by Danny L. on I've gone to the California Academy of Sciences during the regular daytime hours and it was fun. I recently went to the nightlife event and it was MUCH MUCH better! Why?! Probably the alcohol.... They have bars set up everywhere! In the front, in the Safari Room, near the Planetarium, in the Aquarium, near the elevators, etc... The bars were everywhere! The Planetarium tickets go VERY VERY quickly so get them as soon as you can. Otherwise, you're S.O.L.. I would also recommend you eating BEFORE you get there. The cafeteria is a HUGE RIP OFF!!! I have eaten there a few times (I don't know why) and I have kicked myself for it every time. RIDICULOUS prices for TINY portions of MEDIOCRE food.
by Inga Clacher on This review falls in the 3.5 category. Somewhere between "A-Ok", and "I'm a fan". I have spent many wild nights at Carnival, and can honestly say I have enjoyed every one of those nights. The cover is reasonable for the neighborhood, and the crowd is what you would expect for union square; kids who don't really know the true "New York" hang outs, but are going to feel WAY too uncomfortable in those hangouts if they did find them. I'm talking about the people who listen to the radio and think that it's playing good music... Those people. Nothing wrong with it, but don't go to St.Marks. Or Harlem. Stay in the village with your dads credit card. Carnival is fantastic at being the niche New York carnival club. You won't go there every weekend, but you will have a blast when you do go with an open mind. It's a carnival, and a nightclub! How great is that?! The drinks are pricey, but you're in union square, so grow a pair (hey, that rhymes!) The staff (especially the Carnies) are great, and will always treat you how you want to be treated, weather that is sassy, nice, or the stereotypical bridge and tunnel douche ...whatever you feel like being that night. These guys are performers, and they are fantastic at what they do, proudly better at their jobs than you are at yours (and this is no lie). Definitely the best part about the entire club. If you want to play the games it will cost you, but is that a surprise?? Have you ever been to a carnival??? They have a dunk tank which is tons of fun, you can even pay $25 and get your friends in it...if that's cool with your friend. They do have performers, usually a stilt walker, an erotic balloon maker, and a few slutty dancers, but not what you would think, and not what is advertised when you call and hear their recording, There are no sword swallowers, or fire breathers, and there have never been any tightrope walkers...so don't expect a show...I'm assuming it's because of insurance reasons. Other than that slight let down, it is kind of bright in the midway, seeing that it is a midway......so they have a soundproof night club attached with it's own bar and DJ (who keeps cranking out the same top 40's garbage...unless that's what you're into...{in which case you need to really question your life and/or buy some quality vinyl and stop being such a close minded fuck}) so you can get away from the madness and chill for a while. They have bottle service and the waitresses are beautiful, smart and great at what they do. Tip the shit out of them, even if it's a booked party, they deserve every penny. All in all, it's a cool place, made much, much cooler by the staff. Check it out, it won't let you down if you come expecting to spend a little cash at a carnival. Tell em' John H sent you; it won't get you anywhere, but it will make me feel proud.
