A fine club with a decent bar and an eyebrow raising toilet. Obviously your interest in Elysium depends on who they book. I came during SXSW, when clubs usually book bands that are different from what they usually book. So my Japanese showcase would not reflect what you would usually hear at Elysium. But the performance space is attractive. The club is divided into two rooms with just a divider and no wall between the rooms. So you can hear the music from anywhere. If you want to be right next to the speakers at the edge of the stage, you have to be in the main room - not the room with the bar. As I get older, I sit down more. But for most of my life, I was a stage-edge-next-to-the-speaker kind of guy. Only the only thing that would remove me from my favorite place was mosh pit action (Or a sucky band). As I get older, I also look for some kind of wall support to brace myself with one hand while I dance with the rest of me. The Mohawk is ideal for wall support upfront dancing. The Elysium not so much because one wall is mirrored. But you can get in position to do some major dancing. When I was there last, I did just that. * * * Seating options are superb. Both in the stage room and the bar room there are comfy leather sofas that hold three people and a number of other soft seating locations. Unlike many other Austin clubs, it is easy to find a space to sit down and still get the music full blast. At the Mohawk, in contrast, for an indoor concert, if you go to sit down you leave the room with the music, and you only get vague overtones coming through the wall. * * * The bar is pretty good. Their options are limited but their options are well chosen. I was introduced to a George Dickel rye by the bartender that was absolutely first rate. George Dickel is definitely going into my home collection. Outstanding beverages and fine seating allow you to have a fine time at the Elysium Even on a night when the bands are terrible. * * * Your fine time changes if you have to go to the bathroom. * * * If you are a guy, peeing is merely tacky. You go into a semi-gross room where there is a multi-user tank. All the guys pee into the tank. * * * Pooping is another story. The club does not want shenanigans going on in any of the toilet stalls. So they remove the door to the toilet stall. The men's room toilet is fully visible from the front door to the men's room. You are literally pooping in front of the entire world. This is barely one step up from India. In India, many people poop in the streets. Here, you are essentially pooping in the streets Except when you are done you can flush the bad stuff away. I personally am very shy . I definitely do not want to do my business in public. * * * There are people in Austin who love to sh** in public. Put four of them together and you have a band. Bands like that perform all over town, Including at the Elysium. read more

Always a fun night here, and I don't just say that since I dj here sometimes :). If you love industrial music you'll find great concerts here and 80s night on Sundays is usually fun and crowded. Get in the FB group to get the password for free entry on Sunday nights. read more

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I liked the music here a lot. It's a cool hidden nightclub. It's hard to find though. The projectors that show the videos while you are dancing is cool. I was very happy that they checked my id. read more

The cream of the crop when it comes to goth clubs. Everyone is cool from the owner and staff to other club goers. I love the Sunday 80s night. Great place to hang with friends and listen to the best music ever. read more

Elysium isn't my ideal place. Every time I come here, I never know what to expect. It seems like it's always goth night, or vampire japanese band night, or teenage night. I do like a theme night. I've never bothered to look up to see what's going on before I stumble in this bar. This bar is so dark! They need to buy some lights. My guess is that they're trying to hide the fact that this place has all kinds of weird stains to go with all the weird theme nights. I always feel like I'm going to trip over something. The drinks are weak. They seem like they're more watered down than whiskey. There's no places to sit down (that I'd trust.) Every time I've been up in here, it's been too loud with music that ain't country, or western. There's usually a live band, which is nice though. I feel like I should be eating my carrots before I go in here (so I can see in the dark, duh!) The bar staff is pretty goth too. "You want a drink? Gah!" Maybe I'm too old or not goth enough. I don't get this place. read more

I visit this venue every chance I get. The atmosphere is always welcoming and the staff truly care about the entertainment and safety of their customers as well as the community at large as well. read more

The staff and owners are very friendly. Sunday nights are my favorite. A lot of the friends I have I met at Elysium years ago. It's like a second family. The staff is great and everyone is there to have fun, no flex, no drama. read more

