjoyed both experiences. The atmosphere is trendy and relaxed. I love the fact that they have a strict dress code, because it keeps out unwanted crowds and the integrity of the club/lounge is kept to its high standard.
I recently took advantage of the bottle service, and… WOW!! The staff at Level 2 is exceptionally kind, courteous, and provides one-of-a-kind service like I have never experienced from any other establishment on 2nd St. Not only will the bottle service keep my friends and me returning, but so will the friendly staff!
Big Kudos the one hostess Erica, for keeping me company and chatting with me until my “late” friends arrived!

Left by Mandy on May 29th, 2008

Level 2 needs to learn the meaning of discrimination. Several friends and myself tried to go in Saturday 6-7-08, only to find that men are required to wear pants and shoes (no sandals or shorts of any kind) in 97 degree weather to get into their club. Women however, can wear pretty much anything as long as they look good. This is a bar that I have seen try to use dress codes as a way to also discriminate against certain races. Ethnic clothing is also disallowed in this club. Tennis shoes, t-shirts with certain print, certain jeans and anything you may see any rapper wear in a video is disallowed. Racial profiling in business is not a good practice. I will not spend a cent in this bar again. I have been in the club when it first opened and oh yeah, we did spend a lot of money. The same people that were kept from getting in this bar saturday (10 of us)generally spend $60-100 each per saturday night in harrisburg. That is an average of $800 per week, $3200 per month, or $38,400 per year that this bar will never see. We all own homes and have never been arrested. Do not go to this bar, they don’t deserve a single dime from harrisburg.
Chris

Left by chris on June 8th, 2008

When I first went to Level 2 - I really liked it. I felt like I was in NYC at a cool lounge. I also respect that they have a dress code, however, the dress code is unrealistic and discriminatory. Guys with shorts and nice polo shirts are not allowed in because they “say” the dress code says NO to shorts. Period. However - a girl with booty shorts and barely-there tank top are more than welcomed. This is gender discrimination and just hypocritical to their “dress code”. Level 2 has lost a lot of business from young professionals (my friends and I are attorneys, insurance brokers and work in the health department) due to not allowing males, dressed nicely into the bar due to their shorts.

Left by T on June 9th, 2008

I went to Level 2 on 6/7/08, and I can tell you that I will NEVER go back. I have never been treated, seen people I know treated, and seen people I didn’t know, treated so poorly.

First, the dress code. Everybody talks about it being strict, but I saw guys wearing shorts with sneakers and a t-shirt in the place. I saw people wearing flip flops and t-shirts as well. Then I saw them turn away a guy wearing a collar shirt, jeans, and brown shoes, that were by no means sneakers, but weren’t necessarily dress shoes, either. They turned him away because of his shoes. They flat out discriminated against him based on his shoes when there was a guy inside with shorts and Nautica running shoes on.

Next lets talk about the bouncers. These overzealous elitists don’t care about your customer experience. I know this because one of them told me. They have a nice open floor for you to relax and chat with people, but you’re not allowed to stand anywhere. A bouncer told me to move a half dozen times becauese the wait staff needed a dedicated space to walk, right through the middle of the place. I recommend they do what EVERY SINGLE OTHER WAIT STAFF I HAVE EVER SEEN IN ANY PLACE I HAVE EVER GONE does and that’s simply excuse themselves by people. The place wasn’t even that crowded, they had plenty of room to get by. I’ve seen places 3 times as crowded work like this, with no problem. When I told my friend to move, that he couldn’t stand where he was standing, the bouncer pulled me aside and gave me a talking to. He treated me like a second class citizen and told me he doesn’t care about customers experience at the place.

Third, they kicked out a girl that was in the group I was there with for no reason, that we can determine. She wasn’t drunk, if she was I wouldn’t be mentioning this.

Lastly, I checked my bank account and they charged me an extra $24.00 on a separate transaction. Now I need to call them and straighten this out.

