Lifestyle: The Club Kid

 

So you want to party all night at the coolest joints in town? Looking to dance the night away? Vegas has some of the hippest, hottest clubs in the country and we can tell you which ones are the best.

Q: I want to get down and boogie to retro sounds. Where should I go?

Studio 54A: You're in luck. The '70s and '80s live on in Las Vegas. We like to swing by MGM's Studio 54 early for a few throwbacks to days gone by and then head over to House of Blues, where a rotating crop of cover bands pump out the jams every Friday night. For the hippest of hip, the Beauty Bar features a retro happy hour on Friday nights.

Q: Are there any hip-hop or Latin clubs in Vegas?

A: Most clubs feature hip-hop among their mash-ups in their main rooms these days, and Latin music is becoming increasingly popular. One of the best places to salsa is Voodoo Lounge on Monday nights. On the Strip, Risqué features a Brazilian-themed night on Saturdays. If hip-hop's your bag, don't miss Poetry over at the Forum Shops -- you'll hear some of the latest jams and a few old favorites.

Q: Are there any underage clubs in Vegas?

A: Las Vegas isn't called an "adult playground" for no reason. Here's the deal, junior -- most of the bars and clubs in Vegas are for the over-21 crowd, but most shows in Vegas welcome the underage set, with the exception of a couple of the more risqué productions. Check out some hip shows like Blue Man Group or Cirque du Soleil's O or Mystere. If the cool concerts are your bag, the House of Blues hosts regular all-ages shows, but check with the box office before you go.

Q: I'm looking for a more stylish, upscale club. Where can I go?

A: Vegas has plenty of swank clubs for the swingin' set. Our favorites are LAXTao,Tabú,ghostbar and Body English.The Bellagio's luxurious The Bank andPrivé, inside Planet Hollywood, are two more hotspots that definitely spared no expense in their creation. Keep an eye out at all of them for some famous Hollywood faces.

Q: What's an ultra-lounge? Is it a nightclub? Or is it a lounge? Help me out!

A: You've asked a good question. Many of these ultra-lounges, including Tabú and Risqué, are swanky bars with cover charges and a DJ. Some are free to enter before a certain hour. Some don't open until late like any nightclub. Basically, an ultra-lounge is a club without the dance floor (or with a small one), where you can chat up that pretty face in a more intimate, relaxed environment.

Q: My friends are old-school ravers and love the sounds of house and electronica. Are there any clubs in Vegas that spin the deeper dance beats?

A: Have no fear. Aside from regular guest DJ appearances by the likes of Deep Dish and Bad Boy Bill at some of the biggest clubs in town, you can find regular house sounds at Empire BallroomJET (in one of the club's three distinct rooms) and Tao. If you can handle the late, late night afterhours clubs, both Drai's and Teatro have DJs spinning house till the sun rises (and after!).

Q: I'm looking to party all night and meet someone of the opposite sex. Can you help?

A: Are you kidding? You bet we can help. For some of the wildest action in Vegas, go to rumjungle. If you're looking for the biggest and the hottest, try Rain or Jet. We've also noticed that Tao, inside the Venetian, seems to a favorite for both women and men, so whatever your preferred sex, you're set.

Q: What's the deal with the dress code at these night spots? Can I kick it old-school in my Dickies and Chuck Taylors?

A: Just like everything else in Vegas, there's something for everyone. Most of the swankier clubs -- that's anything billing itself as an ultra-lounge, meta-club, mega-club, or anything that sounds expensive -- have strict dress codes, especially for the men. The rules vary, but here's the basics: No ball caps, tennis shoes, T-shirts, gang paraphernalia, overly baggy clothing, etc. A few clubs, like Stoney's Rockin' Country or Privé (which values cool factor over dressy, for the most part) might be a little looser depending on the time of night and the nature of the evening's theme.

Q: Is there any way to avoid the lines at some of the hot clubs?

A: Aside from slipping the well-dressed gorilla at the door a crisp Benjamin Franklin? There sure is, and you've come to the right place. Just check out our featured nightclubs, and we can hook you up with VIP packages, line passes and more. It's all about you, baby.

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