Gillian Welch and the Good Vibes Tour hits the stage. Or, check out a party happening Highline Ballroom and a film under the stars.
Tag Archives: dancing
Cuba Libre
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is dedicated to a continued exploration of Cuban heritage, art, music, flavors and traditions. The open-air setting, tropical ambiance, vintage décor, upbeat Latin music and Concept Chef/Partner, Guillermo Pernot’s delectable menu of ‘Nuevo Cubano’ dishes and traditional favorites, make all of our restaurants a must-see, must-experience dining destination.
Sunset Salsa: free outdoor salsa dancing fiestas in Manhattan
Sunset Salsa is free Salsa dancing in Manhattan’s hip Meatpacking District. There are free lessons followed by a dance party with New York’s top Latin DJ’s.
The summer fun happens on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9pm at the 14th Street Park (at 10th Avenue). The party starts on Thursday June 6 and runs through August 29th. Visit sunsetsalsa.com for more information.
Cafeina: Wynwood’s lounge of choice for locals
Stroll down 23rd Street in the heart of Wynwood’s Arts District and an orange sign with the word Cafeina will undoubtedly stand out since it’s hanging in front of a non-descript building in the mostly warehouse-filled district.
Step in though and it’s anything but. Part lounge/restaurant/gallery, Cafeina is many things to many people. Sure it’s all three but as a lounge it is the type of place that the locals love and is a great discovery for those not in the know.
The action here happens both indoors, among dimly lit chandeliers and candlelight on comfy chairs, and outdoors where the dance floor shares space with lovely patio furniture and even hammock beds. The DJ here knows how to mix the perfect blend of club/dance music that sets the mood and matches the vibe.
Cafeina is located at 297 NW 23 St., Miami, FL 305-438-0792 www.cafeinamiami.com
SoBe’s newest hotspot Mokai already attracting celebs
Since today’s reality celebrities are always lumped in with A-listers, let’s consider Kendra Wilkinson (of reality television’s “Kendra on Top” on WE TV) stopping in at SoBe’s newest nightclub Mokai for a night of partying with girlfriends, a true celeb sighting.
The scene at Mokai is typical South Beach. Scantily clad dancers, sometimes alone but many times in pairs (or trios), set the scene for a night of revelry and debauchery like only SoBe can deliver. DJ’s pump the house music nightly, since the nightclub scene really never dies, while bottles of bubbly pop all night in the VIP section.
Weeknight parties here have kitchy names like Ransom Mondays, Relapse Wednesdays and Weekend Warrior Fridays. On Saturdays Gino G., Mike Russ, S1 spin while Weisson plays drums.
Mokai is located at 235 23 St., Miami Beach, FL, 305-673-1409, www.mokaimiami.com
Chat with cool kids at the Chat Room
The Chat Room on Magnolia is probably Fort Worth’s coolest dive. The staff is friendly and the drinks are cheap and large (you’ll often get your cocktail in a pint glass), and they are one of the few places in DFW/Texas/the world that offers a vegan White Russian. The dance floor is small but present so people can dance to the jukebox that has better taste in music than your favorite cool-kid. The inside is smoke-friendly with little effort to ventilate, so show up early enough to grab a picnic table outside if smoking ain’t your thang. If you don’t go for the cheap drinks or the jukebox, go for the pinball machine or the free internet (it does say “internet pub” on the sign, after all).
Fifty Ultra Lounge: Viceroy Hotel’s hot spot
One of Downtown Miami’s hottest hotels is surprisingly enough, a fabulous nightclub spot. The Fifty Ultra Lounge at Viceroy Miami is stiff competition for those clubs on the other side of the Causeway (meaning South Beach).
Appropriately named for its location, the view alone is unmatched by any other club because it sits on the building’s rooftop meaning unobstructed water and skyline views as far as the eye can see. The pool, which serves as the centerpiece here, is no slouch either, adding that perfect Miami touch.
FIFTY promises to bring you a “One-of-a-kind rooftop lounge with a fresh new look on Miami’s Nightlife scene.” There’s always something happening on this rooftop with Happy Hour, guest DJ’s, special Ladies’ Night events and Sunday afternoon pool parties. Celebrities are frequently spotted here so keep your eyes peeled.
