It’s about time Sacramento gave club goers something talk about. I’ve heard from so many people that The Park Lounge is the spot to be on a Saturday nights, so I had to see for myself.

The Park Lounge, located at 1116 15th St., is a cool, hip and refreshing bar, a lot different than any other typical spot in Sacramento. Separated from the rest by its classy and modern decor, The Park Lounge is a guaranteed good time.

Everything about the establishment is classy and this includes the bathrooms that have a glass panel instead of mirrors that allows you to look into the bathroom of the opposite sex. It’s actually quite interesting, something new to say the least.

The Park Lounge has many things to be excited about but of course with every good thing there is a price to pay. This price just happens to be not only a very long wait in line, but also a cover charge of $20. Kind of stiff I know; just wait until you pay for your first drink. Best advice I could give you is, specify on your alcohol or they will up sell without you knowing; those sweet bartenders, how nice of them.

If you do make it through the long wait and actually pay the $20, I know, times are tough for us college students, then you can expect to deal with bouncers who are somewhat Nazi like.

While checking your ID, they look you over with great suspicion as if you have every means to sabotage their classy establishment. I assume they do this to most guests because last time I checked I was no cause for a threat. Not exactly a welcoming gesture but whatever makes them feel good, right?

If you’re lucky enough to make it past their interrogation, you walk into the main dance room, which has arguably one of the biggest dance floors in Sacramento. Saturday night, the floor is really crowded and the walls are completely mirrored, which causes people to stare at themselves every chance they get. The room is blaring with most 80’s remixes, a nice change from your typical hip-hop clubs.

There is one bar in the in the dance room and when ordering a drink, you’ll be faced with great and super friendly service. Okay, I’m lying. Asking the bartender for a drink appears to be unheard of because after ordering four long island ice teas, I feared for my life. If looks could kill, I could have possibly been shot right then and there.

Things got better when I received my check and it was an outstanding $38. After questioning the bill and once again receiving a look of pure love, I was informed that my drinks were top shelf, which I had never asked for. Once again I will express the need to specify on alcohol. Better yet, drink before you get to the club.

The dance room is a really good time but things get better when you enter the lounge area. It’s here that you realize why everyone is dressed to impress. The Park Lounge has got to have the best decorator in Sacramento. So impressive I tool mental notes of everything from the color schemes and the modern furniture for my own spot.

Although VIP booths take up most of the indoor lounge, the atmosphere is still spacious, fun and relaxing. You’ll notice an older crowd ranging mostly from 24 to late 30s, a change for me at least, but a good one.

Next to the spectacular bathrooms is the decadent outdoor lounge. I have to say, a perfect set up with lounge chairs and couches laid out everywhere. Most of the furniture is a light green with neutral colored throw pillows for a bit of accent.

There are heaters to keep the outdoor crowd warm and lights hanging from the trees to provide a romantic lighting. There are several canopy beds, somewhat like tents that take up a lot of the outdoor space, very different then anything else in Sacramento. Once again, The Park stands out, and if I were trying to show an out-of-town visitor a good time in Sacramento, and not to mention really impressive bathrooms, this would be the spot.

Sure the cover charge will break your saving, and let’s not get started on the price of alcohol, but collectively this place is worth visiting a time or two, maybe several depending on your paycheck.

I have to give this place a 3.75, a crucial subtraction for the ultimate friendly staff (yes I’m being facetious.) If it wasn’t for their ever so kind attitudes, this classy establishment would have definitely scored a bit higher, but you know, I like to feel welcomed and I actually felt like I was intruding. Not exactly the kind of treatment you would expect at Sacramento’s finest.

Rating: 3.75 Stars

All of Jessica’s dining and nightlife reviews are held to this rating system :

1 Star : Stay at home.

2 Stars : Not worth the gas money.

3 Stars : If there’s nothing else to do –

4 Stars : Better than most.

5 Stars : Proves that Sacramento is more than just a cowtown.

Jessica Rojo can be reached at [email protected]