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.
Tag Archives: Nightlife
Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club: ushering in a new era of shuffleboard!
The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club, may be the first shuffleboard club in New York, and it’s trying to turn the pastime favored by septuagenarians into the next Ping-Pong among the borough’s barhopping millennials.
Brownstown Jazz classes up Bed-Stuy at Sankofa Aban
Imagine you are transported to a 1930s jazz venue listening to some of the greatest jazz musicians in the world. Such an experience is only a subway ride away at Sankofa Aban in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Here is a place where you can listen to great musicians from the Bed-Stuy jazz scene, while enjoying a complementary fish fry dinner and some wine. Stick around late Friday or Saturday nights for Open Mic. night for the opportunity to perform with these great talents!
Modern Mexican food comes to the East Village at The Black Ant
Black Ant, a modern Mexican restaurant, is slated to open in the East Village next month at 60 Second Ave. between Third and Fourth avenues.
The 2,800-square-foot location will have four different dining areas — a small lounge that seats 15 with an additional 15 seats at the bar, two dining rooms seating a total of 60 plus an open garden that will seat 40.
Black Ant also will feature a private dining room with 25 seats.
Owners Jorge Guzman and Mario Hernandez, the general manager and executive chief, respectively, are in talks to launch a Mexican restaurant in the West Village called Bacanora, which is named after a plant that grows in Mexico’s Sonora province. The duo also own Ofrenda in the West Village.
Eclectic music, food and drinks join forces at Baby’s All Right
Baby’s All Right, a bar, eatery, and music venue in the historic neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn New York.
Amazing drinks and unmatched views at the rooftop bar Jimmy in Soho
Soho’s James Hotel has unveiled its rooftop cocktail lounge, though the outdoor area is only open when the weather’s nice. Run by David Rabin, Larry Poston, and Johnny Swet of Hotel Griffou, the space holds 80 people, and will no doubt be filled once folks get wind of the amazing view. Drink prices average out at $17, with standouts including the Blair Witch Cocktail, a moonshine concoction complete with birch beer and fresh bay leaf.
After 9pm, customers should use the entrance at 15 Thompson St.
The Park 112
The Park 112 is located on Harlem’s ‘Restaurant Row’. The décor fosters a relaxed social approach to the dining experience with its grand tufted leather banquettes, light bulb chandeliers as well as an illuminated communal table and private dining area. This Citybuzz pick also offers a self serve wine machine.
Sightseeing four-wheel limo style
Looking like a Jeep/Limo hybrid, the tricked out ride used for the Tons of Fun Tours offered throughout Miami by Florida Jeep Tours provides an unforgettably unique experience.
Climb aboard the eight-passenger vehicle, complete with captain’s chair for an open-air and also air conditioned tour of Miami’s hottest neighborhoods. Ride through the celebrity playground that is South Beach, take in the serene and natural setting of Key Biscayne, the thriving young hot bed of condominium lifestyle with bustling nightlife and restaurants in Brickell, tour the artsy and urban area of Wynwood and the old-Florida, yacht-filled and still somewhat bohemian Coconut Grove.
Here’s a breakdown of what they offer:
Miami’s Best Jeep Tour is a three-hour tour that takes you across Biscayne Bay on the historic Venetian Causeway through some of the 32 man-made islands that dot the Bay, over to South Beach, playground of the rich and famous and home to the largest collection of Art Deco architecture anywhere in the world. There is also a similar albeit shorter two-hour nighttime tour that showcases the area’s glowing neon and pulsing all-night-long party atmosphere.
The two-hour South Beach Jeep Tour follows the same route as above then heads back to Miami via the MacArthur Causeway past Star Island and Palm Island, the home, past and present, to celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Al Capone, Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs, Gloria and Emilio Estefan and Marc Anthony.
To book a tour visit their website here.
Pick Your Favorite Brew at Public House
If you could go to a bar where you can have any type of beer, which one would you choose? At Public House, it’s all about beer. Located in the heart of Chicago, this bar/restaurant has hundreds of different drafts of beer, a great food selection, and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. It is a great place to not only eat and drink but also socialize with other beer-lovers. Only after one visit will you want to come back for more.
Tiki Mondays at Goldbar
Every Monday the glamedgy Goldbar located in Little Italy takes a Polynesian turn: Tiki Mondays. The ecelectic themed night features rum drinking pirates and sensual Polynesian girls in grass skirts as New Yorkers sip cocktails in the gold bling interiors. On this Monday night, New Yorkers from all walks of life partake in an unforgettable night on the town. Citybuzz host Thomas Farley reports.
