Envy 27 Bank St. - 215-922-3020

Description: Serious about dancing and partying Bar/Club DJ, Dance, House/techno, Lounge This Old City bar/dance club is located in the former home of the Comedy Factory Outlet and Soupy Sales' Comedy Club, but there's nothing funny about Envy. This three-floor club is serious about dancing and partying for the 21-35 set. Its first floor is bright in oranges and burnt siennas, with squat, comfy seats, short tables, cozy nooks, and a long, wide bar. Walk up the gray-carpeted steps and you get an onyx-and- charcoal environment where steely house and techno hits exist in a chilly dance-floor atmosphere of aluminum fencing and polished metals. Another flight up and you're confronted by the square balcony that overlooks the dance floor -- a continuous, square walkway with fenced-in DJ booth, forbidding railings and metal statues that shine reflected strobe lighting onto the black walls. Nevertheless, the level of zealous childishness that exudes from the young, giddy crowd equals that of the darnkess Envy puts out. -- a.d. amorosi • DJ • Dance • House/techno • Lounge Features • Date spot • Pickup joint • Romantic • Group-friendly Bar Attire • Fashionable -- no hats, no sneakers. Bar Clientele • Uptown style, scene seekers Hours • Wed - Sat 9pm to 2am Accepted Payment • American Express • Cash • MasterCard • Travelers Check • Visa Wheelchair Accessible Bar/Club Envy Nightclub  One of seven deadly sins, plenty of Brad Pitt wannabes, no Kevin Spaceys. 27 Bank St Philadelphia, PA 19106 Phone:   (215) 922-3020 Fax:   (215) 922-3021 Avg. user rating: (8 reviews) Schedule of Events 12/30 to 12/26 Detention 12/30 to 12/29 Sensory Saturdays 12/30 to 12/28 Euphoria Bar/Club Profile A Real Pick-Me-Up Twenty-somethings (and younger on Thursday nights when it is 18 to enter, 21 to drink) flock to Old City's Envy, where the three-floor nightclub offers plenty of drink specials, a variety of dance music and an abundance of opportunities to check out that hottie from South Jersey. On the third floor, the Voyeur Spot overlooks the metallic-colored second floor Arena, where bootie shaking leads to bootie calling. The Mood Room mixes past dance hits from the 1980s and 90s. Fashion Hit List What's to be envious about fashion-wise? Much of the clientele are wearing the same outfit. Guys, get out the ribbed turtleneck and leather jacket. Ladies, those knee-high boots, mini skirt or pair of leather pants will do just fine. Replace with high-quality tank shirts and capris in the summer. No sneakers allowed.   What's Happening Rating Sun Non-Alcoholic House Party   Mon   Tues   Wed · $5.00 COVER-$1.00 DRINKS TIL MIDNIGHT · DJ RICHIE RICH IN THE ARENA (CURRENT AND VOCAL HOUSE)   Thur · $5.00 COVER FOR OVER 21/ $10.00 COVER UNDER · .50 CENT DRINKS TIL MIDNIGHT · TJ THE DJ-IN THE ARENA FROM STUDIO 6, AC (CURRENT AND PROGRESSIVE HOUSE) · IN THE MOOD ROOM (CLASSIC 80'S AND 70'S DANCE & HIP HOP)   Fri · NO COVER BEFORE 10PM/$5 TIL 10:30/$10 AFTER · DJ MIKE POLVERI-IN THE ARENA (CURRENT AND VOCAL HOUSE) · DJ ROLAND RISO - IN THE MOOD ROOM (CLASSIC 80'S AND 70'S DANCE & HIP-HOP) · DJ ALEXANDER ADROCK -IN THE VIBE LOUNGE (FUNKY, SOULFUL LOUNGE, & CLASSIC HOUSE)   Sat · NO COVER BEFORE 10PM/$5 TIL 10:30/$10 AFTER · DJ MIKE POLVERI -IN THE ARENA (CURRENT AND VOCAL HOUSE) · DJ PERRY ANGELOZZI-IN THE MOOD ROOM (CLASSIC 80'S & 70'S DANCE AND HIP-HOP) · DJ RENO- IN THE VIBE LOUNGE (FUNKY, SOULFUL LOUNGE, & CLASSIC HOUSE)

