NIGHTCLUB The definition of a nightclub
varies from person to person. The Niteguide's definition of a nightclub is
a business that is open at least twice a week and provides some type of regularly
scheduled entertainment. (For space purposes nightclub will be referred to
as "club" from this point on.) A club usually has an area for dancing if
it is a dance club or a stage where patrons may observe entertainment such
as live bands, comedy, magic, exotic dancers, etc. Most clubs serve alcoholic
beverages and may or may not have dining. There are a few non-alcoholic clubs
for those who may be on the wagon. There are some independent promoters who
host certain theme nights in various clubs. These one nighters are not considered
a nightclub. Presentations of this nature, however, can be very innovative
and fun. An excellent source of information for these types of events may
be found in the Los Angeles Times Calendar Section, L.A. Weekly and New Times
newspapers.
(back to TOP)
ENTERTAINMENT Entertainment is the featured attraction
that is offered for the enjoyment of the audience. Types of entertainment
that are offered in various clubs are live bands, D.J.'s, magicians, comedians,
exotic dancers, variety performers, etc. Although a Juke Box may be fun,
it does not qualify as an entertainment item.
(back
to TOP)
AGE
RESTRICTIONS
Most clubs require patrons to be at least 21 years of age or older in order
to be granted entry. There are a few clubs that allow 18 year olds and over
to enter. Some restaurants have a nightclub operation that allow all ages
to be admitted. Some areas, however, may be restricted or off limits to minors
because of Alcoholic Beverage Control rules and regulations. In the state
of California no person under the age of 21 may be served or sold any alcoholic
beverages.
(back
to TOP)
IDENTIFICATION (I.D.) The biggest hassle that can and
usually does kill a night of partying right from the start is when you do
not have an acceptable valid identification card or I.D. Even if you look
old enough to be a grandparent, without proper I.D., your chances of getting
in are usually null and void. Sometimes there are exceptions like when the
non-I.D. carrying patron is a busty female with an abundance of cleavage
in plain view. This sometimes works better and faster than cash. Gee, I wonder
why? For California residents the two most acceptable forms of I.D. are a
California driver's license or California I.D. card issued by the Department
of Motor Vehicles. Sometimes a military I.D. will do! One I.D. that usually
gets a good laugh is the old $3.00 swap meet I.D. card. It is better to try
and con your way in without any I.D. at all, than to use one of those swap
meet specials. For out-of-state visitors, a driver's license with picture
is recommended. For visitors from foreign countries, a passport is ususally
acceptable. It would be a good idea though, to have another form of I.D.
with your picture and signature on it for backup.
(back to TOP)
REFRESHMENTS Most L.A. clubs have one or more bars
which serve a full variety of alcoholic beverages including beer and wine
to adults 21 years of age and over. There are also clubs that 1) serve beer
and wine only, 2) have different drinking areas for adults to drink alcoholic
beverages and minors to drink soft drinks and 3) serve no alcohol whatsoever.
(back to TOP)
COVER
CHARGE
The cover charge is the admission price for entry into the club. Sometimes
there is no cover charge. Usually the earlier it is in the week, the smaller
the cover charge will be. Cover charges are highest on the weekends. They
may vary nightly depending on what entertainment is being offered. Cover
charges may range from as little as $1.00 on up to $30.00 or more on rare
occasions. Cover charges are usually paid in cash with U.S. currency. Although
travelers checks are used quite often by tourists, you can save yourself
a lot of headaches if you just have American currency when paying cover charges.
(back to TOP)
DRESS
CODE
The dress code is the type of clothing required for entry into the club.
Sometimes dress codes can overlap each other but here are a few definitions
that may guide your fashion selection for the evening. If the dress code
is dressy dress or fashionable attire, wearing jeans, t-shirt and tennis
shoes will keep you in the parking lot and not in the club. For men dressy
dress usually means a coat, shirt and slacks (neck or bow ties are optional).