Came here for an event hosted by Queerbomb for Valentine's Day; we'd never been before. It was a relaxed vibe. My husband and I were very comfortable being there, and lots of like-minded folk around us were having a blast. The venue space is pretty solid, imo, lots of couches for lounging (some are in better repair than others), a nice big dance floor and DJ booth for pumpin' tunes, and a sizeable stage that's raised for easy viewing. There's an outdoor patio for if you need to get some air, billiard tables for gaming, and a bar to get drinks. The bathrooms are... unfortunately, atrocious. Just really, really gross. I barely fit in the stall in the men's room and I'm a 5'3" 120lbs guy... couldn't use the piss trough cuz I'm a trans guy. So yeah... bit awkward there. Other downside was the parking situation, we had to park several blocks away and walk past a lot of homeless people sleeping behind the church. My complaints aren't things Elysium has much control over though, so I get it; you're stuck with being in downtown Austin. We do plan to return sometime, either for another Queerbomb event or maybe their reoccurring 80's dance night on Sundays! read more

This place is so wonderful. I had no idea places like this existed in Austin before moving here a couple months ago from nyc. It reminds me of home. The people who work here are wonderful as is the clientele. Sunday 80s nights are special. All types of people and all ages with the best music. Extra special thank you to Amanda who was working entrance last night and helped me when I fainted from heat stroke after ACL. And the kind bartender who also rushed to get me water. read more

80s night on Sunday- sign me up!!! It's been years since I have been here and done 80s night. And like a responsible 40 something year old, I took Monday off. LOL. The ambiance was exactly what I wanted. A little dingy, fog machine, hot dance floor, happy people dancing (plenty who seemed to be on drugs and others just high on life) but not too crowded! If you're looking for pristine fancy place with impeccable bathrooms, keep scrolling for another place. We went exactly at 9:30 to make sure we could get out dancing in early before we became pumpkins! What I especially liked was they had plenty of sans alcohol drinks to pick from. The bartender was so extremely lovely and very attentive. Fun place with fun people read more

I've been going for 25 years and this club is near and dear to my heart. It is diverse, inclusive, and goth friendly.

I went to 80's night at Elysium tonight. It was a spur of the moment decision. Glad I went. I had so much fun dancing. It was awesome.

First off Elysium should be a landmark as far as I'm concerned it's been around since 2001 which is coincidently when I move to Austin at the age of 20. I remember coming here in my 20's with friends to hang out, I was here on Halloween and even rang in new years here once. Now in my 40's I can say it hasn't changed and that's a great thing. The atmosphere is still that of a dark goth club which gives off the vibe of old goth movies like The Hunger, the music is loud, they do have theme music nights and the bar and bartenders are great. If I had to pick one word to describe this place it would be Classic. Some nights are busy some are quiet. I was here recently on a Tuesday after going to another show down the street so it was about 11 pm and was a quiet night, I mean it was a Tuesday after all, but the music was still great as were the drinks and company. I'd recommend this place to anyone as a must go to while in Austin. It's not chic, it's not hipster, it something authentic to Austin and Red River. read more

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Elysium has the best decor if you are goth. It's perfection. Hipsters that are over everything and black. The people that work there are classy in that they are careful and thoughtful and kind. The best place to dance too, especially 80's knight!! read more

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Visiting from Phoenix and stumbled upon this gem. I'm a huge 80s fan, was listening to send me angel on phone 30 min prior I walk in and they were playing that song. OMG!! So cool!! Had a great night, danced all night. Cool people and staff were so nice. Thank You!! read more

Do you want to feel your inner goth??? Come here. The bathrooms aren't too clean, but the ambiance is awesome!! It's in a historic building (check out the art on the side of the wall) and the music slaps. I didn't get to check out the bar area, but Ian and I had a wonderful time here. There is a $3 cover to get in and it is cash only for the cover unless you have a password (which we found on their Twitter to avoid atm fees). read more

Elysium - History - Dance Clubs Near Me - Austin, Texas

NEVER KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT AT ELYSIUM! Always a VERY diverse crowd, good dance music, large space. Often have bands, acts, or "theme" nights. Vamp, 80s, goth, glam..you name it! Always a good time, More than just a bar; it's an "experience." Have never been disappointed!!...until... During my most recent visit, their was an "aerial" act ($6 cover). Was told it would begin in about 10 minutes. Over an hour later the "act" began. It was one of the most ridiculous, embarrassing things I've ever seen. No Cirque du Soleil here! Two women all twisted up and hanging onto the aerial ribbons for dear life! hahahahaha They had NO IDEA what they were doing! Bless their hearts. :) It was "entertaining" though - just not how I think they intended it to be. Every bit worth the 6 bucks spent because I laughed so hard I inadvertently got an awesome ab workout! I'll be back! read more