Evolution 1517 N. Delaware Ave - 215-634-0100

Description: A dark haven for house music, hip-hop and techno. Located at the least-busy end of the Delaware Avenue club-mall (next to Window Wizards, yet), Evolution has an amusing history, living its life in the last 20 years as everything from a strippers' paradise to an all-industrial music club. But in the last five years, former employees and management of Revival -- Philly's most legendary after-hours boite known for its "wildness" -- have turned the silver-and- black, bi-level club into a dark haven for house music, hip-hop and techno sounds. While the first floor -- containing the dance area, several bars and a side room with pool table -- has a brick-and-caged-metal feel to it, the second floor, with its areawide railings, is a perfect balcony-type spot for the voyeur. The crowds here tend to be young, casually underdressed and fiercely looking for a good time. Perhaps it's the location (set back from the highway), perhaps it's the lighting (strobes set for the stage but minimal throughout) or perhaps it's the attitude, but Evolution has a certain "inbuilt" dark, dangerous feel to it. And that's part of its charm. -- a.d. amorosi Bar/Club DJ, Dance, House/techno • DJ • Dance • House/techno Hours • Tue 11pm to 3:30am; Thu 12am to 3:30am; Fri - Sat 11pm to 3:30am; Sun 10pm to 3:30am Parking • Available   What's Happening Rating Sun Anything Goes Sunday With Stevie B. Music: Dance Time: 10pm; Cost: $8   Mon   Tues Philly 103.9 Hip Hop Night featuring DJ Jay Ski Get jiggy in a hip-hop haven. Time: 10pm-3:20am   Set It Off Music: DJ, Hip-hop Time: 10pm; Cost: $5, 21+   Wed Fever With Kenny Meez Music: Hip-hop, Rap Time: 10am   Thur Toxic Toast Bang your heads, you rock 'n' rollers. Music: DJ, Rock Time: 10pm; Cost: free before 11pm, $5 after   Fri   Sat Greatest Show on Earth Music: Dance Time: 10pm; Cost: $10-$15

Eden Roc 1437 South St. - 215-732-3939

Description: Offering multi-flavored sensations Bar/Club DJ, Dance, Hip-hop/rap/funk, House/techno, Jazz/blues, Swing/big band This end of South Street used to be considered the "wrong end," far from the maddening crowd. But with the building up of Broad Street (as the Avenue of the Arts), the construction of The Arts Bank at the corner of Broad and South, and the busy, young bohemian clientele of neighbors such as Ron's Ribs, Bob & Barbara's Lounge and the Jamaican Jerk Hut, Eden Roc is slowly finding its way. With three floors and a roof deck, this bar/restaurant/dance club/live venue offers multi-flavored sensations. Visually, the space moves from post-deco Miami chic to brothel-red with decorous bricks and wood with fireplaces and wide, circular tables and chairs throughout. Winding stairs and weirdly winding walls give the towering Eden Roc a tilting feel, as if on a carnival ride. Move throughout the building and you'll find rooms big and small, where you can do everything from swing dance to watch Philly's famous Jez Hot Swing Club play the sounds of Parisian Hot Club jazz, a la 1920. But now on weekends -- especially in spring and summer with the roof deck and its separate bar space -- Eden Roc has become home to multi-level DJ parties. Each floor becomes it own separate hang, while upwards of 20 DJs spin house, ambient muzak, hip-hop, techno and jungle musics. -- a.d. amorosi • DJ • Dance • Hip-hop/rap/funk • House/techno • Jazz/blues • Swing/big band Features • Outdoor seating       What's Happening Rating Sun     Mon   Tues     Wed   Thur Feelin' It Time: 10pm; Cost: free for ladies before 11pm, $5 after   Fri Definite Music: DJ, Electronica, Hip-hop, Techno Time: 9pm; Cost: $5   Sat

