Where have you been all my life Rokbar? Well you've always been there but you haven't shown your true colors until last night. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I haven't had so much fun in a while until I went to Rokbar last night for the Thursday night Bollocks party. I know, Rokbar isn't exactly the most authentic rock club out there, always feeling like a Downtown club repackaged for a South Beach tourist market. However it seems the club is finally finding its stride, taking a more laid back approach omitting the needless Top 40 sets by mediocre DJs.
Rokbar is still the same "Back in Black" club that its been since it underwent renovations, but there seemed to be less of an emphasis on bottle service, focusing more on just have a good time. Live music is now part of the repertoire, and even if it isn't always successful at least it's a risk I can appreciate. DJ Tommy Ryk stuck playing a good mix of indie dancefloor hits, '80s, electro and the occasional crossover hip-hop tracks, a far cry from the Rokbar norm. M.I.A, Daft Punk, Boys Noize, Feist, the Killers, Hot Chip, Le Tigre -- yes, at Rokbar! It surprised me because the usual Rokbar DJ set consist of the occasional Nirvana, AC/DC and Red Hot Chili Pepper track following the latest Top 40 hip-hop.
The door also seemed more relaxed, with not as much emphasis on letting those in who are "dressed to impress" -- the three words put together that I hate the most. The crowd actually looked like patrons who would go to a place called "Rokbar", instead of your douchy South Beach tourist in a half-opened button-up shirt exposing his lobster tan.
My only quip with the venue is drink prices. I'm sorry, $12 for a small cup of vodka & tonic is not acceptable in my book. I expect those prices at places like Set, Karu & Y or Skybar at the Shoreclub, but not at Rokbar.
However, because the music and atmosphere was so good last night, I'll let them slide this time. So I guess what I am getting to is that my Thursday nights now belong to Rokbar, the new love of my life.
And on an extra note, Lil' Jon was there last night with a very small entourage composed of what seemed to be two people. I'm not sure if it was just entering Rokbar to get into Mynt, but I saw him enter and then exit 30 minutes later.
I hadn't heard much on what Rokbar was going to do for Winter Music Conference, but finally they released their lineup and it's pretty damn impressive. Some pretty big acts are going to be playing there and it's going to be great since Rokbar will provide an intimate feel. Also WMC will be the first time Joshua Menendez's Revolver party comes out of hiatus/retirement/whatever. Past Revolver WMC parties have been legendary, and while I don't think this one will match past editions I still expect it to be tons of fun.