Nellcote
Nestled on Randolph Street, Nellcôte has an ambiance that fits the bill; the chic space, a nod to a mansion in France once occupied by the Rolling Stones, drips with luxe details. Chef-shaken “kitchen cocktails”and well crafted Belgian beers also keep the pace hopping. The pillowy wood-fired pizzas, crafted with house-milled wheat flour, and the myriad small plates. Pastas and desserts leave you wanting more and more and more.
Emporium Arcade Bar
This Wicker Park newcomer features 30 arcade games and pinball machines from the ’80s and ’90s, including Pacman, Donkey Kong, NBA Jam, Streetfighter and Smash TV. There is no cover charge, and tokens cost 25 cents for one play. Games line the walls of the space and there are adjacent shelves to hold your drink while you play.
Barry’s Bootcamp Saturday Night Dance Party
Why can’t you be healthy working out and partying at the same time? Oh yeah, YOU CAN! Velvet ropes, LIVE DJ, Barry’s Bootcamp GOGO Dancers, non alcoholic antioxidant shots and a Disco Ball are all apart of this unique workout!
On the actual class:
Three switch-offs between treadmill and floor – we didn’t lose much time on the transitions because the floor sections used minimal equipment.
Lots of lunging and tons of multi-tasking exercises. Some up-and-down step work.
We did a few partner exercises – which were super fun and set a great tone for the class. On the treadmills, we took turns sprinting with our neighbor – the resting partner cheered for the sprinting partner. On the floor, we pushed our partner’s legs to the ground repeatedly for an old-school abs sesh.
Party favors:
Disco ball
Velvet ropes
Streamers
Live DJ
Glow bracelets
Joey, Alicia, Noah, and some other guy dressed in silly 80s workout garb
Shots – mid class they brought in a tray of acai antioxidant shots. They were yummy and I forgot water, so any cold liquid was a blessing.
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
Bar hop on lower Greenville Avenue
Lower Greenville Avenue in Dallas is the prime spot for your typical pub crawl. Lined with clubs, bars and restaurants, it’s situated perfectly for patrons to bar hop without having drive all over the place. Get your groove on at Zubar, try your Latin dance moves at Kismet, or fill up on cheap libations and a relaxed atmosphere at Ship’s Lounge. Lower Greenville is also host to Dallas’ famous St. Patty’s Day parade, which is basically the only street party Dallas does right. As the night winds to an end, soak up the booze with a bite at late night Mexican eatery La Casita (known to locals as “Rena’s” after the beloved owner/cook/waittress). Not a night owl? Show up earlier in the evening and check out Lower Greenville’s eclectic shops and any one of their numerous restaurants.
Spring Break Travel Tips
Where can you find a tropical paradise, great nightlife and beautiful beaches without converting currency or spending a fortune? The answer is just a short plane ride away…
The DRB: Small place, lots of brews
With a non-descript look and a cool red sign The Democratic Republic of Beer, or as it’s better known and as its namesake sign states, DRB, is a small, intimate bar with a huge menu of brewskies and it’s the perfect haunt for insomniacs with a closing time of 5 a.m.
Sure, there’s a food menu here but serious beer aficionados aren’t coming here for the eats, it’s all about sampling a cold one, or a few perhaps after all, there are 500 beers here from more than 60 nations. Belgium, England, Germany and the U.S. lead the pack with huge selections (there are more than three dozen in each category). They do monthly beer tours here, focusing on a specific country and so far have included Russia, Ethiopia, Costa Rica and Thailand.
The Democratic Republic of Beer is located at 255 NE 14 St., Miami, FL
Sunset Lounge at the Mondrian: Easy, breezy and chic
No matter how crowded South Beach gets, there’s always a cool poolside lounge to hang at that makes being in Miami well…tres cool. The Sunset Lounge at the Mondrian South Beach is one of those places. It’s elegant with the classy touches that people visiting Miami Beach have come to expect.
As always too, it’s a multiple-space experience here so everyone can find a great spot of their own. For an outdoor experience there’s plush red velvet seating with matching red and white designed carpet and a killer view of Biscayne Bay with Downtown Miami’s skyline as a back drop. Inside is the Lobby Bar and Lounge, a feast for the eyes in a different sense with a black winding spiral staircase and silent bell light fixtures designed by Marcel Wanders. The specialty cocktails, made with exotic and local ingredients as well as the live Latin and Spanish guitar players complete the experience.