5 Spot 5 S. Bank St. - 215-574-0070

Description: The best club in Philly; no other comes close. Bar/Club DJ, Live music, Swing/big band Since the Five Spot premiered in 1996, it has set the gold standard by which other clubs are judged. It's mostly a swing venue, having hosted the hottest names from Lavay Smith and Indigo Swing to the Mighty Blue Kings, but it also has notable non-swing credentials. (The Sneaker Pimps, Beth Orton, Faithless and Mary Lou Lord have all done sets here.) The weekly lineup ranges from swing to salsa (on Thursdays), with weekend nights a toss-up of anything in between. There's a downstairs lounge with a DJ in winter and fall and free dance lessons every night it's open (closed Mondays). High style abounds here, featuring women dressed like ladies, men acting like gentlemen and the overdue return of etiquette, conversation and partner- dancing. -- Elva Ramirez   (Photo: Vanessa Glynn-Linaris) • DJ • Live music • Swing/big band Features • Date spot • Full menu Bar Clientele • hipster dufus Hours • Tue - Sat 5pm to 2am; closed Mon Accepted Payment • American Express • MasterCard • Visa Parking • Lot or street parking Transit Info • Septa Market/Frankford Line: 2nd street station ATM Info Corner of Second and Chestnut streets   Bar/Club Profile What's Going On Opened at the cusp of Brian Setzer's big comeback, the Five Spot first catered to the zoot suit set, bringing in local swingsters with longtime Philly bands and come-and-gone groups like the Cherry Poppin' Daddies. These days, the place still hosts jazz and salsa-infused swing nights, but it also holds events which are a bit more contemporary, like hip-hop poetry slams and musical trips back to modern rock. The Place Downstairs and up, there's plenty of room to move or to loaf: a cushy cocktail area behind a beaded curtain, a TV room with waitress service, a dance floor warmed by the light of an electric fireplace. Live acts play on the second floor upon a small stage to a crowd that can be too many, even if it's a few. Lauren McCutcheon       What's Happening Rating Sun Incognito Come as you wanna be. Music: DJ, Dance, Electronica, Techno Time: 10pm; Cost: $5, 21+   The City Rhythm Orchestra The fad faded, but swing dance is alive and well. Music: Swing Time: 9pm-2am; Cost: $5   Mon   Tues Black Lily You just never know who'll show up. Music: A cappella, R&B, Soul, Spoken Word Time: 9pm; Cost: $5, 21+   Wed Sureshot Music: DJ Time: 10pm; Cost: call for cover, 21+   Thur Latin Playboys Music: DJ, Latin/salsa Time: 9pm; Cost: $5, 21+   Urban Suite Music: Hip-hop, Rap Time: 10pm; Cost: $5   Fri Culture Music: DJ, Hip-hop, Techno Time: 9pm; Cost: $5, 21+   Mr. Cisum Music: Dance Time: 9pm; Cost: $5   Sat DJ Ronny Music: Dance, Rock Time: 9pm; Cost: $5   Ronnie D & Willyum Music: DJ, Dance, Electronica, Techno Time: 9pm; Cost: $5, 21+   Willyum Music: Hip-hop, Rap Time: 9pm; Cost: $5

Egypt Address, State - (999) 999-9999

Description: Six separate environments with 12 separate musics. Bar/Club DJ, Dance, Gay/lesbian, Hip-hop/rap/funk, House/techno, Latin/salsa, Live music While everyone marvels (or retches) at the outdoorsy/beachy elan of the Delaware Avenue club alley, Egypt on the Waterfront is the anomaly -- a huge, indoor venue that's packed rain, shine, summer and winter. Sure, it still contains some of the tacky pharoah-esque motifs and bad disco neons of yore, but this house/classic dance space/bar has grown into a true kingdom, a dance palace worthy of royalty (if you don't pay attention to the brassy crowds). First, Egypt -- erected by the same people who own other mega-spaces Deco and Shampoo -- is an immense space, so big (and so wonderfully walled-in by designer glass and industrial metals), that within seconds you can travel in six separate environments with 12 separate musics. Cigar bars, plush lounges, brightly lit salons, dimly lit booths, small dance floors, big dance floors, a fully functional eat-in cafe, a pool table and state-of- the-art lights and sound define the mall that is Egypt. The place has an ever-changing lineup of theme parties and specific nights to go with the physical overhaulings. Gay nights, Asian- American dance parties, house 'n' techno live track acts and costume balls happen as often as Egypt sheds and changes its skins. -- a.d. amorosi • DJ • Dance • Gay/lesbian • Hip-hop/rap/funk • House/techno • Latin/salsa • Live music Hours • Wed, Fri - Sun 9pm to 2am Accepted Payment • American Express • Diners Card • Discover • MasterCard • Visa Parking • Valet   What's Happening Rating Sun     Mon   Tues     Wed   Thur   Fri   Sat

