We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Clubs

A list of spots with DJs and without dress codes

Pj Perez



Monday


The Rainbow Bar & Grill (4480 Paradise Road) is all about rock 'n' roll, but that doesn't mean you can't get down. Or at least ogle go-go dancers while you pour back libations. Hence, Röck Möndays, with local favorite DJ Mikey Swift. extend your weekend just a little longer with the Flaunt Foxxes and your favorite rock tunes at 11 p.m.



Tuesday


DJ Alpyne, who can be found Saturday nights inside Mist at T.I., throws down hip-hop and mash-ups in the low-key atmosphere of the emergency Room Lounge (3550 S. Decatur Blvd.) at 10 p.m. for Trauma Tuesdays. With no cover charge and killer drink specials, just be careful you don't find yourself going from the emergency Room to the emergency room.

If your blood gets pumping to sounds from the '80s (and really, whose doesn't?), then check out DJ D-Mixx back at the Rainbow, where he spins those great retro tunes at 10 p.m.

The newest early-week event to hit Vegas is Test Press Tuesdays at Satay Malaysian Grill (3755 Spring Mountain Road). Hosted by LP, DJs Groove, Mistress Morningstar and Cielo bring house and down-tempo grooves to Chinatown from 9 p.m.–5 a.m.



Wednesday


Though the Beauty Bar (517 Fremont St.) is just about the hippest spot you can be at in Vegas on any given night, Wednesdays are particularly special. A dedicated—but comfortably sized—crowd always builds for Fantastic Damage, featuring DJs Aurajin, Standing 8 and 8-Bits, who fill the Downtown venue with an incredible mix of classic soul, '80s dance and just about anything else they have in their extensive record collections.

Touted as Las Vegas' first jazz and neo-soul ultralounge, Funk Jazz Lounge occupies the second floor of the Icehouse Lounge (650 S. Main St.). From 6-8 p.m., admission is free. At 8 p.m., entry goes to $10, but it's still worth it. Live musicians and spoken-word artists perform often, and after 9 p.m., DJs Slimm and DC Grooves spin an eclectic mix of jazz, neo-soul and rare grooves.

On the Strip, DJ Inferno brings raw talent to accompany the raw fish at Ra Sushi (in the Fashion Show Mall, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S.) for Open Tables. With no cover and no guest list, this has become one of the hottest nonclub DJ nights around. One visit and you'll discover why.

One more late-night spot to grab food, shake your moneymaker and be seen on Wednesdays is Midnight Snack at Firefly on Paradise (3900 Paradise Road). DJs Shoe, Miss Joy, Douglas Gibbs and Jason Lema spin funky house grooves as irresistible tapas are served. While you get your groove and munch on, enjoy a little art and fashion, too, from guest boutique designers and local artists. There's no cover, no dress code and no guest list, so pencil this snack into your midweek meal plan.



Thursday


The art deco styling of the Icehouse fills with Latin sounds at 11 p.m., when the same folks who bring you House Arrest present Miami Nights, with DJ Albert spinning salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton, hip-hop and more. Ay caramba!



Friday


While the megaclubs are lining up people by the thousands to hear Paris Hilton's newest single blasted at incomprehensible levels, you might find yourself at the Beauty Bar for Loaded. At 10:30 p.m., DJs Jared Nichols and Mike G spin psychedelic, alternative rock, shoegazer and more. It's an appropriately chill choice.

If the darker side of things is your flavor, the only place to be is Sanctuary, held inside the Krave Lounge (next to the Aladdin Hotel, 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. S.). Starting at 10 p.m., DJs Morningstar, Rust Ryu, Razorslave and Delchi spin industrial, EBM, future pop, gothic, rock and electronica, surrounded by plush, open accommodations, video projections and the occasional live band. There's no cover before midnight and surprisingly cheap drinks.

We all love hip-hop, but the same 50 Cent jam played over and over can be mind-numbing. Thankfully, the DJs of Downtown Science bring underground hip-hop, soul and reggae to the Icehouse's loft at 10 p.m. For $10, you'll not only enjoy the sounds of DJs Dirtycrum, 5'8 and Cochise, but also be treated to regular live performances and b-boy art exhibits.



Saturday


Okay, the crowd is thick. So is the eyeliner. But hands down, there is no better time you'll have for $5 on a late Saturday night than the Beauty Bar for its weekly hipster Mecca: Rawkerz. DJ Johnny Rox and friends push post-punk, Britpop, electro and garage through overloaded speakers to a packed house, and by then, you won't care whose hair is poking you in the face as you pogo, shimmy and shake.

One of Vegas' hottest soulful dance nights takes place at the Icehouse. The long-running Mahogany features two levels of sophisticated urban entertainment at 9 p.m. with Legendary DJ Bonzo and The Incomparable DJ Slim. Hosted by Power 88-FM's Billy T., celebrity guests and performers have included Spinderella, Biz Markie and Fabolous. Cover charge is $10 before 11 p.m. and $20 after, so we recommend getting there early.

For those of you with long memories, there's one monthly event worth noting. Hump at Take 1 Nightclub (yes, it's a club, but it's also a comfortable and quirky room at the corner of Fremont and Seventh streets) brings soulful house to Downtown every first Wednesday at 9 p.m. even better, there's no cover.

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