Elysium - A fairy.... - Dance Clubs Near Me - Austin, Texas

i am a rather unfortunate looking man but i am flooded with compliments when i step into this establishment! my wife is pleased with my self esteem boost but sour at the thought of my ego growing too big. what an interesting delight. my wife wishes they would play a more interesting goth song that the ones they play while we are shopping at randall's supermarket. cheers! read more

Elysium is a place of mixed tastes. The drinks are overpriced and the DJs are somewhat rude. If your going there to pick up women. It's become more of a gay bar now then it's past glory. I wouldn't waste my money on this establishment unless your going to a show. read more

Do you want to get your club dance on? Then you might like this place. Just make sure you've extinguish your bowels beforehand, as you likely won't be pleased with your options should you find yourself needing to take a shit here. read more

Elysium - Those of you with a penis who need to piss or shit, this is your only option here at Elysium. - Dance Clubs Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Sadie is AMAZING! She helped my friend after he lost his phone and got hit by a car (no I am not joking unfortunately). She definitely deserves a raise!!! read more

The most fun place in Austin. Great for dancing on Saturday and Sunday nights it is an Austin icon. read more

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I love this place and the people that come here are pretty friendly. The dance floor is amazing and this is THE place for goth music. If you love goth music and goth people then I'd say come here. Just don't forget to get a drink from the bartender Sadie; one of the best bartenders Ive seen in Austin! She is super friendly, knows what you like before you know it and just an outstanding individual of a person! Word's cant describe it, you just gotta head down and see for yourself! read more

After the last time I'm done with this place once and for all. I'm making a clean break! I have tried to like this place for years but there comes a point when I need to just let go. Sure this is one of only few places to go for dark, "goth", 80's new wave but that doesn't mean it's worth it to be stuck in a hot dank basement all night. Take for instance, my last experience. A few weeks ago, the website (at first) said "8:00pm" which sounded early but I was all for it given it was a mid-week show and I actually have a job. A few hours before 8:00 though, all of a sudden the site changed to "10:00pm" I thought that was odd but still assumed "Show at 10:00". No. What that actually meant was, "Doors at 10:00pm, show at Midnight". Really!?!? A mid-week show with a $10 cover starting at midnight? I only found this out by asking the door guy who looked drugged up why the show hadn't started and it was after 11:00pm. Aside from the dozen or so "teens" (one of which was in front of me in the line and actually forgot her ID! If that's not a sign she was under age then I don't know what is...) the show probably had like 10 other people there. Yeah, the club was dead, dank and depressing. A few other things to note about this place: It's disgustingly stuffy and hot due to no central A/C; the crowd is overrun by 18 year old children; the sound system is abhorrent; the rickety fog machine is just offensive and the seemingly underage female dancers are reminiscent of early 2000's mainstream goth/rave culture. :-( Oh, and did I mention that their liquor legitimately tastes watered down and the bartenders are rude and surly? Seriously, there's got to be a way to prove that they're watering down their liquor. Honestly, if you want a great 80's new wave night, go to San Antonio. read more

You have to hand it to Elysium. They've kept things going strong for 25 years. They are fiercely clinging to that corner of red river. I think they'll outlast all of us. I dropped in here Wednesday night at the behest of a friend who digs the "goth" night. I had no idea what I was getting into. Would there be hundreds of people who looked really depressed milling about? Actually, it was pretty empty. Good drink specials, great Cult, Clash, Cure music vids playing and just a couple of people on the dance floor until we left (about 12a.) I dug it. I'd go again. Good music, lots of elbow room and a $10 bar tab is a decent option on Wednesday nights. read more