Viceroy Miami is located at 485 Brickell Avenue, 305-503-4417 www.viceroymiami.com
Dream: This is no la la land but it’s a dream
Yet another velvet rope nightclub has debuted in South Beach. This one’s called Dream and features all that’s come to be expected from a high energy, open ’til the wee hours hot spot in what’s known as the American Riviera.
Like most of the nightclubs in the area, this one’s on Washington Avenue, the hotbed strip for late night party hounds. Dream’s decadent interior is filled with obligatory disco balls, multi-colored flourescent lighting, comfy tufted leather booths where celebrities and other high-rollers are sure to enjoy bottle service throughout the night.
The nightly themes, like Fantasy Wednesdays, Eyecandy Saturdays and Fubar Fridays seem to have a recurring theme. It’s pure South Beach decadence for sure. It’s what’s to be expected around these parts.
Dream is located at 1532 Washington Ave., 305-674-8018, www.dreammia.com
Grand Central’s Downtown Miami’s newest nightspot
Grand Central is hitting the Downtown Miami scene with a bang, becoming the newest venue in the area to provide live music and a rollicking good time. Providing a place where music lovers can enjoy original bands and performers is first and foremost to the folks running Grand Central.
The line-up is non-stop and features DJ’s playing a blend of hip hop, Latin, and dance tunes. Amber Rose, model and ex girlfriend of hip hop artist Kanye West hosts a party here for her new beau Wiz Khalifa and bands like The Battles and Caramelos de Cianuro join other newcomers on the scene.
It’s a great deal too with minimal cover charges drink specials almost every night.
Grand Central is located at 697 N. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 305-377-2277 www.grandcentralmiami.com
This is one Vice that’s worth keeping
One of the newest kids on the South Beach nightclub scene is Vice Lounge located in the quieter side of Lincoln Road, the area that’s closer to the beach and not among the hustle and bustle of the pedestrian mall.
It’s all decadence in this place so best to check inhibitions at the door and the interior reflects this. Red carpeted stairs lead to the second floor, great viewing areas from here for the dance floor, multiple bars and VIP areas with bottle service galore. Singer Jon Secada has hung out here, live performances are the norm and DJ’s love playing here.
As is the norm in spots like this, they regularly host fashion shows here as well as happy hour parties. It’s a party every night, weeknights never stop any club on the beach and Vice is no exception.
Vice is located at 330 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 305-532-2667 www.facebook.com/viceloungemiami
Park Tavern
On Sunday evenings, enjoy cool brews, live music and gorgeous sunsets on the expansive back patio.
Electric Pickle: Wynwood’s underground party
Event though it’s upstairs in it’s home building, the Electric Pickle/Bolero Room is the underground party everyone wants to be at in the Wynwood area.
Wednesday to Saturday nights, the party’s on here. DJ’s A-Train, Mr. Brown and Sire Esq. are joined by special guests on Wednesday nights as they play a mix of hip-hop, funk, soul, classics and reggae. Stop Drop ‘N Roll Thursdays DJ Gran Torino and guests play rockabilly, swing, twang, blues and dance jazz. There’s no cover this night and drink are half price.
For Disco Machine Fridays it’s deep house soul, heavy funk boogie and classic dance floor faves and also featuring live acts and DJ’s and on Saturdays live acts, international DJ’s and half-priced drinks are part of Get Some Saturdays.
Electric Pickle is located at 2826 N. Miami Ave., Miami, FL
Monty’s in the Grove: Waterfront nightlife party
The make-up of Coconut Grove has changed over the years going from hippie, granola, birkenstock in the 60s and 70s to an area to cruise in your car and party the night away from the 80s into the present although the scene has quieted down a bit. One place though that’s stood the test of time and is still a great place to party is Monty’s in the Grove.
This waterfront party spot is always a great place to stop in for cocktails, maybe a nibble and definitely some dancing. The deejays here are always playing the latest hits and live bands play here regularly too. The bayview from the giant open-air tiki hut here is unbeatable, it’s Miami all the way. And the boats and yachts that call the dockside home are just as enticing.
Monty’s in the Grove is located at 2550 S. Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove
Holiday Cruises
Toast to the holidays on the high seas this year with December Holiday Cruises aboard the spirit of Philadelphia. There’s a festive atmosphere, harbor view, a buffet, holiday music for dancing and even four different levels of holiday spirit to choose from.
http://spiritofphiladelphia.com/Philadelphia/december-holiday-cruises
Wall Lounge: W South Beach’s IT place
It doesn’t get any swankier than a W Hotel and with the crowds this place is attracting, especially on South Beach, a nightclub is pretty much a given so the Wall Lounge is where it’s at in this place.