Save yourself the hassle, never go here.

Left by Jeff on June 10th, 2008

WOW..finally a really nice high class lounge, looks like the one of the lounges in D.C. Don’t have to drive 2 hours for an environment like this!

Left by s on June 10th, 2008

I went to Level 2 at the end of May. The club is nice and the prices are awesome compared to big cities, but it is definitley no NYC, Miami, or even a Philly or DC club!! Even in these cities, known for their nightlife, bouncers do not turn guys away for wearing flip flops.

A guy in our group who was not even wearing flip flops, but had on a pair of nice brown shoes was still turned away by the bouncers because they said he was wearing sneakers, they were obviously not sneakers. As long as guys don’t dress like complete bums they should be allowed to wear nice sandals/flipflops. Who wants to wear dress shoe in the summer?!

If Level 2 wants to be a “trendy” club, then they need to understand what is in fashion and what is “trendy”. Maybe going to a real club/lounge in a major city would help.

Left by MJ on June 11th, 2008

Just like all of the other clubs downtown, Level 2 is another spot for coke heads to go and get whatever they want from the other customers.
Dont let the swanky facade fool you…this place is another breeding ground for hardcore drug use, just like all of the other holes in the wall in downtown harrisburg.
Dont believe me? Go into Level 2 any night you choose and ask around…hell, ask some of the politicians from the capital…they’ll point you in the right direction of where to get the blow. Ask one of the waitresses or the bar tender. You WILL get whatever you want. Such a shame that this is the kind of “nightlife” that young people are being attracted to.

Left by B on June 11th, 2008

All I can say is WOW!!! This place was extremely classy and yes the dress code is strict but it has to be… I myself had a great time and found this place to be unlike any other. For all those who are upset because of the dress code, wear proper attire and you will get in. This place isn’t for everyone obviously, but those who abide by the dress code will enjoy it and have a great time with other classy individuals…

Left by HM on June 13th, 2008

personally.I loved this place. everyone was very friendly. the service was great, I was in the vip and it was a funn experience. I will definitely go back.

Left by es on June 13th, 2008

Level 2 is the classiest spot in downtown Harrisburg. The dress code is strict, but fair. The staff is attentive, curtious and always presents their guests with an enjoyable experience. I personally have not seen drug use at Level 2. My wife and I plan to frequent Level 2 - we’ve been waiting for a place like this to arrive in downtown Harrisburg and it’s finally here!

Left by JP on June 13th, 2008

Dress code here is ridiculous- turn me away for wearing sneakers even though they’re spotless and brand new and go with my outfit? These people need to investigate a REAL upscale club. Never going to this place again.

Left by K on June 15th, 2008

Sorry K, you can’t polish a turd. Sneakers just don’t qualify as “upscale” to me. Maybe what Level 2 is trying to do is bring a change or renaissance to Harrisburg. Seems like a good thing to me. If every person in downtown Harrisburg were to abide by this dress code maybe it would embrace a Philly or New York feel, instead of the “drunken phrat party” feel that it has now. Why hate on them for trying to improve?

Left by z on June 16th, 2008

so in order to get into Level 2 all the people who have nice expensive sneakers and/or clothes that do not meet the dress code should just go to Walmart and buy a pair of $10 dress shoes and a cheap suit and then you will be dressed classy enough for a bar in Harrisburg!