For the gals, an evening gown or dress will do. Sometimes a very nice blouse
and skirt may suffice. High heels are usually the footgear apropo for the
ladies in the evening and definitely for the "ladies of the evening"! Casual
dress usually means just about anything may be worn. Here is where jeans,
t-shirt and tennis shoes are cool. Most rock 'n roll clubs have a casual
dress code. Sometimes clubs have dress codes that go along with special themes
or clientele. Levi & leather, leather & lace, all black, all white,
lingerie, toga, etc. Keep in mind that some club dress codes change from
night to night. If you have any doubt about what to wear on a certain evening
to a certain club, always call the club before leaving your home or hotel
room.
(back to TOP)
VIDEO
SCREENS
More and more clubs are installing video screens to enhance the atmosphere
for their patrons. There are large video screens and T.V. monitor types.
The video screens are used for special events and sometimes to allow patrons
a better view of what's happening on the stage or dance floor. Some clubs
show music videos and creatively edited comedy bits. You can usually tell
who doesn't have their MTV by the length of time they spend around the video
monitors when music videos are shown.
(back to TOP)
HAPPY
HOUR
Happy Hour is usually held Monday thru Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. (days
and times may vary from club to club) and usually there is a free buffet,
hors d'oeuvres or discounts on certain food items. Also discounted drinks,
2 for 1 drinks, beer busts (this is where you pay a small cover charge but
once in the club you can drink all the beer you desire) and other creative
drink specials are offered. Sometimes there are just drink specials. The
ideal happy hour is when they offer both.
(back to TOP)
AFTER
HOURS After hours means the club stays open after 2:00 a.m. in
the morning. How long it remains open after that time depends on the club
and how much business it is doing. If business is slow the club may opt to
close early. But if the place is jumping, it may stay open as long as it
is profitable or at least fun. After hours is usually held on Friday and
Saturday nights, although sometimes clubs will have a Sunday after hours
if Monday is a holiday. There is no alcohol served during after hours. California
state law does not allow alcohol to be served or sold after 2:00 a.m.
(back to TOP)
DINING The L.A. night scene has many places
to eat, drink and be merry. They run the gamut from fast food to casual to
fine dining. Fast food can be nachos, chips, popcorn, fries, burgers, etc.
Casual dining is a sit down affair that requires no particular fashion attire
to be comfortable or practical. Most casual dining establishments offer a
full menu with steaks, salads, chicken, hot and cold sandwiches, some seafood
items, juices, coffee, etc. Fine dining is offered in the more posh clubs
and finer hotels. Dressy attire is the rule of thumb. Although not posted,
it is just understood. You probably wouldn't feel too comfortable wearing
levis and tennis shoes to a fine dining establishment, although you would
get a considerable amount of attention. (That is, if they allowed you to
enter.) What makes fine dining a real pleasure is there are usually two or
more people that tend to your table during your dining experience. It is
usually quite expensive but the service and cuisine make it well worth it.
If you aren't familiar with fine dining, it wouldn't be a bad idea to pick
up a book on etiquette. There will be numerous forks, knives and spoons all
over the place that may be confusing to the novice fine diner. As for myself,
I can attack anything on the table with just one fork and knife. Amazing
as it may seem -- it's true!
(back to TOP)
PARKING Parking isn't too much of problem at
most L.A. nightspots because as the song says "Nobody Walks In L.A.!" Clubs
usually provide either valet parking or a parking lot with ample parking
space. Sometimes there is only street parking. If you have to park on the
street try to park in a well lit area or you may run the risk of going home
without any sounds in your ride! If your destination is fairly close to your
hotel you may be better off catching a cab. Sometimes a cab ride may be cheaper
than the cost of valet parking.
(back to TOP)
CREDIT
CARDS Credit cards that are honored vary from place to place.
The most popular ones accepted are MasterCard, Visa, American Express and
Diners Club. Some clubs don't accept any credit cards but most of the
nightclub/restaurant operations do. It is always less hassle if you have
good old American cash. They always accept that. If you are from out of town
and are using travelers checks, you might be wise to cash enough of them
to cover your style of partying for the evening.
(back
to TOP)
WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL BEFORE GOING
OUT! If you have any doubt about anything listed in the Niteguide, just keep
one thing in mind - you can always call the club by using the phone numbers
we have provided. Well, enough reading. It's time to hit the streets, get
down, get funky, get loose, get busy. In other words - IT'S TIME TO
PARTY!