Gasoline 338 N. Eighth St. - 215-925-1900

Description: A warehouse club with good karma Usually "what goes around comes around" is meant as a threat, a pox on its intended. But with Gasoline, that threat's a promise, since the industrial warehouse space-dance club-lounge once held a cavernous cab stand throughout the ‘40s and ‘50s. What better karma could the Weiss Brothers' club have than to be someplace where taxi hacks hung? The former Eighth Street Lounge -- side one of Gasoline, demarcated by tapas menus, high-backed pews and lovely, theatrical-white curtains backlit in amber -- is still Philly's coolest garage space. But gutting its next-door neighbor to make a hollow, metal- girdered club space is absolute genius, allowing you to create your own panther-like trek through environments bleak and bold, chic and shabby. Add to that a multi-tiered metal stage and a caged elevator and you get a theatrical warehouse -- literally, as the Weiss' welcome a potpourri of perf-artists, dancers and spinner to weave a spidery web. -- a.d. amorosi Bar/Club DJ, Dance, House/techno Bar/Club • DJ • Dance • House/techno   Avg. user rating: (3 reviews) Bar/Club Profile Double the Pleasure In a Northern Liberties no-man's land between Shampoo and the Vine Street Expressway, a former garage for ambulances embraces nightlife duality. Club owner Billy Weiss (of Palmer, Transit and 2/4) has created two scenes from a single space. Enter, turn right;and you're in the Eighth Street Lounge, a Creamsicle-colored, candle-lit, cabin-like space. Turn left, however, and you're in Gasoline, a cement-cold warehouse of a dance floor, replete with concrete-block platforms, roving white lights and a stage with working, open steel lifts for dancers. Double the Vibe In the lounge, local DJs spin laid-back funk from the balcony. Patrons mull about a center bar or upon eggplant and taupe chairs and couches placed along the room's perimeter. In the club's other half, guests get their groove on to vocal-infused house, courtesy of visiting DJs from NY, Chicago and beyond.     What's Happening Rating Sun Hush Music: DJ, Hip-hop, R&B, Reggae, Soul Time: 10pm; Cost: $7, 21+   Mon   Tues     Wed   Thur Karma Totally Tech House. Music: Techno Time: 9pm-2am; Cost: $5. 21+   Fri   Sat

Soma 33 S Third St - (215) 873-0222

Description: Small and simple, SoMa brings better DJs to Old City. The Buzz Bar and club owner Avram Hornick takes another stab at creating a cooler Old City with a bar that sounds like SoHo but looks like a plainer version of Rittenhouse's Bar Noir. The neon-lit little walk-down consists of two wavy red couches running along the walls, a small black bar across the back and plenty of dance space in between. DJs Cozmic Cat, Roland Riso and Milkway will make weekend appearances to spin near the entrance. The Drinks Try a bottle of Black Voodoo beer.   What's Happening Rating Sun     Mon   Tues     Wed   Thur   Fri   Sat