Left by Jeff on June 16th, 2008

Let’s get something straight right now. All of these attempts to “seem” like a philly or a NYC club are where smalltown harrisburg falls short…horribly. This is why these clubs always turn into “drunken frat parties” full of zombie like crack-heads. Maybe if harrisburg decided to get it’s own personality instead of making people think they’re somewhere they’re not, perhaps true culture could flourish.
I find it absolutely hilarious harrisburg tries to center itself as some growing cornucopia of cultural advancement to attract young people, but yet the archaic city counsel can’t even allow a tattoo shop in the area. And the one that they did, theyre not even allowed to advertise as such. What kinda backwards hobo redneck town is this?
Oh sure, Level 2 won’t allow sneakers, nor will they allow an artistic statue in front of the capital of a naked man’s genitals to be seen. Gimme a break.
All the while “downtown” harrisburg is nothing more then a setting for drunks, addicts and STD infested teenagers & 20 somethings to take pics for their myspace pages.
If you really want philly or nyc nightlife, then move there and be prepared for everything else that comes with it.
And just like a big city club, all of the wanna-be’s flood these places with their dress shoes and snort lines of coke off of underaged girls ass cheeks.

Left by haha on June 16th, 2008

I am a thirty-something native of Philadelphia who travels frequently to Harrisburg with my firm. I read the blogs of this site frequently, and I felt the need to post after reading some of the peculiar and emotionally charged diatribes coming from disgruntled patrons who believed they needed to protest “all things upscale” because they were denied access to Level 2.

I must say that Level 2 is a breath of fresh air (literally) for downtown Harrisburg. I don’t mind the dress code at all. Despite some of the emotional rants written in earlier blogs, I believe its policy to be consistent with many of the clubs I frequent at home. For the most part, the staff seems to be attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. I was especially impressed with the unique and inventive cocktail menu. Also, their bottle service menu and policy is a great idea for the clientele to whom they are catering; but I am usually alone or with only one other colleague, so it may be overkill for me.

Also, I liked the fact that Level 2 is primarily a non-smoking establishment. I know they offer a smoking room; however, this reminds me of an airport smoking room as it became quite odorous as the night went on. What I liked about it was that I could choose to be exposed to the cigarette smoke, not forced as occurs in many other bars and clubs in PA.

I would highly recommend Level 2 for anyone looking for an upscale lounge to relax with friends and listen to outstanding DJs. I was totally excited to see DJ Adam Bomb mixing this past Saturday - excellent entertainment!

Good luck to the owners, and congrats for creating a cool place with a big city feel - a first for Harrisburg. As noted, I guess it’s not for everyone; but I will definitely be back! Well done!

Left by Jason on June 16th, 2008

upscale? fine. dress code? go right ahead. However - if Level 2 is going to have a strict dress code, they need to enforce it- CONSISTENTLY. Why are girls with shorts and sandals allowed in, but not guys? Why are their valet staff allowed to wear shorts on hot summer nights? Also, one of their managers used to bartend at Fisagas (now called Spice) and was notoriously known to be a jerk, charge you for drinks that you didn’t have and not serve guys (my boyfriend and guy friends would make me order their drinks, because he would never serve the guys). It’s ashame because I like the idea behind Level 2 and like the atmosphere of it, but won’t go there again until changes are made. I want to see unpretentious staff and consistent enforcement of the dress code (or changes made to the dress code). Level 2 needs to build/fix its credibility - which is sad,since it’s a new place.

Left by Tala on June 18th, 2008

The WHP 580 plug is cheesy.

Left by ndeep on June 18th, 2008

I have to say I’m a little surprised at all the complaining over the dress code. I am all for the dress code. It keeps a nicer feel to the place when you can look around and see people that actually took 3 seconds to clean themselves up before they went out for the evening.

Although feeling slighted or discriminated against is ridiculous. Clean yourself up, don’t go out looking like college frat trash or that you think you’re triple XL t-shirt actually looks fashionalbe. Dress appropriately and stop whining.

As for them striving for another city feel - it may be so, although there is a very classy niche of people that actually reside in Harrisburg — who are rejoicing at the fact they have somewhere to go to get away from the majority of the row bars. (There are very few decent places downtown for those who actually want to go out and order a glass of wine as opposed to a watered down Miller lite).

As far as girls being let in with sandals and shorts and not the guys is simply the fact that there is a little thing known as cargo shorts and “mandals”. Come on.

