Tabú

Review

You know that one friend you have who always makes up words and uses words without fully understanding what they mean?

You know who we're talking about, they say things like, "Literally, last night was so surreal, but irregardless I had a good time."

When Tabú at MGM Grand busted onto the scene in 2003 calling itself an "ultralounge," a lot of people looked at it like it was the crazy, dictionary-impaired friend.

Those are the same people planning their outfit for Tabú right now.

In the years it's been open, Tabú has come to create its own definition of an ultralounge and if Webster's came out with a nightclub version, the ultralounge entry would say simply: "A place you want to go."

In the absence of Webster's, here's a more extensive definition for you:

Tabú is small. The occupancy doesn't even top 400, which means it's intimate without being cramped and it's contained enough that you're not going to walk miles looking for a bar or someone to talk to.

There are expensive accents everywhere. Technologically-inclined table tops, a staggering sound system and other little touches you don't notice until you're already interacting with them are scattered throughout the club.

The staff is attractive. And this is an understatement. Servers at Tabú are models and former models and even if we hadn't told you that, you probably would've noticed by the time you saw a few of them.

Despite the apparent lack of space, people find room to do what they want to do. This includes dancing just about anywhere, table tops, booths, wherever. And if your dance moves are something to be embarrassed about, Tabú is equipped with a few discreet areas away from prying eyes (it'll generally cost you though).

Drinks at Tabú are cold -- perfectly so. There's a climate-controlled refrigeration system just for that purpose.

Bottle service is worth it. With such a cozy space, it's nice to be able to carve out your own little area at a table -- especially when one of those model servers comes around to cater to your every need.

Depending on the night, the music changes, but plan for house. Tabú has different music on different nights, but it seems to always wander back to house. If that's not your thing, you're in trouble because while the music isn't deafening (and the bartender can hear you over it), it's hard to get away from.

Even taking all of the above into account, it's still hard to get a complete definition -- and a complete picture -- of Tabú without experiencing it. The line's not usually too bad early on and it's a very personable and accessible crowd. You'll love it. Literally.

-- Review by Jamie Helmick