Fluid 613 S. Fourth St. - 215-629-3686

Description: This club's the best of a whole lotta worlds. Bar/Club DJ, Dance, Hip-hop/rap/funk, House/techno, Live music Designed by the same folks who created theatrical restaurants Buddakan and Continental, owned by the folks who made Oberon and Rococo, operated by the kids from Cue Records, this dance club/bar is the best of a whole lotta worlds. Atop the Latest Dish (separate entrance and all), Fluid is an intimate dance club with a Technicolor feel and wide-screen possibilities. Like a beautiful underwater grotto, it has many rounded curves and arches. Slide up the steps and you're greeted by deep, cobalt-blue tiling and dim lighting -- a rarity for a dance floor. Move in either direction and you're smack-dab in another underworld. The bar is bright with the same blue tiles but brightened and heightened by shiny, copper bar areas. The same goes for the cracked-mirror bathrooms -- they, too, blindingly reflect and refract all light to devastating effect. Move the other way from the dance floor and you'll find yourself in a cavernous, cozy sitting room. But no matter where you roam, you'll be bombarded by some of the best DJ sounds (and occasional live acts) Philly has to offer. Internationally renowned recording artists and Ovum/Columbia/Sony label owners Josh Wink and King Britt host a night, as do a half-dozen other local dance music/techno/hip-hop/trance legends. - - a.d. amorosi • DJ • Dance • Hip-hop/rap/funk • House/techno • Live music Hours • 10pm to 2am daily Accepted Payment • MasterCard • Visa   The Place On top of The Latest Dish, this cool little blue space heats up when it reaches capacity (less than 200 occupants). Enter through an unmarked alley-way door just off Fourth Street. A liquid tube-like stairwell leads to the small dance floor. There's one bar, a small balcony overlooking the dance floor, and a cozy little third-floor lounge next to unisex restrooms with curtains as stall doors. The Scene Usually populated with a young crowd resembling the DJ who is spinning, with an occasional dressed-up stray group of young adults from South Street. Seven Days Monday nights: some of the best hip-hop in Philly with Rich Medina and Cosmowith and a rare visit from Jazzy Jeff. Thursdays, it's drum 'n bass with Deiselboy and MC Dub. Fridays: Afrofikan Vybe, a thoroughly urban fusion of hip-hop, jungle and house. Saturdays: Residents Sean Thomas and Pete Moss spin house. Sundays, $3 will admit you to "Fast, Cheap and Out of Control," an amateur go-go contest. The Kicker Admission usually costs five bucks. Lauren McCutcheon     What's Happening Rating Sun Fast, cheap, and Out of Control Exhibitionism at its finest. Philly’s finest scantily clad go-go talents Music: DJ, Punk, Rock Time: 10pm-2am; Cost: $3, 21+   Mon The Remedy at Fluid Music: Hip-hop, Rap Time: 10pm; Cost: $7   Tues Break Away Git funky. Music: DJ, Dance, Electronica, Techno Time: 10pm-2am; Cost: no cover, 21+   Wed Anthony Pappa Deep, melodic trance for the mature club-goer. Music: DJ, Dance, Techno Time: 10PM; Cost: $10   Thur Platinum Music: DJ, Dance, Electronica Time: 10pm; Cost: $7   Fri Afrorikan Vybes: Sacred Rhythms Afro-beats all night long. Music: DJ, Dance, Electronica, Techno Time: 10pm-2am, 21+; Cost: $5   Sat Steady Saturdays Deep, soulful house like you’ve never felt before. Music: DJ, Dance, Electronica, Techno Time: 10pm; Cost: $5

Silk City Fifth and Spring Garden Streets - 215-592-8838

Description: Come hip, leave hipper. Bar/Club DJ, Dance, House/techno With its chic, opium-den interior and a weekly roster of cutting-edge DJs spinning everything from maximum R&B to ambient electronica, Silk City is one of the preferred watering holes for the space-age, bachelor-pad crowd. Though it used to share the retro flair of the classic diner it's connected to, Silk City now has the posh, slightly decadent ambience of an Asian gentleman's club. The bar itself still retains its gorgeous Art Deco vibe, but red, paper Japanese lanterns hang in the air, and stone-cut fish tanks serve as tabletops. Check out the cheeky wallpaper in the men's room. Come hip, leave hipper. -- Jonathan Valania • DJ • Dance • House/techno Hours • 9pm to 2am daily Accepted Payment • Cash Only Parking • Available   What's Happening Rating Sun Sunday Skool Old-Skool Lessons. Music: Dance, General Time: 10pm-2am; Cost: Free, 21+   Mon   Tues   Wed   Thur Urban Rhythms 12/20 Laid-back, soulful house. Music: Funk, Jazz, Soul Time: 10pm-2am; Cost: no cover.   Fri   Sat Bazil of the Rurals 12/8 Only Couch-laden intimacy with UK's deep house pioneer. Music: DJ, Dance, Techno Time: 10PM-2AM; Cost: $5, 21+ to enter

