August Nightlife: Rio Grande Valley, TX

LET'S GO OUT!

Club 33

Call it trendy, industrial or upscale - it all leads to McAllen's newest alternative hotspot, Club 33 (located at 3300 N. McColl Road, McAllen), Club 33 boasts an elevated bass-response dance floor in the center of the first floor, a second floor terrace, 6 bars, something close to twenty 70-inch flat screens TV's, plenty of seating on both floors and a VIP area. The clientele is across the spectrum but seems to lean toward those looking to dress up a little for a night on the town. Wait-staff is friendly, the bar allows you to run tabs and cash out at the end of the night, lines go fairly fast and parking is safe, well-lit and plentiful in the McAllen District. 33 is hopping on Friday's but be there by 11:30 or you might be standing in a line to get in; if you get there between 9-10pm Wednesday thru Saturday there are drink specials to be had. Club 33 is a good time, with excellent lighting, awesome DJ's, good light shows and a clean/new environment we hope turns a trend in nightlife for the RGV. Step up, dress up and spin it right round - 33 is the newest place in town!

http://www.club33mcallen.com/home.htm
http://www.myspace.com/club33mcallen

Shine

Put on the Ritz - The Valley's Martini Lounge is a direct transport to Miami. Red carpets, feathered disco balls, DJ's to spin you right-round and a patio to rival only those you've seen in magazines. This place is the model for other clubs and bars. Elegant, stylish, fresh. Shine (100 South 17th ST, McAllen) takes you to that next level. It's a mix lounge/bar/patio with primarily straights, and a few family but you'd swear Elton herself did the decorating. They make a fabulous Cosmo and the patrons are so hot you may have to 'go down in the pool'. Leave Ugly Betty at home because the cover is $10, just to keep her out. Bottle service will run you so don't forget the plastic. Dress to impress or you'll be sorry you didn't.

http://www.shineterrace.com/

I'M HUNGRY

Café Shiraz

Did you meet them on gay.com and don't know where to meet? Get together at Café Shiraz (800 E. Alton Gloor, Brownsville). But before you enter stop by the wine store 20 feet down the sidewalk owned by the brother of Café Shiraz, and get to know each other picking out a bottle of wine to share. The soft and warm Shiraz-made pita chips will melt in your mouth coupled with the fresh mixed olive tapenade. The menu is simple and the selections easy (I recommend the gyro); prices are reasonable and won't set you back for the weekend. Don't be surprised if Chef comes out to check on you - he's good for checking up on his guests. So falafel on over and get to know your date or bring your partner. You'll leave happy and be glad you came.

http://cafeshiraz.com/menu.aspx

LET'S DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Splash- South Padre Island

Every May and October when Splash (South Padre Island) is held, the crowds get bigger and bigger! This last Splash, in May 2009, the estimated crowd was at 5,000 and this October, The Upper Deck (120 E. Atol St, South Padre Island) reports on their website the goal is 10,000!! Festivities are still in the works, but with Splash being October 1-4, wanted to keep everyone posted that it is just around the corner.

http://splashsouthpadre.com/
http://www.upperdeckhotel.com/sitepages/pid35.php

BUT IT'S A SCHOOL NIGHT

House Wine

House Wine (1117 W. Business 83, McAllen) is an innovative, eclectic and freakishly cool place to spend an evening by yourself (yes, singles go here), with friends, date or partner - anyone and everyone. You'll feel like you warped to NYC, but the loft of House Wine is in the heart of McAllen. House offers wines by the case, by the bottle and by the glass all while you walk the loft and shop their eclectic and hand-picked, unique furnishings. If you're 'just not that into wine', you'll still love the environment, the furnishings and the crowd House Wines attracts brings a wit and sexy you can't find in clubs. Order a cheese, melon or berry plate and if you're looking to get the training wheels off try a Pinot Grigio - for the sophisticate I recommend a spicy red from Argentina. After you have glass in hand, find a seat but be gentle because you may just want to buy it; everything in House is for sale, so bring your plastic. Dress the part, flash that smile and ready yourself for an evening of something different and new you've been waiting for.

http://www.housewinemcallen.com/home.html