Last night I wanted to check out the new Hard Body Contest at Reflections (no guy on guy jokes .. lol). This is a large venue (401-700) and had an average of 100 people there during the visit. The DJ was playing a solid mix of dance music keeping bodies on the dance floor, 2 pool tables were tucked away and being used, see a few folks using the dart boards, and the occasional person sitting in the back patio and lounge area. Most were by the bar and dance floor.
"DJ JT" did a great job with the music, he was playing some mixed genres but all were great dance songs and weaved perfectly together. He was interactive with the crowd, but without interrupting the music and this was the first DJ that I seen that encouraged audience participation in exchange for free drinks (great idea!). Music level was excellent, and the directional hanging speakers were perfectly aligned to the dance floor for great base and focus. He also did good job with the light shows, fog and lighting the dance floor when more then a few people got on it.
The hostess and front security folks were pretty good. They were the first ones that I have seen that appeared not just courteous, but happy to be there and it reflected on my initial entrance. Women got in for free, however, men had a $5.00 cover charge for this event. They seemed happy to answer all my question and I didn't feel like I bothering them when I asked. Great initial welcome!
The crowd, although in separate groups at the time, did intermingle with each other, especially on the dance floor. This gave it a great club feel instead of the segregation scene I have witnessed at other venues. This is definitely a place to mingle and meet new people/friends. The majority of the people were clustered between the bar and the dance floor, with only a few occasionally sitting in the outside or lounge area (probably because it was cold as hell in both of them). The pool tables were constantly being used, and a couple were playing darts .. badly .. lol.
The event was like sex for the first time - alot of build up, very anti climatic and over way to fast. The event lasted maybe a total of 10 minutes with 4 constants. Within 2 songs they had the winners picked. I expected so see something more along the lines of the female contests that I have been too, giving each contestants individual time to strip, dance and work the crowd. Instead they brought all 4 contestants on stage simultaneously, had them bare their chests, and gave them about 30 seconds to dance before moving on to the next. I really think that this could have been developed better, although this was their first night doing this event. On a side note, the contestants that did join were pretty chiseled and the girls seemed to like them.
Mixed drinks ranged for $3.00 for their specials to $7.00 and soda's were free of charge for designated drivers. The drinks were served in 12 ounce cups, but were mixed excellent! When the bartender was asked for a suggestion, she recommended the sex on the beach special, not trying to up charge me. The only bartender that I got to serve me that night was Crystal Nash, but she makes one hell of a drink! There were no munchie available for purchase, however, I heard that on weekends they do on the back patio (not confirmed).
If you have ever been in a club in NYC, Miami, or Los Angeles, you will experience the same seating concept here. As you first enter the venue, to the left you will find the bar and dance floor area's. They have very limited seating, but do have tables and islands to put your drinks on, and a few tall chairs scattered about to keep everyone on their feet and dancing. The dance floor itself is very unique, it is raised and lit from under the near opaque panels, with a step up stage area with mirrors, and on the side of the dance floor is a fairly decent size dance cage. The DJ booth sits elevated and cornered to the dance floor on the right with a small bar and pool table behind him. The other pool table is off in its own room by the restrooms, which also leads out to a outdoor patio (was not open this night). Main bar is horseshoe shaped in the main area. In the reception area, there is a small bar straight ahead, and to the right you will find darts and the most inviting lounge that I have seen so far. Several overstuffed leather couches and chairs, lounges, a few small tables and perfect low level lighting. There is a speaker in this area, but this night it was wisely not turned on, making the lounge a very comfortable area to recoup in after dancing or to get to know someone better in (great place to have a conversation in). GREAT club feel!
I did not see a published dress code, however, all of the employees were dressed in night club clothing (females were dressed to impress, males wore polo's), although we did see some customers in 2 piece suits. Everyone looked well dressed, no sagging or ripped clothing. The minimum age is 21 to get in, the majority of the crowd was in their 20's but there were a few that stretched into their 40's.
There were no notable people that stood out in the crowd this night .. Top club crawlers still remains empty! I did not feel out of place, but got the feeling that I should have been bringing someone home with me. The bartenders were keeping the bar clean throughout the night, and the restrooms were well stocked, however, they should have been checked regularly throughout the evening by staff (broken beer bottle for 4 hours!). The lighting was absolutely perfect, dance floor lit up from below, soft lighting above the bar, and a blue glow in the lounge and main bar area, very relaxing.
The split for male to female was about even, and about 70% white, 10% oriental, 20% other, which was different from what I have experienced so far. Anyone well dressed will feel comfortable here (I even seen cowboys)!
Overall the event left much more to be desired, but the club itself is fantastic! I would suggest checking out the club but not particularly the event unless there are some drastic changes.
On a Thursday Night:
1. Atmosphere -10 (updated 4/10)
2. First Impression - 8
3. Service -9 (updated 4/10)
4. Sound System - 8
5. Cleanliness - 7 (top of mirrors were a bit dirty, bathrooms needed to be checked throughout the night)
6. Physical Comfort - 8 (updated 4/10)
7. Drink Quality/Bartender Skills - 9
8. Safety - 7 (updated 4/10) (lights were partially out going from floor to dance floor, no lights from dance floor to stage)
9. Originality - 10
10. Staff Appearance - 9
Overall Rating: 8.5
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