The Mondrian South Beach is located at 1100 West Avenue, 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
NV Penthouse Lounge: Don’t Be Jealous
OK so we admit, NV Penthouse Lounge has a point: we’re envious. Who wouldn’t be of their 600 square foot terrace on the penthouse floor over looking the entire city of Chicago? Thankfully this place is open to the public so we can all go in and soak up the scene and pretend just for a night, that we own the place.
The green light emanating from this sexy club (if you ever get yourself off the terrace to actually spend time in it) is probably a play on being green with jealousy, we get it. But just check it at the door so there’s no hating and you can dance amongst all the beautiful people without stirring up too much trouble. This place is one to see and be seen but do it with love people.
Ontourage: The Club Not the Show
Sexy, hip and in your face, Ontourage splashed on the Chi-town scene in a big way with its super techy sound from the future. The only club in the US to use JBL “Custom Shop Dance 3” audio system – guests beware. This is serious stuff: 10,000 square feet of sensory satisfaction.
With two dance floors, four bars and seven VIP areas, this multi-million dollar club and its fancy sound and Inlaid Color Kinetics System should keep the chicest of club snobs happy.
House and hip hop fans: unite to the sound while VIP folks – sip your Perignon and be merry.
Creperie Beau Monde/L’Etage: French Food, European Night Life
Off the beaten trail, and nestled in South Philadelphia this French sensation offers an experience unlike any other. A savory lunch or dinner at Creperie Beau Monde is something unique. From hearty buckwheat crepes to sweet crepes, mouthwatering salads to flavorful cheese plates Beau Monde is a foodies dream. The fresh vintage setting brings a feeling of France to the intersection of sixth and Bainbridge. On top (literally) of all of the wonder that is Beau Monde is L’Etage, where the French flare is illuminated into the night. There you can find a DJ pumping beats in a cozy cabaret setting well equipped with a dance floor.
If you are looking for a night of dinner and dancing or a memorable luncheon, Beau Monde/ L’Etage has it all under one roof. The Creperie is open Tues-Fri:12-12, Sat:10-11 and the cabaret upstairs runs Tue-Thu,Sun 7:30pm-1am; Fri-Sat 7:30pm-2am.
Insider’s Tips: L’Etage offers special nights for live cabaret, music, film and Djs.
Jolly Weldon’s Dueling Piano Bar: Jolly Good Time
Located in the heart of Rittenhouse, at 2006 Chestnut St, Jolly’s Dueling Piano Bar is small venue that creates a lot of noise! Jolly Weldon’s 125-seat space surrounds two baby grands for pianists Anthony “Tony T” DeCarolis and “Wildman Joe” Marchetti. Every Tuesday through Saturday, these talented musicians battle to encourage the crowd to sing along with them to a 2,000+ song repertoire.
An abundant menu of snacks will feed your hunger as you work up an appetite singing along to all of your favorites. There’s also a two-hour happy hour from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. nightly with $3 well cocktails, $3 glasses of select red and white wines and $3 domestic beers, to help you sing your best!
Insider’s Tip: Make sure you don’t throw out your cocktail napkin, because each one acts as your song request form.
Epic: Spoil Yourself
Rocking Hubbard Street, Epic has made a splash on the Chicago scene and for good reason – the service is ridiculously good. On a street and in a ‘hood where new restaurants come and go as fast as fashion fads, Epic should be here to stay as guests feel spoiled indulging in the attentive service and delicious menu.
Here, despite its location in the Midwest, the calamari is as thick, plump and juicy as if you were in Hawaii – same goes for their tuna tartare. Steak lovers rejoice and celebrate in a hearty Midwestern steak and if you’re only down for cocktails, this is the perfect place as well. The dark and sexy lighting makes the medicine go down.
Hub 51: More Than Meets the Eye
Want to dine to the likes 
of Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel & Fergie? Then Hub 51 is your place. While filming Transformers 3 in the Windy City, the stars (and spouse in Josh’s case) frequented Hub 51 which is also known to host plenty of NBA stars as well.
So what is it that causes the stars to flock here? Perhaps it’s that they serve a little bit of this and a little bit of that and they do it all oh so darn well from the juicy burger to the fresher than fresh sushi. Then again it could be the drinks – like a whole lot of yummy draft beer selections, superb wines and unique draft cocktail specialties that change with the seasons.
Whether its the menu, the drinks or the stars that lure you here – just make sure you look your best as you never know who you’ll run into.