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Went here for the first time with an old friend of mine and his girlfriend (who is also a performer) for the Vampire Court Ball. Goth clubs aren't really my thing, but I kinda liked this place. I just wore a black suit and black shirt, and I didn't feel like I stuck out like a sore thumb. Hell, there were even some older people in jeans and T-shirts. But most patrons were decked out in corsets, studded leather jackets, leather pants, contacts, etc. And cleavage. Sooooo much cleavage. Both the bars (the main one up top and the VIP one on the lower area) are pretty nice. Beers and ciders are $4.25, mixed drinks like a Vegas Bomb are $5.50, and then their signature Blood Shots are about $5, I believe. There's a good sized dance floor, with silks hanging overhead for aerialists, a stage, a raised DJ booth, a curtained-off VIP room with sofas in the lower area, a large smoking patio out front, and of course the two bars. That night there were also several stalls selling corsets, flogs, masks, little coffins with chicken feet in them, etc. The DJ music is a lot of what you'd expect. System of a Down, In The Moment, etc. I kept waiting for some Rage Against the Machine, but sadly it's not that kind of a place. There was also a live band that did everything from Marilyn Manson to opera. Surprisingly really good opera. Then there were the performers, who did everything from aerial acts to burlesque routines. I wouldn't call it stripping per se, because they did not bare everything (the most was one woman who had red sparkly pasties), but they are incredibly sensual. And hot. Most of the people there did not have that super pretentious, holier than thou, make-hipsters-seem-down-to-earth air about them that I've noticed with other similar groups. These folks were there to get dressed up, escape from the daily routine for a few hours, and have a great time. One dude out on the patio even made my e-cig disappear and reappear, which blew my drunken mind. Not some place I personally would frequent, but that night I had a blast! Even met some people I haven't seen since high school. I'll definitely be coming back in November, when my buddy and his awesome girlfriend will be in a production of Rocky Horror Picture Show. read more

Drinks a little on the pricy side and the bartender was far from friendly. Great music though

Not as good a the the church or Panoptikon in Dallas but what it makes up for is the closeness to where I live and that they are open more then one day a week. I wish that there were more goths there and that it was more busy especially since Austin got naked vampire capital of the USA read more

This place is quite wonderful! Came on Sunday night for their 80s night. Pure fun with lots of room for dancing or just hanging out. They also have a stage you can dance on. Friendly crowd. Gets pretty packed but not too bad. If I remember correctly, drinks weren't cheap. Other than that, can't wait to dance the night away again! read more

I haven't been to Elysium for way too long, but this was my go to place to dance and see bands when I moved Austin in 2001. Last week, my husband surprised me with tickets to a show. Some things seem to get better with time and this place feels like coming home. The goth/industrial scene is alive and well. Best night I have had out in years. Thank you for keeping music breathing and alive on Red River! See you again soon. read more

Elysium - Adoration Destroyed had an amazing set! - Dance Clubs Near Me - Austin, Texas

I like the layout of Elysium. One big stage with a dance floor in one room and the other room with a bar, pool table, pinball machines and places to sit. There's also a patio. I went here for KPOP night. The atmosphere was awesome. I would love to come back here not just for KPOP night but for other nights too. read more

An excerpt from "A Complete Guide To Identifying and Cataloging Goths", some of the most common specimens you will see here on a Saturday night: Wears fishnets, leather jackets, and vintage band shirts that have been cut-up or otherwise modified. May have teased and dyed hair. Listens to Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Smokes clove cigarettes, drinks rum and coke. Classification: Old School Goth. Wears PVC, towering platform boots, and fuzzy leg warmers. Has dreadlocks, plastic bits, or tubular crin instead of hair. Probably has goggles strapped to their head, and may be carrying glowsticks. Listens to EMB and Synthpop. Drinks something called a Jaded Dragon, which looks a lot like antifreeze. Classification: Cybergoth. Wears combat boots, military jackets, and tank tops. Has a shaved head or a mohawk. Accessorizes with spiked bracelets and collars. Listens to music with angry German lyrics and stuff that uses saws as instruments. Smokes like a chimney, drinks beer or whiskey, and will kick your face in if you bother them. Classification: Rivethead, aka Industrial Goth. Wears Victorian-styled clothing and corsets. Does hair in a fancy updo, perhaps with a top hat. Listens to Voltaire while drinking a glass of red wine. Classification: Romantic Goth. (If majority wardrobe color is brown instead of black and they have more than one gear or watch part on their person, use Sub-classification: Steampunk instead.) Wears t-shirt, jeans, and sensible shoes. May wear a baseball hat. Drinks PBR. Stares at everyone and looks really confused. Classification: Someone who thought it was Sunday 80's night. read more

