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Deko Lounge has brought New York City chic to New Jersey: Yes, New Jersey. The beautifully designed club took a chance on quality house music and succeeded with big named international guests (Roger Sanchez, Danny Tenaglia, Erick Morillo), framed around weekly resident, and Best Resident DJ nominee, Richie Santana. Now in its sixth year, Deko continues to delight its loyal patrons by offering fresh and diverse talent like celebrity jock DJ AM, Funkmaster Flex, and mash-up DJ Klutch; all while keeping the cover low, the look fresh (the club just underwent yet another renovation), and the bass pumping via its custom-designed EAW Avalon Series system. -RL |
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It ain't easy being a free-standing club in Vegas. The casino-clubs have bigger budgets, built-in audiences and other advantages, but Empire has set itself apart by opening when most venues close - 3 a.m. - and, crucially, booking planeloads of talent. The Killers, Black Eyed Peas and the Purple One himself, Prince, have all played the cavernous space, yet it's arguably Empire's commitment to electronica that's kept it a cut above its casino-based counterparts. Deep Dish, Sander Kleinenberg, Sasha: Empire serves as Sin City's house-music HQ, week in and week out. -KC |
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In the basement of the city's Lumbar Exchange Building, this underground club has captured the hearts of music-loving Minneapolitans. Booking national acts (Mark Farina, Justice) as well as local up-and-comers (Legend Woody McBride), Foundation enjoys a loyal crew of regulars and welcomes newcomers too. The main dancefloor area does dance, and the back Deep Lounge covers hip-hop. But Foundation's best trick? It keeps its cred, even while offering the dreaded cool-kid killer: bottle service. The venue's New Year's Resolution is a three-month redesign, with re-opening parties planned upon its completion. -CM
www.foundationmpls.com
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Spy Bar balances fabulous and gritty with brightly colored banquettes offset by exposed brick walls, bassbins and bottle service, and a crowd that likes to dress up to dance to its underground heroes. The stylish spot has been going strong for 11 years, hosting international jocks like James Zabiela, Steve Angello, and Deep Dish in an intimate basement atmosphere. Whether its regulars choose to sip drinks at is lengthy bar, get dirty on its large dancefloor or simply people watch from the sleek contemporary lounge, Spy Bar has it all. -RL |
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Sully is no stranger to this category. This is the basement venue's third Nightstalker nomination, with a win in 2005. But it's not resting on its laurels: The venue underwent a broad renovation this year, with the sole intention of improving the experience for its loyal patrons. There's a booming new custom-designed sound system by Core Audio (nominated for Best Sound System), a lighting system by iDesign (nominated for Best Lighting System), and most importantly: a large new women's bathroom. With its continued focus on diverse weekly parties with everything from breaks to neo-Brazilian fusion, Sully is posed to retain its reputation as the venue of choice for NYC clubgoers in search of a fun and relaxed atmosphere and great music. -RL |
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