10 Pin Puts a New Spin on Bowling
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When you think of bowling, often times the images that conjure are disgusting shoes, stale air and beer bellied men. Well say good bye, to that image when stepping in to 10 Pin who offers “bowling with a twist.” It’s a twist in deed; cocktails shaken, stirred or straight up – whatever your fancy. A wide array of colorful and tasty cocktails are met by a menu featuring typical faves- also with a twist. Instead of greasy bar food expect chips with fresh guacamole, hummus plates, upgraded cheeseburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, pizzas and of course, Chicago hot dogs.
As for the lanes you’ll be bowling on, they’re so colorful and cool they look more like a nightclub’s installation than bowling lanes! Serious players or those looking for serious fun, line the lanes for plenty of laughs, mingling and flirting. And with the nightclub-worthy stereo system you just may want to ditch your bowling shoes and break out your dancing shoes.
Insider’s Tip: 10 Pin is available for private parties and runs plenty of its own events (faves coincide with Chicago sporting events), so check their calendar for specials.
Revolution Brewery: We all Want to Change the World
Micro-breweries are so hot right now. Chicagoans said they want a revolution (from dull beer) and they got one with Revolution Brewery.
Managing Partner, Josh Deth is just the man to bring on the revolution as his long history with beer (working with, not only drinking) began with iconic Chicago’s Goose Island Brewery.
All draft beers at the bar appear as arms and fists, a slew of revolution hungry revelers. And the brews that pour from them? Salivate over the sounds of the Iron Fist Pale Ale: dry-hopped American ale featuring centennial, cascade, chinook and amarillo hop or the summer special, Rosie: tart summer ale infused with 12lbs of hibiscus flowers and orange peel with a sexy pink hue.
And though beer technically is a food source (right?), they do serve chewable food as well – and darn good grub at that. A hearty brunch, tasty pizzas and the classic Iron Fist Fish & Chips.
Kingston Mines: Authentic Chicago Blues
Rockin’ since 1968, mention Kingston Mines to most Windy City residents and they’ll most likely have a story for you, a memory or simply just a smile. This is why Chicago is known for the blues. It’s the oldest. It’s the biggest. It’s the winner of “Best Chicago Blues Bar” by the Chicago Music Awards for 13 running years.
Open 7 nights a week, Kingston Mines presents two stages of live music with killer sounds run from Kafel Amps, custom made amplifiers – a design of former Polish rock star, Jacek Kafel, who now resides in Chi-town.
Wear what you want, this isn’t a time to get fancy, you’ll probably spill rib sauce from Doc Rib’s amazing eats on your shirt anyway (and if you don’t you’re probably not enjoying them as you should).
As for the crowd, it is eclectic as is the place and ranges from 21 to 100. So come one, call all: eat, drink and be blue.
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.
Whales, Seahorses & Dolphins Oh Shedd!
Not only does the Shedd Aquarium play home to some of the most beautiful and exotic sea creatures humans could ever lay their eyes on, but it also is home to one of the best views you’ll find in the entire city of Chicago.
Located on a peninsula jutting out in Lake Michigan, from outside and within its dome-like windowed walls, the entire city of Chicago is laid out like a panoramic postcard from within the museum. The view aside however, kids and adults alike ooh and ahh over the amazing array of sea life. From teeny tiny seahorses of all colors and shapes majestically fanning around their world, to dolphins jumping and baby beluga whales being born, the Shedd Aquarium provides top notch entertainment day and night, all year round.
Visitors learn about sea creatures from every crevice of the world and can catch specially scheduled shows to see the dolphins and whales in action. After hours, the Shedd hosts plenty of parties and mixers so be sure to check their schedule to see if a cocktail hour at the Shedd is happening (always a blast!). Jazzin’ it at the Shedd happens Wednesday nights and serves as the perfect place to catch the nightly fireworks shooting from Navy Pier.
Third Street Promenade: How to Walk & Shop
With 30 blocks of restaurants, shopping and live entertainment, one trip to Third Street Promenade is all it takes to get you hooked. From fire throwers to live street performances, there is always something new and exciting happening on the streets of Santa Monica.
Minutes away from the Santa Monica Pier as well as the ocean, Third Street Promenade is always happening, from early in the morning to late at night. Though the Promenade is filled with original boutiques and restaurants, it definitely has its fair share of name brand stores and well known restaurants.