Also - why the upset over those who are in there that are supposedly breaking the “dress code”? This is what that probably comes down to… they know the people that you wish you knew. Unfortunately, that is the universe, not fair to everyone. Enjoy yourself when you’re there instead of crying over the fact that you couldn’t wear your sweet new Roxy mandals out.

Left by A on June 23rd, 2008

I’m very excited that they’ve finally opened up a club in Harrisburg where you can go so you can feel that you’re better than people who go to other bars.

Thank You Level 2 for catering to the classy crowd, instead of the low life frat crowd that clearly frequents other bars. I know it makes me sleep better at night knowing that I’m better than everybody because I can meet the standards of a dress code and order a glass of wine.

/sarcasm off

Left by Classy Niche on June 23rd, 2008

I found this place to be classy and much needed! Great environment, friendly staff, and even more wonderful people to speak to.

After reading down through some of these I’m a little amazed. I think if you have a problem with the dress code, it’s probably not a place that would fit for you to go.

To each their own but no need to get salty. And I, for one, do feel better than most for having better taste in my drinks and where I want to spend my evenings. Let alone the crowd I want to surround myself with.

It’s obviously for a more classy crowd and wasn’t planted to cater to the masses.

Love it.

Left by Nicole on June 23rd, 2008

Enough of the negativity about the dress code… I think the dress code is a spectacular idea and the rest of the downtown bars/clubs should take this into consideration for their establishments as well. Can we at least keep one place upscale and trendy, without the “regular” downtown crowds coming in and messing it up for the rest of us?!?
The dress code is enforced for a reason… If you don’t want to abide by it then go to the Hardware Bar, Dragon Fly, or elsewhere, where they let anyone and everyone in… To the point that you are crowded in there like sardines in a can and can’t make it to the bar to get a drink.
Level 2… You keep up what you are doing! Good for you for making at least one place nice to visit downtown. No other place that I rather go to!
Thanks!

Left by Mandy on June 27th, 2008

“Classy” isn’t something you force through a dress code or valet parking … it’s something that comes from having quality service, staff, food, wine, etc.. Level 2 is trying way too hard to force-feed “class” and it’s completely transparent to those who know what true class looks like. You don’t see Stocks on 2nd or Mangia Qui kicking people out based on clothes… that’s because they naturally draw the classier side of Harrisburg by their reputation of being great establishments. If Level 2 wants to do the same, they need to stop with all cheesy pretentiousness and just let the ambience of their new lounge, plus the food and wine selections do their magic. Anyone can buy cheap dress shoes and throw on a pair of pants and get into Level 2… that however does not make the place classy… it just masks the trashy who want to check out the new bar in town. It’s attitude that makes a different, not clothes. So for now, as much as I like the ambience of Level 2… I’m sticking to the true classy spots in Harrisburg.

Left by whatajoke on June 30th, 2008

If you don’t like an establishment then just dont’t patronize. Grow up and realize that you will not be accepted everywhere you go doing whatever you want to do.

Are you even old enough to be responsible for yourselves.

Your opinions are very telling of your ability to socialize with all types.

Left by D used to B from the Burg on June 30th, 2008

I must say, I had a chance to visit this well talked about establishment and I enjoyed myself. I went with a few friends and we had a blast. We also had a chance to meet with a lady who I believe is named Jenny. She was very nice, but the smell of alcohol as she spoke was distracting. If she is a spokesperson for Level 2, she should put down the drinks and be more professional.

