A Note on Clubbing

Since we are not really experts in the art of clubbing, we asked some of our friends who go clubbing in New York City to give tips. Ginger Roxas (Fashion Institute of Technology, NY) , Jacqueline Cuisia (US) and Rissa Ramos (US, not her real name) give their insights.

What should one expect?

Jacqueline Cuisia: It depends on the night and the club. Certain nights (Friday and Saturday) will most likely be the BandT (Bridge and Tunnel or baduy) crowd. More often than not, the crowd is typically men in wifebeaters (those ugly white sandos) and the women in cheap, trashy-looking outfits and ridiculously thick makeup.

Rissa Ramos: Usually clubs are packed, so expect a lot of body bumping and wild dancing. Clubs are just one big dance floor so there are very few seats and the bar is usually very crowded so you must be an avid dancer to really have a good time. The clubs usually stick to a certain type of music so make sure that the club you are going to plays the type of music that you like.

People are usually very friendly too so it’s up to you if you want to entertain them. Some people just talk to you and dance with you for fun but of course there are others who are after something more so be careful. Make sure you bring your ID because you can’t get in without one and try not to bring a bag if you can because you will have no place to put it down.

Ginger Roxas: Long lines, security check, attitude check (the more attitude the better chances of getting in), girls have a better chance of getting in than an all male group. Once you're inside, expect more lines: coat check, bathroom, bar; if the club is popular, there really is no room to dance, but you can just stand in the middle of the dance floor and get pushed around which can be considered dancing. Also, if you're waiting for a particular DJ, the popular ones don't start playing till 2 am. Expect a really late night and sore, sore feet.

How much money should one expect to spend?

JC: Typically US$100 a night at the very least. Cover charges for the more popular clubs are at US$35 per person. Beer is at least US$5, as is bottled water. Most clubs don't serve tap water so if you want to drink plain old water you're going to have to pay for it. Mixed drinks usually start at US$8 or so. I've personally never gone out and spent less than US$100 on a night out.

RR: The average cover charge is US$20 and each drink costs about US$8 to10.

GR: Entrance US$30. Drinks US$20. So I guess US$50 at the least and some cash for food trips and the cab ride home.

How do you know if a place is cool or sleazy?

JC: There's no particular way to judge a place's sleaziness factor. I've been to some rat holes that for all intents and purposes look like crap but I've had an awesome time. What really matters is who you're with and your being game.

RR: Usually you can tell by the crowd and the quality of the music. If the people look too rowdy, or look like they are all high on something, or look like they should be in a motel room rather than a public place, then maybe that’s not the best place to be in. The music selection should also be of a nice variety so you can enjoy music that you know and learn new music.

GR: I think clubs are all sleazy but some can be cool if you like the scene. I would rather divide them into gay clubs, downtown (which can further be divided according to the type of music), uptown, college clubs (where HS kids try to sneak in), theme clubs (like Polyester and Culture Club). "Cool clubs" don't advertise, have no signs, have long lines and snooty bouncers, and are usually in out of the way locations but play great music. Sleazy clubs mostly have men for clientele, play remixed pop music, have signs and themes, only charge $10.

Aside from watching your drink, what other safety precautions should one know about?

JC: Never pick a fight with anyone. No matter if they look trashed or wimpy and you feel you can kick their a** with one hand tied behind your back...fuggedaboutit. You never know if they're packing heat or if they're so messed up they wouldn't give a hoot if they were bleeding from their ears just as long as you're down on the ground. RR: Just be aware of the people around you. If they are loud and very drunk, I would stay away because you never know what could happen to you. From something as simple as getting stepped on, to getting some beer on your shirt and as far as getting touched in ways that can be offensive. Actually, your actions will dictate how people around you will respond to you so just chose a spot where you think the people there are having the same type of fun that you like and go from there.

GR: Don't accept drinks from strangers; mind the crowd, know where the exits are (I'm serious, most of these places have no fire exits), know what time your DJ is playing otherwise, you might end up wasting your money; Don't bring cameras—they won't let you bring it in and you might end up losing it.