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It takes a lot for a club located off the beaten path to overpower offerings in the U.S.'s leading nightlife nexuses. But Columbus, Ohio's Bar Of Modern Art makes ambitious enough use of its 23,000 square feet to to impressively debut in this year's competition. Situated in a former Baptist Church, the Bar, or "BoMA," as the locals refer to it, gives patrons the option to revel in no less than three massive rooms: the "Underground" basement area, the Great Room and the Sanctuary. It's certainly the answer to many a frustrated Midwestern clubber's prayers. -JH
www.barofmodernart.com
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Probably on more DJ's wish lists than any club regardless of size is NYC's house haven Cielo. The old faithful Funktion-One system satisfies even the most critical audiophiles, and the dancefloor possesses a vibe that never seems to let up. Plus, Cielo is forever filling its schedule with the best beat-slingers; from resident legends Louie Vega (nominated this year for "Best Resident DJ") and Francois K, to the new wave of European techno talent. Winner of Best Club in 2005 and 2006, as well as numerous other awards, Cielo has a place in the heart of anyone who loves to dance. -PM
www.cieloclub.com
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Jet's Monday night promo exhibits its commitment to substance over style, with VJ Roonie G (who won "Best VJ" in 2006) dropping his schizophrenic blend of music videos and club bangers in the main room, and resident DJs Faarsheed and Eddie McDonald in the back room spinning that rarest of elements at a Strip-side casino-club: quality electronica. Then there's the guest jocks. From Carl Cox to Kaskade, Dubfire to Tiesto (who played back-to-back nights over Labor Day Weekend), the Light Group property has consistently booked superstar jocks just as often as superstars, a major contribution to Vegas' oft-staid scene. -KC
www.lightgroup.com
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Since opening in 2003 to celebrity and press buzz, Marquee has exceeded expectations of an industry doubting its staying power. And perhaps the longevity of the banquette-dancing mecca even surprised owners Noah Tepperburg and Jason Strauss, who've used the success to open another hit club, Tao, in Las Vegas as well as forge on with their marketing company Strategic Group. To them Marquee became a pillar of long-term success in a celebrity-obsession nightlife culture, which they've accomplished through what Tepperberg calls, "a never-before-achieved level of programmed special red carpet events, DJs, hosts, appearances and themed nights that has lead to the sustained operation of one of the only five-nights-a-week clubs in town for the last four years." The bi-level, 600-capacity Marquee was even rewarded with a face-lift from SLDesign in 2006, retaining its signature rainbow staircase at center stage, but replacing the crystal-encased discoball with dramatic lighting fixtures, curtains over the VIP mezzanine and ventricular panels at the entrance. -CM
www.marqueeny.com
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Coming back into the fray of competition this year as the defending champ, Chicago's Smart Bar has continued to secure the shifting loyalties of Chicago's nightclubbing elite after 25 years in the industry. Music director, talent buyer and erstwhile DJ James Amato has kept the club ahead of the trends with sets and live PAs from Spank Rock, Digitalism and Justice, whose set also scored a nod for Best DJ Set. In the meantime, the Funktion-One sound system and redesigned interior by Thomas Shoner has held up well since the club's ambitious 2006 renovation. Not bad for a basement club. -JH
www.smartbarchicago.com
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