Though the restaurants, live entertainment and shopping could drive anyone in, Third Street Promenade seems to gain popularity during the Summer time when shoppers can walk up and down the promenade. At night, the Promenade turns into a row of bars and breweries for those looking to party by the beach.
If you plan on visiting during a particular time, make sure to check the list of events located on Downtown Santa Monica’s website. You can find dining events, music shows and art exhibits that will occur on the streets of Santa Monica.
Even though it’s Third, it definitely finishes first.
Billy Dec – Let this nightlife Guru enlighten your night
Let Billy Dec, the nightlife Guru himself, tell you what you need to know about Chicago. Billy Dec is the CEO and Founder of Rockit Ranch Productions, Chicago’s premier restaurant and entertainment development company. The company owns the new hotspot Sunda, The Underground club, and the award-winning Rockit Bar & Grill.
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.
Sleep in the Lap of Luxury at the W Hotel DC
Plan your next DC stay with a bit of flair in mind. Book a room at the luxuriously chic W Hotel, one of the newest hotspots on the DC hotel (and nightlife) scene. Overlooking the statuesque White House, the W is a favorite amongst trendsetters, politicos and celebrities looking for a fresh scene – to stay or be seen. As the former Hotel Washington, the new home of the W brings with it a rich history, having hosted guests like Elvis and Duke Ellington.
With a modern, yet sophisticated flair, the W incorporates cutting edge décor with an ideal location to make this overnight hotspot the perfect place for those looking to experience the 
District in style. Marked by its cool elegance and almost South-Beach-meets-Washington vibe, the W brings a bit of whimsy into the Washington mix with room classes marked with cheeky labels like the Wonderful, Spectacular and Fabulous rooms, and the WOW and Extreme WOW suites.
Besides the award-winning Bliss Spa and state-of-the-art fitness facilities, the W brings more than just ritzy digs. Travel no further than the lobby or rooftop terrace for some of the best dining and nightlife in the city. Grab a pre-dinner cocktail in the chic lobby bar, The Living Room, before indulging in an exceptional meal at Jean-Georges’ elegant J&G Steakhouse.Then start your evening out in style at POV, the ultra lounge located on the top floor of the hotel.
Insider Tip: In the warmer months, make your way to POV’s rooftop terrace. Guests of the hotel have guaranteed access to some of the hardest tables to nab at one of the hottest spots in the city – the view alone will make the room rate worth it.
Island Hopping, Catalina Style
When you and your significant other are looking to spice things up, you might want to ditch the 
typical Palm Springs or Napa Valley getaway. Catalina Island is the perfect place to relax without turning in your sneakers and map. Offering amazing hikes, great museums and restaurants worth visiting twice, the trip by land, sea or air is definitely worth it.
Activities on the island include golfing, scuba diving and boat tours. If you are of the less adventurous breed, the island offers some great boutiques and clothing stores for the shopper extraordinaire.
Though weekend getaways are always worth it, the island will most likely always be home to a wedding each and every weekend. So if you are thinking about booking a trip but want to avoid the wedding craze, the website offers hotel packages and accommodations to make your stay extra special.
Whether you decide to fly or choose to drive, the trip to Catalina is worth it.
Lobster With a Side of Gorgeous Views at the Washington Harbour
Sick of being inside all day? Take a walk along the public boardwalk and soak in the gorgeous views of the Potomac River. With plenty of shops and restaurants, the recently renovated Washington Harbour offers everything for a relaxing Sunday afternoon to a romantic Friday evening.
The various restaurants range from American grill to Mexican, but they are primarily known for seafood. Many are located along the water, letting diners enjoy the views with their food. Not only are the waters beautiful, but the fountains, docked boats and backdrop of the Kennedy Center make the views truly spectacular, especially at night. There are also many bars along the water, offering a unique nightlife experience.
Sightseeing cruises depart here as well, making it easy to get inspired and explore more of Washington. The crowd is always bustling at this historic Georgetown hotspot so you’re sure to meet new friends or run into some old ones.
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.
The Best Drive is to Universal City Walk
When venturing out to Hollywood to witness the bright lights and eccentricity on the boulevard seems daunting, there is an alternative that takes out the chaos and adds some fun. Universal City Walk is truly one of a kind in that it’s a city within a city, offering everything from movie theaters to restaurants, candy shops to water ballet. Locals and tourists alike are always gathering in the one p
lace where acting like a kid is commendable.
