Vegas already has the most outlandish clubs around, like Rain Nightclub, Studio 54 and Ice. Lounges are taken care of with spots like Tabú and Caramel. Even medium-sized venues like Venus and Drai's put other towns to shame. And with joints like Spearmint Rhino, Olympic Garden and Cheetah's, we're home to the greatest strip-clubs in the galaxy. But, there was one spot Vegas was lacking: the top-secret hideaway. The kind without a mountain of advertising, tucked away, without any signs, the door hiding an ultra-hip lounge. Wouldn't a secret little spot like that totally kill here?
It looks like the folks at House of Blues and Dubb Productions have been surfing the same cosmic wavelength as your favorite writer. Thursday saw the launch of the new Lounge Ingout at the OBA Lounge.
OBA is the VIP lounge upstairs at the HOB. It fell into disarray over time but was gutted last year, and then completely renovated.
The room has quietly reopened, with small events and VIP service over the last few months. Thursday's Lounge Ingout debut was my first trip back since summer, and all I have to say is "Wow!"
HOB pulled out all the design stops. It's absolutely gorgeous and unbelievably cozy. There are about a dozen or so booths—quite a feat in such a small room—and plenty of couches. There's also a redone bar and new carpet. The vibe screams "hideaway." Thursday saw a local, cool crowd. There was a free vodka bar till midnight, go-go dancers, and movies on the numerous flat screens. One of my favorite DJs, Mike White, was on the decks, spinning a hip-hop- and funk-flavored set, with an emphasis on fun.
Honestly, part of me didn't want to tell you about it. It's so perfect that too many people might ruin it. But, I'm in love with OBA and Lounge Ingout, and you can't hide that.
Good wishes, new digs, and pool opening
Let's take a sec' and wish Bowtown Productions' Bo Karlen a happy birthday. I stopped by the party at Tabú's always fun La Doce Vita Thursday. Bo has been promoting Vegas events since the dawn of man, and it's always nice to see scenesters get a chance to party for themselves. Happy birthday, Bo!
Remember Tuesday's Rich at Sapphire's that I cued you into a few weeks back? Well, they've packed up the ship and moved over to Ice. Same Bat time, same Bat date, new Bat location.
And finally, the gang at the Hard Rock Hotel has given us something to do on Sunday afternoons other than nursing hangovers and suffering through the Ed Bernstein Show. It's the brand new Rehab pool party! It gets going Sunday, perfect for all you party animals not ready to go home when Drai's closes. The sun-filled craziness cooks from noon till 9 p.m. every Sunday.
Antonio Llapur walks softly and carries a big club. E-mail him at [email protected].