Decked out to look like something out of the 1960s, with funky psychedelic lights, retro leather couches around intimate round tables, perfect for groups wanting bottle service and circular blacklight inspired images projected throughout complete the space.
DJ Irie plays the tunes here along with his other contemporaries like the legendary Paul Oakenfold who is known to make appearances here as well.
The Wall Lounge is located inside the W South Beach at 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL
Rokbar: Rockin’ attitude the Tommy Lee way
A departure from the usual high energy dance clubs of South Beach, rocker Tommy Lee’s, drummer for Motley Crue, Rokbar is the ultimate hangout place for the hard rock crowd.
Something’s going on here every night. Insomniac Thursdays; Dirty, Sexy Rock & Roll Fridays, Fresh 2 Death and DJ Tommy Ryk Saturdays and house music every Tuesday. Celebrities like actor Ryan Gosling and bands touring through Miami are regulars at Rokbar where Crue pics adorn the walls behind the bar which features rocked lighting of black leather suspended by metal chains.
Rokbar is located at 1905 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL
Cameo Theatre: Marquee’s bright lights beckon good time
The iconic Cameo Nightclub in the heart of South Beach on gritty Washington Avenue stands out among all other clubs on this famous strip. The old-style neon movie marquee can be seen from blocks away, alerting clubgoers that inside awaits an awesome night.
Once known as the Cameo Theatre, hence the marquee, there’s something going on every night. A combination of live performances and first-rate DJs including Max Vangeli, Saeed Younan and Chocolate Puma take turns on the stage and behind the booth to excite the huge crowds that gather to dance the night away to their pulsating rhythms. Cameo is also one of the spots to catch the latest masters during the yearly Winter Music Conference.
And it wouldn’t be a club on South Beach without some specialty weeknight parties like Stars and Stilettos on Tuesdays.
Cameo is located at 1445 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
SkyBar: It’s a multi-sensory experience at South Beach’s Shore Club
One thing is for sure, visit a trendy hotel on South Beach and it’s very likely that they’ll use every inch of their space to provide multiple experiences for clubgoers and guests. The Shore Club is no exception where they utilize their interior and exterior space to the max, providing a nightclub experience among the palm trees as well as under the hot club lights.
The Redroom Garden surrounding the pool area is set up as an outdoor living room with Asian-style furniture and landscaped gardens filled with colorful perennials, bouganvilleas and passion flowers. It’s a true tropical oasis.
In keeping with the red theme, the interior Redroom is awash in the fiery color from the red lacquered teak floor, red walls that glow with intimate lighting and luxurious red bar stools. The comfy couches are filled with red-patterned cushions. No wonder local and national celebrities love to stop in and party here. Of course, a party on South Beach wouldn’t be complete without a DJ, they play here pretty much every night, Sunday afternoons there’s always a pool party.
SkyBar at the Shore Club is located at 1901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Purdy Lounge: Surprisingly low-key on South Beach
A lounge is the last thing anyone going to party the weekend away on South Beach would put on their list of “must visit” hot spots, except when it comes to Purdy Lounge. This is a definite add-on.
Located a bit off the beaten path and marching to the beat of its own drummer, the mood at Purdy is the opposite of a high-energy, thumping nightclub. Here it’s all about board games, pool tables, lava lamps and best of all, reasonable drink prices. For patrons who still want a bit of that high-end SoBe atmosphere, they do have bottle service and a VIP area but for sure the “lounge” part of Purdy is where it’s at. Five deejays spin favorites that keep people singing along and dancing, it’s all about crowd pleasers here.
Reggae lovers should visit on Monday nights to hear live performances by Jean P. Jam, Thursdays ladies drink free 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. and in true SoBe style, there’s a party on Sunday nights too called Chocolate Sundays with drink specials and house deejays rotating each week.
Purdy Lounge is located at 1811 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Celebrate Good Times at W Hotel’s Ghostbar
Celebrating in Dallas has never been easier, thanks to the Ghostbar at the W Hotel. On any given weekend, several bachelor/bachelorettes can be seen parting ways with singlehood, birthday toasts are being made and the closing of a big business deal is capped off with good times at Ghostbar. From the chromed-out mirrored elevator where you ride all the way up to the top of the hotel, you can already hear the music pumping.
