It was a typical Friday night at Harlow’s.

A crowd of twenty and thirty-something patrons lined up and wrapped around the outside of Harlow’s on a chilly February night. Females shivered in their scantily clad attire and guys were bundled up wearing black leather jackets as idle chit-chat and cigarette smoke filled the air.

The crowd was ready and waiting to see the sold-out show featuring Tainted Love, a band with a large following that performs retro-80?s music. Patrons eagerly paid $15 each at the door.

Located in the heart of Midtown on J Street between 27th and 28th Streets, Harlow?s is a restaurant by day and a nightclub by night. Harlow?s, dubbed by many as the closest thing to a San Francisco nightclub, is an upscale establishment. Mood lighting sets the modern and sheik ambiance. Paintings of various styles covered the walls, and of course, photos of Hollywood’s blonde starlet, Jean Harlow.

This two-story nightspot has a spacious dance spot on the bottom floor, and a cigar bar, called the MoMo Lounge, on the top floor. There are bars on both levels, three in all. And on the weekends if you don’t like the band on the bottom floor you can listen to another in the MoMo Lounge and enjoy a good cigar from their private humidor.

The drinks are a little pricey, particularly if you are used to frequenting dive bars, with their one-dollar Kamikaze specials and Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap. Harlow?s, on the other hand, offers many high-end drinks and a variety of beers on tap. The bartenders are friendly and efficient. If you are female, leaving a generous tip will be tempting because of the attractive male bar staff.

In fact, a rather attractive and fashion-conscious crowd frequents Harlow?s. The dress is definitely not a jeans and T-shirt event. Harlow’s enforces an upscale dress code. The common attire includes a lot of leather, rayon and black. This is a great place to meet people, though it does not have the ‘meet market’ vibe of many other Sacramento clubs. People mingled, people danced. The crowd seemed to really enjoy Tainted Love, while singing along to the hits of the 80s, including songs by Michael Jackson and Madonna.Overall, Harlow?s is a great place to eat, drink and be merry. Just remember to stop at the ATM before visiting!