Tale of an old school goth girl. There was once this art school girl who wore a lot of black and john fluevog shoes. She was a sad girl who'd already had her share of heartbreak for such a tender age; visiting goth clubs all over the southeast looking for that special angsty pre-emo love. She'd dance self-consciously to My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, Ministry, The Smiths, and Siouxie. Eventually she moved away to a place where there were no goth clubs. Twenty years later the goth girl is now a happy suburban housewife. The few black dresses from her old days are in the back of the closet. Last year she was talked into going to a goth club for the first time in years and years. Reluctantly she went. She dug out some black clothes and her awesome knee high boots. She realized that her self-consciousness was gone! She didn't feel uncool or judged. She was fulfilled in her personal life and she was free to dance and dance without fear of judgement. In fact, she received compliments. "Perhaps," she thought, "the new goth kids aren't as negative or judgy as the old school goths." Or maybe it was the club. The bouncer is nice. The bartenders are pleasant, if overwhelmed, when it gets crowded. The deejay spins fun songs, some even familiar to the girl's prime. The fellow patrons are pleasant, not too cool to not talk to. They....smile. Unheard of in the early nineties goth clubs. Or maybe the girl was too self-conscious to notice that they did this all along. She prefers going on Saturday nights and after midnight on weeknights. Sunday nights make her sad. read more

Where else can you melt into such glitter goth hotness and witness 'a la mode floor licking? Plenty of room to actually dance, plenty of room to actually mingle, plenty of time to actually palpate some delectable trouble. And, plenty of patience required to get into the god damned bathrooms ... way too small for the amount of people up in here. Playful DJs and friendly bartenders; coloring way outside the lines with Elysites you will be. No one seems to care who is doing what or who as long as you are having fun ... complete with iron cages and smack your bitch up stages. Arrive rested - leave exhausted. read more

Oh Sleazium I've been here twice on 80's night, yet I've experienced a lot, and DJ Pumpkin Spice spins some great 80's tunes! Here are things that might happen to you (assuming you're a guy?) Get your clothes drenched in sweat from dancing Meet some girls that ask you to join them in a risque photo Have your shirt ripped open by said girl(s) Get discouraged at times by the wealth of lezzies Get hit on by a member of the same sex. You could avoid the last one by sticking with a group, but where's the fun in that? read more

We walked into Elysium Sunday night for 80s night and walked into a maelstrom of counter-cultures. The list of party goers included (but was not limited to) punks, lesbians, sorority chicks, goths, yuppies, frat boys, metal heads, gay boys, hipsters, and 80s freaks. I have never seen so much eyeliner applied in so many different ways. Wet 'N' Wild should really expand their marketing.... The highlight of the evening was when a Billy Idol look alike (you know who you are!) hopped on stage and mashed with a sorority chick, grunge dude, and goth queen in a bustier. Cover: $4 Lone Star: $4 Memories of Elysium: Priceless read more

If there's any club in Austin I'm qualified to review, it's got to be Elysium. For years I whiled away virtually every Sunday evening boogin' down to the left-of-center eighties at Atomic Cafe. When the club was sold, I was thrilled to find that the new owners were regulars John Wickham and his lovely wife Sarah. They've kept the spirit of the previous club intact--goth and virtually every "alternative lifestyle"-friendly--while making improvements and giving the place their own spin. As always, Sundays are the flagship nights. Goths, punks, and indie kids mingle with thirty-somethings (like myself) reliving their youths. Definitely a party atmosphere, Sundays have a reputation in some quarters as a bit of a meat market, earning the club the nickname "Sleazium." At any rate, Sunday night music is a mixed bag, in my estimation. While I prefer the darker side of the decade--your Smiths, Joy Division, Thrill Kill Kult, et al.--these compete for turntable time with more mainstream fare, like Michael Jackson and Toni Basil. This is why, when I'd really like to shake my money-maker, I opt for Wednesdays. Driven mostly by requests and ably helmed by DJ Pumpkin Spice (i.e., Sarah Wickham), Wednesdays have a smaller, but clearly devoted, following. Not exactly a goth night (see Saturday for that), one can dance relatively unfettered by butts and elbows in your business without being conspicuously alone on the floor. That said, it's Sunday night as I write this. Guess where I'm off to next? See ya there... read more

