NOW CLOSED...Formerly: Too much sake might not be a great idea if you're planning on sticking around for the long haul. This out-of-the-way club's "Drink Dance Eat Sushi" motto manifests itself on three floors. Asian-influenced wall hanging, bright reds, and the requisite dragon heighten the intensity of the thumping techno and industrial. While the upstairs tends to be restricted to VIPs, the basement is an equal opportunity lounge. Want the complete Dragon Room experience? Take a break from dancing and stop by the sushi bar for some late night eats.
Previous Reviews: Expect to find quite a few backless-tank-top-adorned female patrons (sipping cosmos) and velvet-shirted male patrons (chugging Amstel Lights) at this slightly out-of-the-way club near Old Town. Asian influences can be found in the wall hangings and plush cushions--they even serve sushi (it's questionable--the sushi master appeared to be forming the same California roll the entire night. And really, who craves raw fish after imbibing mass quantities of liquor?) But the music is purely Euro/techno/industrial loudness, all spun by a DJ who is seemingly suspended over the cramped dance floor.
If wordless, thumping music is not your thing (or if you'd had a few too many the night before) descend into the mellow basement where seating is available (there are maybe 3 chairs on the main floor). There is an upstairs to this tri-level club but appears to be off-limits to non-VIPers. An altogether average club with a reasonable cover and a slightly lower level of pretension. (Jeremy Fredeen & co.)
Don't you love theme bars? It's so much more fun than the same boring club-format of dim lights and flashing colors. Dragon room has an Asian theme, done up in red and blue with plenty of dragons to dance along with the crowd. The DJ plays a good mix of trance and drum n bass that people dance to on an elevated floor in front of a wall with a giant dragon portrait. Don't feel like dancing? Head over to the sushi bar for some good food and sake. Once you're full of fish and hot liquor, you can go downstairs to relax and play a few games of pool. The crowd is friendly and diverse, spanning many ages and races. This is a pretty popular club, so expect it to get very hot and crowded (maybe that sake wasn't such a good idea). (Jessica DiMaio)
Reviewed By: Kate Schwartz