Brasils 112 Chestnut St. - 215-413-1700

Description: Party atmosphere, easygoing folks, sweaty dancing. Bar/Club DJ, Dance, Jazz/blues, Latin/salsa, Live music Its music makes Brasil's popular with the Latino crowd, and its location makes it popular with just about everyone else. The upstairs bar is just big enough to serve people, leaving the majority of the space as dancing room. The dance floor is mid-sized but on any given Friday or Saturday night, it's congested with couples holding each other tightly and twirling in time to the latest in salsa, merengue and soca tunes. There are plenty of accomplished and elegant dancers, but novices should not be intimidated. There are free dance lessons at Brazil's and enough free-flowing alcohol to combat anyone's stage fright. If you're still nervous, don't be, 'cause they're not looking at you. You can bet that when two people are holding each other as tightly as these folks, other dancers aren't what they're noticing. -- Elva Ramirez Bar/Club • DJ • Dance • Jazz/blues • Latin/salsa • Live music Hours • Tue - Sat 5pm to 10pm; Sun 4pm to 9pm; Wed, Fri - Sat 10pm to 2am; closed Mon Accepted Payment • American Express • Diners Card • Discover • MasterCard • Visa Parking • Lot or street parking Transit Info • Septa Market/Frankford Line: 2nd street station ATM Info Corner of Second and Chestnut streets     What's Happening Rating Sun     Mon   Tues     Wed   Thur   Fri   Sat

Shampoo 417 N. Eighth St. - 215-922-7500

Description: An industrial mammoth, towering inferno of a club Bar/Club DJ, Dance, Gay/lesbian, Hip-hop/rap/funk From the owners of Egypt and Deco comes the city's finest, most elaborate, most gloriously mishmashed, bordering on decadent/tacky, dance club -- Shampoo. Located around the same dingy warehouse complex as District, Electric Factory, Eighth Street Lounge and Palmer Social, Shampoo is an industrial mega-mammoth, a towering inferno of a club housing many floors with all the dirty nooks and crannies you'd expect an old warehouse with a once-usable train station to have. Yes, all the pipes, heaters, generators, pistons and elevators are exposed. But that's nothing compared to the flesh exposed during some of the city's raciest dance/performance nights. Shampoo is designed to explode the senses: '60s Pop-Art illusionary wallpaper here, '70s faux fur there, '80s vinyl against that wall, and glitter and glass and marble and high-energy lighting everywhere else -- making Shampoo sickeningly kitschy and retro and mesmerizingly futuristic all at once. Even the bathroom is beautiful and has its own DJ. The club's 10 rooms vary in terms of tone and music (e.g., White Room = ambient house). There are bar nights for progressive college kids, gay Fridays, mixed Saturdays, techno, house, acid, disco, track acts, leather boys, drag queens -- Shampoo has it all. Plus, two other spaces are housed under the Shampoo umbrella: Velvet Underground is a blood-red and plush-purple lounge filled with go-go music and go-go boys; the Groove Garden is a tented dance floor serving food and champagne around an in- ground Jacuzzi. Fun for the whole family. -- a.d. amorosi • DJ • Dance • Gay/lesbian • Hip-hop/rap/funk Features • Alternative • Pickup joint Hours • Wed - Sun 9pm to 2am Accepted Payment • MasterCard • Visa Parking • Available What It Is A cavernous Northern Liberties club with reliably hip gay and under-21 events, plus better-than-average resident DJs and crowd-drawing shows and events. Owned by the same people who run Delaware Avenue's super pop-and-cheese scene, Egypt. So Big Like Transit, Shampoo gives patrons many rooms for many moods. Some are lounge-y; others, energized. In the summer, a tent-covered outdoor area called the Groove Garden. The very Brady backyard offers patio furniture, an extra DJ, a Jacuzzi and a bit of fresh air.     What's Happening Rating Sun Lifted Sundays Music: Dance Time: 10pm   Mon Closed - Private Parties   Tues Closed - Private Parties   Wed Nocturne Nomadic Goths are still partying. Music: DJ, Dance, Industrial, Pop, Rock Time: 10pm-2am; Cost: $6, 21+   Thur Synergy Three rooms of positive energy and warm vibes. Music: DJ, Dance Time: 10 pm to 2 am; Cost: $7   Fri Shaft Friday Music: Dance Time: 9pm; Cost: $10   Sat Spark It Saturdays Music: Dance Time: 9pm