Left by Jacob on July 10th, 2008

OK. I went to this bar with a group of ladies. We were supposed to meet a friend at Level2. Never been there, we didn’t know it was going to be so pretentious. Our friend was in this supposed “VIP” area. So, we all went in - all dressed nicely and were allowed up the stairs - but got stopped by the little guy dressed in this black (not well fitted) suit. He asked “who are you with?” WTF??? Who are you with? Our friend is not a superstar or a pro athelete, he’s just a regular guy who knows a couple business owners in the area - high, middle class, nothing special. Anyway, we told them who we were there for and he said “who’s that.” Of course…no one knows, some VIP area. They didn’t even know the people already in there. Come on… upscale is nice, ambiance is nice, bottle service is great and even the dress code is acceptable. It is nice for people not in their 20’s to hang out to have a good time. Needless to say, the guy wouldn’t let us all in the VIP section and we were forced to leave and go to the 20-something places with music elsewhere. What a shame. I probably would have actually liked the place.

Left by IHL on July 10th, 2008

I totally agree with what “whatajoke” wrote on June 30th about not being able to force class on people through the dress code. I’m mostly ok with the dress code because it keeps out the riff-raff, but I wasn’t impressed with the professionalism of the staff…especially the little VIP bouncer man. I’m there a few weeks ago with a small group of friends, guys and girls. Someone in my group somehow got us into the “VIP” section (don’t know how) and I’m last in line to follow my friends into this area. I’m straggling a little behind as this little man in a black suit steps in front of me and asks me who I’m with, with his hand on my chest. He wasn’t courteous or professional or even worth answering to. I think if this place truly wants to be classy, they need to hire courteous, professional staff with good people skills, who show respect. That’s what will bring the ambiance of class, otherwise it’s just another lounge/bar…except for the nice decor and dress code…so what. I’ve been there a few times and was never overwhelmed with the feeling of “class”.

Left by Gimmeabreak on July 16th, 2008

That was a great post. I will have to bookmark this site so I can read more later.

Left by NYC Society on August 26th, 2008

wow, lot of opinions on here, good bad and otherwise, but it breaks down like this….
level 2 is NOT for everyone. yes it’s upscale, a bit more expensive and enforces a dress code unlike pretty much every other bar downtown, but that is what makes it unique. if you want to stick to the floor, get bumped into every 5 minutes, spend 50 cents on drafts, dress down and hear the same 25 songs everyone else plays, then there are PLENTY of other bars to frequent. i for one, and yes, this is just another opinion, think it’s exactly what this area needs, because it’s something different. a few years ago 2nd st had a major nightlife boom, then something happened along the way and everything changed. it became homogenized, every bar downtown began competing for the same crowd. remember the original mars and noma ? nice places with great music, a good staff and…….. and…… dress codes. level 2 fills a void which has been absent for quite sometime. the bottom line is, if you’re feeling discriminated against, or think level 2 is too uppity and pretentious, check it out on a weeknight. wednesdays and thursdays are much more relaxed, with a friendly staff and the dj those nights is every bit as good as the ones on the weekends. it is a nice room, with great sound, good food and adult beverages… so dress like one, look sharp and check out something different.

Left by alan on September 13th, 2008

It simply amazes me how so many people can complain about a dress code. As one writer commented on this site, if you don’t like Level 2 then don’t patronize the bar. I guarantee you the owner is not concerned with those of you who can not shed the jerseys, ripped jeans, and flip flops for one night.

Several of you who took the time complain about level 2 should take a little more time and educate yourself about this fine establishment. You will find a great interview with the owner of Level 2 on the link below. Hopefully you will realize that this establishment was created for a different crowd based solely on a business decision.

http://blog.spotobe.com/index.php/spot/entry/qa_cafe_fresco_owner_nick_laus/

Catering to certain individuals or a niche market was the exact reason this establishment was created. That is the mark of a true entrepreneur and the basics of marketing 101. Take time to read the interview and maybe you will understand that opening level 2 was strictly a business decision. This creation was not indented to employ elitists for the sake of discriminating against those of you who prefer to wear jerseys, ripped, jeans, and sneakers. This is America, a capitalistic society where consumers have the right to choose where they spend money. If you don’t like the dress code, go elsewhere while the entrepreneur capitalist owner makes money from people who do enjoy the establishment.

