The lights, the energy and of course, partially clothed male bodies. If it’s a shirtless bartender, chances are you’re at Faces Nightclub.

Faces has quite the reputation in Sacramento. In my years here, I’ve frequented Faces and had a ball each time. Faces has an energy about it that can’t be paralleled in most Sacramento area nightclubs. But what is it that makes Faces stand apart? Is it the atmosphere, is it the music, or is it the drinks?

It’s a combination of them all. The drinks at Faces, in short, will get you drunk. At the risk of sounding like an alcoholic, one thing that keeps you going back to Faces is the strong drinks.

The ambiance in Faces allows you to set some of your inhibitions aside. That is, if you are secure with your sexuality. Faces is a well-known gay bar/nightclub. Being a straight female, going to Faces has always been an interesting experience. Not having to worry about suspicious-looking men trying to push up on you in the club is somewhat liberating.

Faces has recently undergone a much-needed renovation. On the outside, Faces doesn’t look like much, but it is huge. With three separate rooms, a new outdoor patio, and what can only be described as a 3-foot wading pool, Faces offers a new spin on the Sacramento nightclub experience. Insiderpages.com touts Faces as the best gay bar in town.

In the recent cool, night temperatures, One couldn’t imagine stepping foot into a pool this time of year but come next summer, that pool is going to look awfully nice.

The second room opens to an outdoor patio where passerby’s can get a look at the dance floor and bar area. The main room is still playing the today’s favorite hits mixed with club favorites such as Madonna and Donna Summer. It’s a great place to come with friends and just dance the night away.

The question usually asked when I tell people about Faces is the restrooms. Faces.net states that the bathrooms are gender specific but there is a unisex bathroom located in the video bar.

Faces does cater to a mature crowd so it’s strictly 21 and up. Being a fan of Faces for years, I’ve always felt that they should lower that age but as history as shown, 18 and up tends to bring in the riff-raff and Faces isn’t about that.

Faces is usually packed on Friday and Saturday nights, so try to get there early to get the full experience. Don’t let the crowd outside freak you out because it will add to the experience once you get inside.

Above all, if you’re looking to have a great time, Faces is definitely the spot! The music and drinks will keep you in high spirits all night. The DJ plays hit after hit and if you’re not dancing, you will definitely find yourself singing along. The dress code is casual, according to Faces.net, but I would suggest putting on something stylish to enhance your experience.

Oneika Richardson can be reached at [email protected]