May 27, 2010

Griffin Lounge on Chicago Ave

Last Saturday I went to Griffin Lounge, which is located on Chicago Avenue not too far from Enclave. Got there around 1:15 am. As much as I think their staff was friendly and polite, I really did not like the vibe of this place for some reason. Those guys that people refer to as "douche bags" so often... well, there were a bunch at Griffin Lounge that night. And I barely see any of those in Chicago nightclubs (to me there is a difference between someone who's into clubs and a douche bag). People kept walking by and pushing everyone without any apologies - this might actually be due to the fact that this place really does not have any areas that are not "walk-through". The way the entrances, bathroom, and private party areas are set up - there is really no single place inside Griffin Lounge which is not a way to get to another location but just an area where you can dance/stand in and not block traffic.

I remember I liked this place the last two times I've been there, but that was over 6 months ago and perhaps it has changed. I really hope that I just landed on a bad night. The atmosphere just seemed wrong and even the music was somewhat different from what I would like in a night club (personal taste). The dj booth looked like a party of its own - there were way too many people there in what seemed like a semi-sexual "orgy" with horny girls and guys with a crazed "oh yeah" look on their faces. I don't normally observe that in other night clubs - usually the djs are a little more serious about their work.

On to the good things

This place is roomy and open. The lighting is great - both the ambient and all the track heads/strobing things and such. The bar had nice quick service and wasn't way too hard to get to, but the club was not packed (probably 70% of what I would say is "packed" for this place), so I cannot definitely say that the bar would be readily accessible if it was busy. The bartender that I was buying drinks from was a nice guy - looked positive and made good drinks fast.

I will go check this place out again in a few weeks and see if my expereince will be different. Perhaps I'll try to arrive earlier?..