If I lived in Austin, then I would probably frequent here. This place makes the little goth/industrial girl in me happy. Elysium is a divey bar/lounge with dance floor and pool table, along with quite vintage looking a/c blasting on. The drinks are cheap (well I'm coming from NYC) and the bartender is nice. The bathrooms' decor is on acid but it is kind of cool. Come and chill or dance your heart out, I'm sure nobody here will judge. read more

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not much of a club-goer. I'm far too much of a mild-mannered homebody for that. I'd much rather spend my night curled up on the couch playing video games or reading math books that go out to a club or bar. Regardless, I agreed to accompany a friend to Elysium for their 2009 Steampunk Ball because it sounded somewhat interesting. After all, how often do I have occasion to wear a corset? Pros: 1) Friendly people 2) Decent music (not the kind of stuff you'd find on my ipod, but danceable) 3) Free soda -- not sure if the bartender just thought I was nice/cute or if they regularly give free drinks to designated drivers, but who am I to complain either way? 4) Inexpensive cover ($3 the night we went) Cons: There is only one and it's a biggie. The smoking. OMFG, the smoking! Now my Libertarian sensibilities won't allow me to be offended by this flagrant violation of city law because I don't think that the government has any business telling private business owners that their patrons can't do something otherwise legal on their premises, but I digress... On a personal level, however, I find smoking inside to be disgusting and disrespectful to non-smokers. If it were mostly confined to a particular area of the club, I wouldn't mind, but folks were smoking by the bar, by the pool tables, even out of the dance floor (seriously? wtf?). All this with a nice patio outside to go smoke & drink and watch other Austinites walk by. By the middle of the night, I was literally sick to my stomach due to the smoke inhalation. On that basis alone, I probably won't be back, despite an otherwise pleasant experience. Sorry, Elysium. Smoking FTL. read more

Being a product of the 80's I have soft spot for dank dark somber spaces. Being a product of the 80's I personally have serious problems with old tired music that has been played for far too long and want to see more changes within the Gothic/Industrial cultur. But being an artist and somebody that likes to think ahead I highly encourage change and adaptations and contribute to the community on many levels... and I think Elysium is one of the best spaces to support underground subculture in Austin. I know the owner well so I may be biased but I hold back no punches either as I always want the places I love to do better and to be successful. If you are teeny bopper you will love Sunday nights - Retro 80's night. This is when you can hear all the crap we didn't like in the underground back in the 80's because it was on MTV and always on the radio. But you will get lucky and hear little jewels throughout the night - stuff from the B-sides, obscure hits, and music for the masses. If you still love Depeche Mode, the Go Go's and Toni Basil this is a night for you. If you consider yourself a true Gothic/Industrial fan which is what the club is known for than Saturdays and Wednesdays are good night. They both have their place. Wednesday is more suiteed to the obscure the dark wave style of the mid 90's while Saturday is more suited to more modern releases - dark trance , synth pop, etc... Fridays are the best nights to catch up and coming sub culture bands trying to make their mark and be the next Bauhaus or Trent Reznor... like me for example. I often perform with my collective - Hipnautica along side friends like subNatural, Chant, Death is Not a Joyride, etc... Many people wonder why I play there so often. 1) they have a green room for our ladies to get ready 2) they have a great stage 3) powerful sound system and Chuck is one of the best sound man 4) the owner always pays fairly based on real traffic 5) the patrons are open minded freaks like me While the club as Austin's only dedicated Gothic club the space and the patrons are open to other genres... such as Rock, Metal, Experimental, Industrial, DubStep, Dark House, Dark Trance, Goa, Dark World Electronic, Post Apocalyptic as well as many other sub cultures off shots. Life is too short to be closed minded - open your eyes and you will see the world is a beautiful place to be. As for the bar - great drink prices, if you are a regular they will take care of you, I hear that the staff can takes a little while to warm up to you - unless you are really cool to them, tip well and/or very hot. Be friendly, take your time at the bar, tip well, and take it all in stride. this ain't sixth street or the warehouse district - don't be a pansy or expect to be baby sat. ~sky read more