To make your evening more exclusive and comfortable, call ahead and make a reservation for Vodka bottle service. You won’t be disappointed with the first class service, VIP treatment and extra introductions that you wouldn’t be privy to otherwise. Step out on to the glass balcony when the weather permits; the view of downtown Dallas is as spectacular as it is vast. It’s the perfect spot to sip a cocktail, enjoy a little dancing, or share a romantic moment.
Smartbar Proves Wisdom Comes with Age
With a new nightclub opening each month, the hotspot seekers are never short on a new place to call home- even if for a day. But Smartbar has built a reputation of quality that keeps it packed every night. Smartbar in Lakeview, just below its equally popular sister venue, The Metro, has been going strong since 1982. In club years that’s the equivalent to a dynasty’s ruling.
Aesthetically Smartbar is nothing to brag about. The drinks aren’t exciting or unique. The dancefloor? It’s not even that big. Yet, Smartbar continues to host hot crowds night after night, year after year, and pull in some of the biggest names in DJ culture. Notably, the favorites from Om Records like Kaskade and Collette are always true to Smartbar.
DJs and killer beats aside, an evening here guarantees a night of authentic house music. After all Chi-town invented house music back with Frankie Knuckles in the 1980s- so of course there had to be a club that stayed true to this legacy!
Verdict? Smartbar will always remain smart: posers and fair-weather fans need not apply.
Red Bar: At center of Downtown’s red hot nightlife
Miami’s Brickell Avenue area was once known as a residential area with not much nightlife but things have certainly changed. The thriving nightspots have been popping up everywhere over the last few years and Red Bar is one that attracts plenty of attention for its eye-grabbing wall art, local beautiful people and great mingling and dancing.
Located in the heart of the district, this place has everything a great night out on the town requires. Dance the night away to the sounds of either a live band or a smokin’ hot deejay, different ones are featured each month. They’ve also got Ladies Night where ladies get to drink for free every Wednesday from 8-12. And to add a little culture to the mix, there’s also a gallery with new artworks featured monthly, along with a meet the artist opening reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Red Bar is located at 52 SW 10 Street, Miami, FL
Blush at Crimson Lounge
When Hotel Sax came on the Chi-town radar it was quite big news. Replacing the House of Blues Hotel was major pressure and they were up for the challenge. Instead of following in the colorful Moroccan footsteps of their predecessors, Hotel Sax stepped up a classy vibe with all white.
With the hotel of course, the need for an amazing lounge slash club was definitely needed and again, Hotel Sax delivered. Crimson Lounge pulls lines for entrance, lines of beautiful people waiting for beautiful cocktails.
Come on a night when DJ resident Samantha Ronson, ex of crazy Lindsay Lohan and expect to wait your pretty time to get in if you don’t arrive early.
Stir it Up
A bar is definitely cool when the only way you can find it is because of the popping music and large crowd gathered outside. Stir, located in a tiny alley off of Rittenhouse Square, may be small and unassuming from the outside, but inside it’s a swank and super hip lounge made for partying.
With arguably the cheapest, strongest drinks you can get in Philly, Stir offers your favorite classic cocktails along with ever changing specialty cocktails for the more adventurous palettes (How does “Sticky Fingers” or “The Angry Beaver” sound to you??). And make sure to come from 5-7 daily to get $2 off that interesting drink of yours. Keep in mind that just because this is a gay bar, it doesn’t mean that everyone isn’t welcome; Stir packs in an awesome crowd every night of all the people Philadelphia has to offer.
Eight Lounge is a Club with Staying Power
The undeniable fact about nightclubs, is that, well, they don’t have a long shelf life. They stay hot for a few months, and sometimes burn out before making it to the year mark. Eight Lounge on Greenville Avenue has not only been alive since 2003, but is still just as popular as it ever was. Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest, with a line out front and a line at the bar. No worries though, the bar is designed to help patrons get their drinks quickly and easily.
The dress is upscale causal with a trendy vibe, so if you are looking to avoid the Dallas “scene,” Eight Lounge might not be what you are looking for. The DJ spins popular Top 40 music and an abundance of hip hop, so be prepared to shake, spin, and impress on the floor. The drinks are lower than west coast prices, but be sure to bring the credit card and plenty of bills for tipping the staff. Eight Lounge delivers exactly what you expect from a Dallas nightclub: flashy females, loud music, and flowing drinks all night long.
