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Now that Boston's original Avalon has closed its doors, Avalon Hollywood has proved itself a worthy inheritor of the venerated nightlife brand's flagship crown. Taking its cue from Ibiza, the club phased in a Fall/Winter season this year, bringing in the likes of Tiefschwartz, Carl Cox and Laurent Garnier. Plus, they've decorated the club for each performer, constructing faux-Egyptian pyramids for Eric Prydz and a burnt-out subway carriage for Fabric's Wiggle. They've also brought sustainable thinking into their operation: They're busy with an energy-efficient renovation of their lighting rig, and recycle all their empties, with proceeds going back to the community. Now that's super. -JH
www.avalonhollywood.com
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At 55,000 square feet, with enough distinct environments to make your head spin, Peter Gatien's brand-new Circa is as "super" as clubs get, giving new generation of club kids plenty of toys: 3-D glasses, sidewalk chalk, smiley inflatables, playmates/live models, interactive bartops and video panels. Businessmen get their kicks on a discreet VIP level above the DJ booth, where they can order bottles with the well-dressed and high-heeled. The gay community gets loose in the Ballroom, where DJs work diva tracks, anthems and anything danceable. Tourists get souvenirs to buy, like KidRobot figures and shot glasses. Music buffs get an ample dancefloor with plenty of spectators. Casual observers can gawk at a 20-foot-tall, open-lipped sculpture (which will blow smoke rings bearing fire code approval), fetish artwork, and a bathroom bar where lost boys often end up in the ladies' room. And the A-listers? They get their own room, glassed-in and hovering over it all. -CM
www.circatoronto.com
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For three-year-old Mansion, 2007 was a very good year. Not only is the 40,000-square-foot mega still up and running, it's booking the big names like DJ AM, Erick Morillo and Paul Oakenfold. With lavish decor (crystal chandeliers, opulent staircases, Venetian mirrors by Francois Frossard) and big audio (Funktion One, EAW, Phazon by Sound Investment) Mansion has a year-round SoBe presence, but kicks it up for big ticket events like VMA after-parties and WMC bashes (Tiesto's gig there earned a Best One-Off nomination). And the veteran venue keeps fresh by embracing bottle service trends and outfitting a super-sexy staff with hot uniforms, as well as hopping on the event train with screens for corporate branding and movie premiers. -CM
www.opiumgroup.com
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And then there was one. Pacha, last year's Best Superclub and Best New Venue, is holding it down as New York's only super, and exploiting its position expertly. The 30,000-square-foot, four-level club matched its thunderous Dynacord sound and customized Robe lighting with a permanent video system this year (nominated for Best Video System); finally hosted jocks like Frankie Knuckles and Roger Sanchez, both Pacha Ibiza residents and New York natives; and advanced plans to open a roof deck. Plus, it set a new attendance record: 5,600 for Victor Calderone's powerfully branded Evolve party, on November TK. Rumor has it that the brand is looking to expand to Las Vegas and Miami by 2009.
www.pachanyc.com
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Who needs superstar DJs? Pure discovered this year that the way to a Vegas crowd’s wallet is through its deeply American lust for celebrity. So the 40,000-square-foot club spent its budget on appearances – everyone from Eva Longoria to comedian Jamie Kennedy to Nick Lachey, who of course brought along their equally fabulous friends – instead of performances. Not that the guy at the decks is a slouch: Mash-up DJ AM holds down a weekly residency (for which’s he’s a “Best Resident DJ” nominee). The party-with-the-stars approach – plus the Turbosound rig, 14,000-square-foot terrace, and attached Pussycat Dolls Lounge – helped Pure win the Vegas club wars (you can’t even get near the ropes on the weekends), and put it on par with top clubs worldwide. –KLM
www.purethenightclub.com
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