by Glen Devier on A solid three stars. Going to this club can easily be a hit-or-miss experience, as it usually is for large venues. For example, if I were to base it COMPLETELY off my experience last night (the Chris Brown Xmas Extravaganza), they would have to invent a negative. Coat check took at least twenty minutes (and longer on the way out), the line was four-people wide and was constantly being cut, while some dude on a megaphone, instead of enforcing the line, hollered out the obvious: "THIS IS COAT CHECK. PLEASE LINE UP AGAINST THE WALL FOR COAT CHECK." Event was probably oversold, because after 1 AM, the crowding became insane - especially on the third floor (Grand Ballroom). Some random girl literally smacked me upside the head and was ready to seriously fight, with her posse right behind her. I had to walk away from her or risk death by drunken bitch. Chris Brown showed up for five minutes onstage and left, and me and my friend didn't bother to stick around to wait for him to return; we could barely see him anyway from the outskirts of the crowd where we were shoved to. Around 3, people had trouble either getting into or getting out of the room, and it was all shoving, getting elbowed etc for at least 20 minutes. Nobody could MOVE. Ventilation sucked too; felt like we were drowning in everyone's sweat. All me and my friend could think about was getting the hell out: we had basically paid $40+ (overpriced drinks included - 10+ bucks for beer, really?) for a nightmare club experience. Afterwards, we agreed we should've gone to a smaller venue, even a bar like bOb which may be tiny but has seriously great music. That said... the reason I'm still giving Webster 3 stars is because I've HAD good times here, and if you can get in for cheap with a promotion, then it's not so bad. Three floors makes for decent variety and the Grand Ballroom, when it's NOT being taken over by a mob, can feel pretty incredible because of its size. And, while I've never actually been to any of the concerts, Webster seems to pull an impressive lineup of performers. Maybe the lesson is to just avoid those oversold, apparently super-overhyped/rated events.
by Sherman Earnheart on You cannot go wrong with a bar completely devoted to champagne, plus the atmosphere, decor, and big comfy furniture are fantastical. The bartenders are even better - Greg kept my friend and I company up until the moment we left. Oh, and the manager, Simone, kept us entertained with pictures of his recent trip to Italy. To top it off, the guys recommended us to the little Italian joint Tommasos right around the corner. We shall return, and with more people in tow next time. P.S. This place practically turns into a night club in the evening - complete with DJs on the first floor and basement. Snazzy little place I must say.
by Kimberly H. on I actually love the decor and feel to this lively underground venue. I've gone here for years, however last night rattled my cage... I looked the band up online and was excited to see it was listed as a blend of hip hop, jazz and indy - sounded like some good dance music to me. However, somewhere along the way - and I'm not really sure when this happened - young 20 something year olds who look 16 infiltrated this part of Market Street. The crowd was full of girls who looked underage and were very tall and drunker than I remember being in my high school, I mean college, days. My friend, a tall, handsome, 30 something and I were 2 of the oldest people there and the only ones who did not fall down, chug shots, scream wooooo over and over, or jump up and down repeatedly. I don't know when the pogo came back as a dance move but I must really be falling behind here.... Four girls and one guy fell on top of me and I, weighing in at a bit over 100 lbs and standing merely 5'2" on a good day - was unable to hold any of them (they were of a larger variety) and I, in turn was pushed awkwardly backwards while trying to avoid their sloshing drinks and pouring sweat. We really tried to stick it out and perhaps, if the crowd had been even 4% more mature than they were, we might have enjoyed the music. The horn section was impressive.... I'd forgotten how small the "dance floor" is there and how you cannot truly dance without getting a purse in the face and an elbow in your eye (again depending on height restrictions). That, plus, no ventilation, makes Du Norde hot, hot, hot - and not in a good way... Coat check was closed as well, which completely ruined my outfit !!!