Basement Bash at Cafe Saint-Ex’s Gate 54
Hipsters and serious dance aficionados beware – there’s a new party in town. Hidden along trendy 14th Street in the heart of the U Street Corridor, lies Café Saint-Ex, a European aviation-inspired restaurant/bar with a few secrets to share. Named for the French aviator and author of A Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Café Saint-Ex is more than just an eclectic neighborhood eatery. Travel below to the depths of the establishment to Gate 54 for a music-infused mecca – packed to the brim Thursday through Saturday and pulsing with DJ-generated beats sure to get those hips moving.
Visit the best basement party since college, but opt for a more sophisticated vibe this time. Travel below to the depths of the establishment to Gate 54, the restaurant’s eclectic basement lounge, for a music-infused mecca – packed to the brim Thursday through Saturday and pulsing with DJ-generated beats sure to get those hips moving. Café Saint-Ex boasts noteworthy Brazilian Nights every third Thursday of the month. Sponsored by Peroni and complete with authentic Caipirinha specials, Saint-Ex will transport you to Rio within the walls of the restaurant’s eclectic basement lounge, Gate 54. So grab a few drinks and see where the night leads after some Euro-infused revelry.
Bottle Service Then Brunch At Libation
New York City is full of hot nightclubs, but not many can brag about a great brunch as well. Libation, however, is one that can. It’s a stylish restaurant and lounge in the evening, an out of control three floor playground set to hip-hop and DJ mash-ups at night, and the next see-and-be-seen brunch spot on Sunday afternoons.
But to do it all and to do it well is the impressive part. With three bars and two DJ booths on three floors, Libation is a veritable nightclub. The dancing gets pumping at around eleven and bottle service is available all night on the balcony. DJs fly in from Las Vegas and California to spin the latest tracks and bartenders mix specialty drinks such as the Libation Lemonade: fresh blueberries and blackberries muddled with fresh squeezed lemon juice, sugar and Stoli Bluberi Vodka.
After a long night of dancing and drinking, come back to nurse your hangover away with the Texas French Toast. It comes with bananas, walnuts, and your choice of bacon, sausage, or ham, and-most importantly-unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Marys. Brunch reservations are a must for Sunday, but planning ahead for a Libation double-header is worth it, because haven’t you always wondered what a nightclub would be like in the day?
Get Ready to Party at The Estate
If you are looking for a rocking night on the town, then head over to The Estate nightclub tucked away in The Alley just off Boylston Street. This insanely busy baroque club caters to a 20-something crowd on the weekends. The Estate, Boston’s best version of a New York style club with house DJs, offers a beautiful crowd, expensive drinks, high end table service and risque dancers. There are four bars here and a balcony that oversees the enormous two-story dance floor with opulent chandeliers, full length mirrors and sumptuous leather chairs. VIP guests like Paris Hilton and other celebrities have reserved the upstairs Shag Room for some extra privacy. Check out the scedule at theestateboston.com.
Insider’s Tip: Chic and fashionable dress is required at The Estate, which is open Thursday through Sunday. Expect long lines on popular Friday and Saturday nights so try to get your name on the guest list to ensure a quick admission.
3. Eclectic Ninth Avenue Int’l Food Festival May 15-16
New York is famous for its street fairs, and none of the street fairs are more known than the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival in Hell’s Kitchen. Started in 1973, this food festival attracts more than a million people every year. The festival reflects the cultural and ethnic diversity that is Hell’s Kitchen. Besides the standard zepplois, funnel cakes, mozzarepas, and egg creams, there is a smorgasbord of unique foods that will only be found here. From Argentinian to Cajun to Moroccan to Peruvian food, the list here goes on and on.
There are also over 200 street fair and flea market vendors selling various items. There is a stage with live entertainment on 55th Street on Sunday, featuring international music and dance like Egyptian belly dancing, Arabian scarf dancing and German folk dancing. If you’re bringing the family, there is also a children’s pavilion featuring games and activities. There is no admission fee, and the festival raises money for community groups in the neighborhood.
Crazy at Coco de Ville
Coco de Ville at STK standardizes swanky in the Hollywood scene. Coco adheres to the strictest form of nightclub etiquette on par with its top sister clubs- like NYC’s Tenjune and Kiss & Fly- across the country under The ONE Group umbrella. Bottle service or promoters, it is best to have a card to play at the door. Dress to impress is like a key in the lock, and makes people watching inside so much fun.
