I wondered into a local gay hot spot called 12th Air Command.

254 South 12th Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19106
Hours: Mon- Sun 4pm to 2am
Accepted Payment: Cash Only

I’ve head the name 12th Air Command so many times in the years I’ve been wondering Philadelphia. Everyone has something to say about the place. I’ve mostly heard horror stories about it. I was excited to go there having built up this huge idea of what the place was based on hear say. Karaoke night is hosted by a very very cool man named Tinh on Tuesday and Wednesdays. If you go on either night you’ll find many different people from all over the area. Happy Hour From 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM be there because the drinks are out of this world. The outside of the building leaves one to wonder exactly what the place is all about. It’s something like a cross between old school Philadelphia architecture and 80’s art nouveaux. The front is arched in tall red columns with yellow behind it and teal above.

Every time I’ve ever walked by I wondered about the place. When you enter the door you go up a few stairs and enter the main room. The lighting is intentionally dim and the trim is all done in flat black lacquer paint. Years ago I used to go to club Tru in Atlantic City, NJ and it had a very similar feel to 12th Air. The main room is a large O shaped bar where visitors can sit and all see each other. The bar tenders here are very attractive. I went with a group of very attractive men and we all got looks when we entered the main room. We quickly made our way to the back where the karaoke is held. When you walk in the room there is a bar on the left that seats about 10 people its L shaped and behind it was a very nice young man named Dan. He was tall and Blond with emo skinny jeans and a thick studded belt. He told me to mention that he works there on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays if you’d like to go and see him for yourself. The room was fairly small with a stage on the rear wall where Tinh had set up the microphones and speakers. The stage was well equipped with a disco ball and a fog machine.

That’s Tinh in the picture above. He was amazingly friendly and told me to tell all of the readers to come out and sing. It will change your soul and make you more confident about who you are. 12th Air has an upstairs bar and a sky bar which were closed on the night we attended, so for the purpose of this review I’ll only be focusing on Karaoke Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I’ll return to review the other floors and events soon. The room quickly filled up with guys. There were a few women there too. The room was a healthy mix of 20-80 year olds and all races were represented. Everyone there was jolly and laughing and we spoke to 15 or 20 different people while we were there. I sang walk the line by Johnie Cash to mix things up a little bit. Everyone applauded and it was very nice to be warmly accepted like that even though I sang horribly. There were some really talented karaoke stars there that night. The bathrooms were a little on the creepy side. You can see everyone pee from anywhere in there. I’ve heard a lot of people tell how they were watched while they used the bathroom. I was watched too, but it wasn’t a big deal. I said “it’s kinda cold in here so it’s really not that great looking”. I got a smile and made my way out of the rest room. All that is understandable. The drinks are very strong and the environment is very sexually charged. The lights are dim and the place has a hook up in a corner feel about it.

However that being said. I found the people there very friendly and inviting. The drinks were very reasonable and we all laughed and had a good time. I would recommend this bar to someone who wants to have fun without worrying about judgement or how expensive you’re belt is. Its definitely not a place you’ll find any glitz or glam. Its not a high end club or fashion show. Its a local Philly gay bar. The people are average working men and women and are there for strong drinks and good times. Anyone can go here and enjoy themselves thoroughly I’m sure. All in all my friends and I made it out alive and I only spent $5 for a wickedly strong iced tea, having had one of the best times in a long time.Oh and for a Wednesday night the place was jam packed! A guy named Matt sent me his number on a napkin with a drink and asked if I’d take my his picture for the article. Here’s to you Matt.

1. Environment-6
2. Staff-9
3. Patrons-10
4. Prices-10
5. Product Quality-10
6. Over all Experience-10
I rate this place a 9. It’s fun, cheap and no frills. Go there love it and tell a friend.