Here is a quote from the article ( interview with Level 2 Owner).

Q: Looking back at the way downtown has evolved in the last decade, are you still happy with the way that things are going? Some people seem to think we’ve already reached the top of the wave. Do you see growth?

A: (Owner of Level 2) I have to say yes, because I’ve been successful so far. I am disappointed in what we call Restaurant Row. We’ve become almost like, Restaurant/Bar Row. With that, the people who have money won’t stay here all night. The people who have capital, the older people, leave town by 10 o’clock, because there’s nothing offered for them down here. That’s why I decided to do Level 2 and market to people who were getting missed.

Left by Anonymous on September 14th, 2008

I think it’s nice to get dressed up once in awhile. It’s good to have something different around. It’s like having a dollar store AND a Walmart in the same area. How convenient. Okay, maybe that’s not exactly the best analogy but u know what I mean. right? lol…But anyway if your not looking for something different and the usual bars/clubs is what your looking for, then why even worry so much about what this new lounge is doing? Just stick to the usual. For me, I’ll be goin back and forth between them all. =)

Left by kmrgrl on September 28th, 2008

Man, you guys should be happy that people are even putting money into this city. I’m originally from Harrisburg and now live in Miami. And I wish you would try to go into a club out here with shorts and flip flops. Any descent spot worth getting into should have a dress code. and damn, how hard is it do put a little into how you look? Something’s wrong, if you can wear the same outfit to Kokomos that you would to Level 2. Get some class Harrisburg! Yall need to get out more and see how the real world parties! Kudos to Nick for stepping his game up and giving people in Harrisburg something to look forward too, something with class! I enjoy it when I come home!

Left by Anonymous on November 11th, 2008

I love this club for the most part seeing women in a dress and heels is what im pretty much use to in philly kind a tired of that delaware ave feel in the other clubs(people who ever lived in philly know what im talking about)Im a black male and in there nobody ever treated me or my friends different.They just perfer to have grown adults that look like grown adults so for all the whiners go get yourself some dress shoes,apair of slacks,and a nice fitting botton down shirt and go have yourself a nice adult time.then write back

Left by D.SMITH on December 8th, 2008

In response to the comment by “z” on June 16th 2008

“Sorry K, you can’t polish a turd. Sneakers just don’t qualify as “upscale” to me. Maybe what Level 2 is trying to do is bring a change or renaissance to Harrisburg. Seems like a good thing to me. If every person in downtown Harrisburg were to abide by this dress code maybe it would embrace a Philly or New York feel, instead of the “drunken phrat party” feel that it has now. Why hate on them for trying to improve?”

Embrace a Philly or New York feel? I live in Manhattan and let me tell you, MUCH nicer places have MUCH looser dress codes than this place and they are frequented by MUCH trendier people. Take a visit sometime to some of the nightspots in these cities you mentioned and you’ll see how it really is! I’m not saying everyone should go in flip-flops, but turning away people wearing clean, fashionable footwear is ridiculous! Oh, and by the way, “phrat” is spelled “frat” (comes from the word fraternity).

Left by B on December 26th, 2008

Im from philly and work in Harrisburg on the weekend,I just went to Level 2….and I was blown away that Dj Sat-One was there djing.He’s one of the best djs in the country and he’s in Harrisburg on a friday night…pretty cool.I felt like I was somewhere else,great vibe!I think this place might be over peoples’s heads up here.I wish this spot was in philly.

Left by Bob Gross on January 31st, 2009

Its abnout time someone steps up downtown. We all know Ron Kamionka is a joke, hes clubs and bars are bullshit. Anywho I was at level 2 10/16/09 and thats just what Harrisburg needs. Finally an upscale club with class without all the normal downtown thugs and problem. The dj was ok wasnt really impressed much. But as far as service and hospitality. One word (great)
So yes I would recommend this club to any one and I def. will be back..

Left by JASON on October 18th, 2009