Coco boasts an eclectic mix of pattern and color, but half a bottle in and that couch is just another thing for glamazons to dance on. Privacy is never really private. DJs pump music hits and innovative mixes, exploding the dance floor to any available surface…laps included. For those that eat, the STK kitchen caters the party from next door. Celeb spotting here is more in the B-C range, but the party reigns at Coco de Ville and tons of bottles flow in every banquet. Most entertaining, however, are the messes and HOT they are.
Vegas-Style Club Atmosphere at Plush Dallas
Plush is exactly like it sounds: extravagant, easy on the eyes and glamorous. This Vegas-style nightclub scoops up the going-out crowd each week by featuring events like the All-White Party, hot spinners like DJ Sno White, excessive decor and a one of a kind two-story long video screen.
World-renowned DJs drop their beats every night at Plush, giving clubbers a reason to keep coming back for more. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Dallas and within walking distance of other pubs and bars, Plush is the epitome of club-style “dress to impress.” Plenty of hard bodies and hard liquor abound, and the music ranges from popular favorites to hardcore hip-hop. If this is your scene, Plush is more than just a dance club or bar to order a cocktail, it’s a place to show off and make your mark.
Let It Rain, Because There’s Shine
What Shine nightclub thoughtfully lacks in seating, it makes up for it in getting clubbers moving. In San Francisco, there’s no hotter up-and-coming locale to put on a great dance party than SOMA, the “South of Market” district. Once home to the sea before the great earthquake filled in the landscape, this part of town is now home to a bit of the old, a lot of the modern, and many open spaces to get the diversity of the area mingling.
And that’s what Shine nightclub is all about, being in the perfect on-everyone’s-commute-home location and making sure everyone gets friendly once they’re here. With no VIP sections or $400 bottle service, Shine has figured out how to personalize the party within the party for everyone who enters – call ahead and they’ll stock your own booth with a customized mini-fridge. For $200, Shine provides you and your crew a choice of liquor and mixers, so you can have it your way and any way you like, while dancing the night away.
Dance Party Downtown at K Street Lounge
Late night partiers and Washingtonians looking to dance revel at one of downtown’s most notorious nightclubs, K Street Lounge. Regarded by Market Watch Magazine as one of the top lounges in DC, K Street’s ultra mod interior with sky-high ceilings and futuristic furnishings is definitely a stray from the typical DC nightspot.
Featuring guest DJ’s from around the world, K Street is known for its exclusive events with guest celebrities and serious beats (think House and Top 40). Sign up for the guest list online and dress to the nines for a dance party like no other.
Insider Tip: Although K Street Lounge usually has a hefty cover for males or those not on the guest list, ladies on the list usually receive Open Bar from 10-11 PM on Saturday nights. Go online and take advantage of a few drinks on the house!
A Steakhouse that Serves up Dancing? That’s Prime
Located on the third, fourth and fifth floors above Umbria Prime steakhouse, which takes over the first two, this three-story dance mecca caters to a 25 and older clientele. Up until around midnight, 30-somethings come here to party while a younger late-night crowd stays until the doors close at 2 a.m.
Prime the Nightclub has hosted internationally famed DJs spinning a mix of house, top 40s and mashup every Friday and Saturday night. The chic stylish younger crowd flocks to the ultra lounge with vodka bar and VIP lounge with table service. But what makes this place so great is that dinner is served downstairs nightly until 11 p.m., so if you feel like snacking late night, simply venture downstairs for a quick bite. Visit umbriaprime.com/nightlife for more information.
Insider’s Tip: If you decide to dine at Umbria Prime, you will receive a complimentary $20 admission to the upstairs club.
Sophisticated Revelry at Josephine
For a night of swanky partying, be sure to hit Josephine – one of the newer hot spots on the K Street club scene. Opened in February 2008, Josephine is a favorite amongst exclusive club goers and the international party crowd with its chic décor and pulsating beats.
Travel to a different world within the District as you step inside this little slice of nightlife heaven, with vibrant, damask-printed columns and plush, custom-designed furniture vignettes, perfect for table service (a popular choice amongst regulars).
For a more intimate setting within the club, spend some time catching up over cocktails in the Gold Room – a smaller portion of the space, complete with an oversized gilded bar and trendy mirrored cocktail tables.