Though rummaging through magnet stores and a shop completely dedicated to Pez seems over the top, the adults have their fair share of fun, too. Universal has some American dining favorites, from Hard Rock Café to Wasabi. If you are looking for a quick bite to soak up all the fun, Universal has adapted the mall-like food court and offers quick eats from Dodger Dogs to Panda Express.
Once the shopping and eating comes to a rest, Universal City Walk has a nightlife scene offering great alternatives for those who don’t want to venture to the other side of the hill. Places like Saddle Ranch and Howl at the Moon bring in large crowds and keep the excitement alive all night.
Whether it’s daytime fun or nighttime entertainment, the crowds never seem to stop arriving at City Walk. The next time you feel like driving to Hollywood, skip the traffic and expensive drinks and drive to the Walk.
Live Like a Star at Hotel ZaZa
Swimming pools and movie stars….no, this isn’t an episode of Beverly Hills, but a stay here can feel like that (without the drama, of course). Hotel ZaZa is a hotbed of glit
z and glamour that draws big names and big parties. When celebs come to town, ZaZa is a hands-down favorite, and for good reason: the exterior is modern with a French Chateau twist, the chic lobby is bathed in candlelight and crystal accents, and the hotel boasts the Magnificent Seven Suites, with themes like Crouching Tiger and Rock Star that can accommodate stylish dinner parties or become a sexy bridal suite. (Insider tip: Rock Star lives up to its name, being rumored to truly be a favorite of rock stars all over the world.)
The pool is another place you’ll find yourself feeling like the epitome of glamour. In the summer, it is full of greenery and cocktails for comfortably basking in the Texas heat. In the winter, the pool area is encased by a tent and candlelight, and becomes a plexiglass floor that guests can mix and mingle over.
With eclectic dining in Dragonfly, the hotel restaurant, and Za Spa, a relaxing oasis, you’ll begin to think you’ve been magically transported to Beverly Hills instead of Big D.
Speakeasy Jazz Upstairs at Van Dyke Cafe
Lincoln Road has evolved into an eclectic mix of well known chain stores, smaller boutiques and stand-alone restaurants, but the one place that has stood the test of time on this pedestrian strip of road is the Van Dyke Cafe, where the jazz is always playing.
The place is reminiscent of a speakeasy jazz club with soft lighting, intimate seating and stellar performances of Latin jazz, AfroCuban, soloists and jazz quartets. Local legend Maryel Epps still performs at Van Dyke and has been for more than a decade! And joining her are local faves Palo! and Conjunto Progreso.
Catch a vibe from another era at this classic spot, a perfect way to either start or end an evening on South Beach.
Avenue of the Arts: A Stretch of Culture Across Philly
The Avenue of the Arts runs through the heart of Philadelphia on Broad Street, the city’s widest and busiest street. To say that this area is saturated with culture is an understatement- museums, theaters, restaurants, perf
orming arts venues, universities, you name it, it’s there. The Avenue is a great place to visit because it’s easy to get to (lots of parking garages on the Avenue as well as accessible public transportation) and is always bustling with foot traffic.
The busiest and most affluent area of the Avenue is on South Broad, starting from Philly’s beautiful City Hall to Lombard Street, where you will find many of the city’s major theaters like the Academy of Music, Merriam Theatre, and Wilma Theater. When meandering down the Avenue, you can stop along the way and catch the building tours at many of the venues. Be sure to look on the Avenue of the Arts website for a listing of all the shows happening at all venues!
Take advantage of all that there is to do- and see- on this beautiful Avenue in the heart of Philadelphia.
Old City, New Flair
By day, Old City is Philadelphia’s art hub with its many galleries and show rooms. By night, it becomes the center of the city’s nightlife as party hoppers jump from pub to bar to club along the narrow streets.
From handbags to furniture, everything can be found here. Get a new ‘do at Chroma and an edgy, stylish outfit at Reward, and you’re ready for a night on the town- or maybe just cocktails at Bleu, one of the city’s hippest hangouts. And don’t forget to visit the Liberty Bell Center as your visit to Old City- and Philly in general- would not be complete without it.
This historic district gets particularly crowded on weekends, as it’s one of the prettiest neighborhoods in the city.
Sushi Hai
Tucked in the Highland Area lies a restaurant that could only be described as the perfect juxtaposition between Denver’s art district and the Japenese Orient. View local modern art while the masters prepare your meal. Sushi Hai uses only the freshest ingredients to deliver the top-notch sushi to satisfy your cravings. Sip on hot sake or premium saketinis with friends in the Hai Bar. The atmosphere is perfect for an intimate evening.