With exclusive DJ’s and some serious tunes, even the most conservative Washingtonians can’t help but dance beneath sparkling chandeliers to hip mash-ups, throbbing house music and rhythmic hip-hop beats. A crowd that’s dressed to the nines floods the dance floor until 3am on most weekend nights, so come prepared for a very chic dance party.
Insider Tip: Like most DC hotspots, Josephine operates with a guest list (and a discerning eye for fashionable guests) so be prepared for a hefty cover if you’re not on it. Plan ahead and sign up on their website prior to arriving. If you sign up before 9 PM, your name will be valid for the list that evening from 10pm – 11pm.
Sexy People, Champagne and Beats at Cuvee
It’s all about dressing to impress at Cuvee, an uber-chic club/lounge in Chi-town’s River North. For the many fans of Enclave, they are sure to enjoy Cuvee, owned by the same troupe. To enter though, you’ll first have to pass the test, so dress up or you can call it at night at a pizza joint elsewhere. And don’t get confused trying to find your way in, it’s a back alley entrance only.
As the name suggests, the go-to drink here is of course Champagne. As the word cuvée in French- from the region of Champagne specifically- refers to the best of the best in Champagne as it comes from only the first 2,050 liters of the pressed grape juice. DJ beats, sexy crowd and plenty of bubbly make for a great option for dancing, mixing and mingling. As for date night, you may want to skip this one.
Insider Tip: Make a table service reservation online to get the most out of your experience.
Enclave Encapsulates all the Beautiful People
Wondering where all the beautiful people are? Look no further, they’re at “Best of Citysearch Nightlife Winner,” Enclave. The who’s who of Chicago- and everywhere else- has been/performed here: Lady GaGa, Brody Jenner, Akon, Carmen Electra, Betsey Johnson, Holly Madison, and Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, to name a few.
Here, it’s all about bottle service. They’ve got anything you want, as long as it’s upscale. Whether it’s magnums of champagne (the real stuff only) or the hot, new, trendy vodka (Grey Goose or Effen), it all comes with fresh flowers and carafes of juice.
House and hip hop beats penetrate with an array of different hot DJs on the weekends and plenty of events to keep the year rolling; from football parties for Northwestern to Lady GaGa mixing it up with the locals. The two-story, 15,000 square foot space has chic, shiny wood floors, beautiful sofas and intimate-inspiring sheer curtains.
With never-ending A-List events and a hot, young, Chicago crowd, Enclave is the place to be for some serious partying in Chi-town.
Move Over E-Harmony, CAS Gets Sexy and Single
For the upper echelons of San Francisco social life, intelligence is sexy. That’s why Nightlife at the California Academy of Sciences is the hottest new singles and date spot in the city. You get to mingle, sip cocktails, dance to the best beats in the city, and enjoy the academy exhibits without the chaos of daytime school groups. For the 21 and over crowd, it’s a real treat to have the place to yourselves and for once- and not trip over strollers.
Featuring a four-story living rainforest, penguins, a floor-to-ceiling coral exhibit, and just about every other fascinating natural phenomenon, The California Academy of Sciences is the perfect setting for your social event ($60 for private VIP if you prefer), a great conversation starter for first dates, or just a great way to get out on the town without the crowded, dark bar scene.
Be sure to get to the Nightlife event early for the best experience and the least amount of wait times. Unless you had dinner prior to coming to the Academy, tapas-style plates are available, that is – if you can pull yourself away from how bizarre it is to watch a glowing jellyfish while drinking a cosmo.
Party the Night Away in B.E.D.
What a concept: go out to go to bed. At this Miami hotspot, people head out for a night of dancing and clubbing on South Beach to a place called B.E.D. where yes, there are plenty of them. Luxurious surroundings create a fabulous mood prime for plunging into a cocktail or two and some sexy people-watching. The acronym stands for beverage.entertainment.dining because the place has all three: premier food, killer cocktails and nightly entertainment.
There’s a theme here every night; and in true South Beach fashion, there’s no waiting until Thursday or Friday, things kick off on Monday with the exclusive Secret Society party. Celebs like music producers Timbaland and Scott Storch, Miami’s own singer Pitbull and athletes galore have been known to gather and party into the wee hours here. For something more subdued, but truly elegant, the Sunday House Brunch or Breakfast in B.E.D., as it’s called ,features DJs Sonny Daze and La Trice and yummy brunchtime eats.
Rumor Nightclub Heats Up the Club Scene
Late night partiers come to dance the night away at Rumor Nightclub, one of the hottest clubs in town. Located near the Charles Playhouse (think Shear Madness and Blue Man Group) in the Theater District, Rumor Nightclub typically doesn’t get going until late in the evening. If you go on the weekends, expect long lines if you arrive after 11 p.m.
Even though the club is closed Sundays and Mondays, there seems to be something going on every other evening. Evolution Tuesdays is extremely popular for house, hip-hop and Latin music. Rumor Wednesdays hosts Boston’s longest running Latin night. Signature Thursdays is one of their most popular nights featuring a mixture of house, hip-hop and Latin music. Envy Fridays and Rumor Saturdays both feature a DJ and are the club’s most popular nights. Check out rumorboston.com for more information.
The younger chic crowd comes for the lively atmosphere at Rumor Nightclub.
Gilley’s: Rhinestones & a Mechanical Bull
If there is such a thing as upscale honky-tonk, look no further than Gilley’s Dallas. Does the name “Gilley’s” ring a bell? Think John Travolta and a mechanical bull. While this isn’t the original bar or bull from Urban Cowboy (same owner Mickey Gilley), it’s a mighty fine second and a first place win for country-lovin’ good times. Even if you’re not a fan of skintight Levi’s and red snakeskin boots, the crowd is so fun you can’t help but join in on the line dance with 200 other cowboys and cowgirls.
A good mix of authentic wranglers, weekend hicks, and fashionable Dallas “bumpkins,” Gilley’s has something for everyone- including an actual mechanical bull. And don’t be afraid of two-stepping, there are free dance lessons every Saturday from 6pm – 8pm with awesome drink specials and free admission for the rest of the night.
With national music acts and local fave The Chris Rivers Band and a decent cover charge, it’s time to break out your rhinestones and boots -or rhinestoned boots-for guaranteed fun at Gilley’s Dallas.
See and Be Scene at George
Tucked away in a courtyard about as obscure as a place on the coveted guest list, lies George, the newest addition to the semi-private bars that encompass the popular Georgetown social scene. George’s ultra-exclusive vibe caters to young Washingtonians looking to mingle with a hand-picked crowd, in a relaxed yet refined setting.
Just opened in August 2009, George has an upscale, tavern-like feel with oversized brass bars studded with substantial leather bar chairs. Washed in warm, olive hues and outfitted in historic decor inspired by colonial Georgetown, George lends a nod to tradition with a uniquely modern sensibility – perfect for its young, conservative crowd looking to party with some class.
Lured by a DJ spinning popular late-night favorites, list members and their guests tend to pile in after 10pm on weekend nights. A nearly pitch-black dance floor is the place to be if you’re looking to party hard with some Georgetown movers and shakers. Who knows, you may even learn a move or two from Washington Nationals star, Ryan Zimmerman, a frequent patron of the bar.
Insider Tip: List or no list, the bar is open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays for Happy Hour from 6-9 PM, so grab a comfy leather seat at the bar and get a feel for what its like to be a card-carrying member.
The Cafe That’s Not For The Day
The Cafe has been The Castro’s favorite venue for years, welcoming everyone gay and straight to enjoy a one-of-a-kind dancing and drinking experience. Having recently undergone a multi-million dollar transformation, The Cafe’s makeover is like treating its faithful patrons to a thinner and more successful boyfriend.
Let the thump of The Café’s state of the art sound system lead you upstairs to any of the three bars for a two-for-one happy hour. Try not to spend the evening staring blindly at any of the 12 HD flat screens, because there’s a much better view on the dance floor. The Café also features an open-air atrium (complete with retractable glass awning should the weather get touchy) in the middle of the bar to help cool off after that Michael Jackson dance routine.
It’s been a long-standing tradition in the Castro to meet any night of theweek for The Cafe’s legendary happy hour. You’ll see many familiar faces so don’t be afraid to go alone. If all this isn’t enough, the bartenders are appealing too.
Blind Willie’s Cures the Blues
Head to Blind Willie’s for a real dose of the blues. Live music sets a riveting yet relaxed tone, and the blues memorabilia lining the walls is testament to the bar’s legendary status. Whether you’re dancing or enjoying the ambiance from a corner table with a beer, you can’t help but feel the soul of this vibrant venue.