It's not too often I wear a tie. Graduations, weddings, funerals and the occasional job interview ... that's about it. But I don a pink tie for my visit to downtown Tacoma's new Encore nightclub.
Why a tie, you ask.
Well for one, Encore enforces a dress code - slacks and collared shirts preferred. And two, Encore is a downright classy affair, an establishment that merits an expertly knotted half-Windsor. Without a tie, I would stand in stark contrast to the two-story club's dark leather seating, velvet ropes, plush bathrooms and upscale decor.
If you're inclined to buy no drinks at the bar and pop champagne cuz you got that dough (bastardized Trey Songz lyrics), Encore offers a unique bottle service to patrons. Since Washington state law prohibits the sale of entire bottles of booze to clubbers, Encore can't just hand out the Grey Goose. Instead, for a fee, small groups can sit in reserved seating sections and be provided a personal hostess who pours drinks from a private bottle, mimicking the bottle-popping experience. With the more exclusive reserved spots running a $350 reservation fee with a $400 drink minimum, Encore's stocked bar is more than enough for me.
I spend the evening enjoying DJ Elad's beats, admiring the degree of slope in some of the high heels and jealously watching cute hostesses pour drinks to those seated in the reserved sections. The pressed suits and fashionable dresses are a refreshing change from the schlubby attire I sometimes encounter, and wear, on nights out. The young, fit crowd seems excited to be dressed up, and I notice a lot of canoodling taking place around the club. A single lady even offers to buy me a drink, a happening I attribute solely to the presence of my tie.
The cost and up-scale nature of the club might not suit everyone, but for those Tacomans looking to dress up, head downtown and feel like a pampered movie star, Encore provides the opportunity. And hell, it can't hurt to wear a tie every so often.
Encore Boutique Nightclub
9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday
Cabana and suite rentals: $100-$250
Dress code: Collared shirts for men.
Baggy jeans, T-shirts and hats not allowed
1025 Pacific Ave, Tacoma
253.335.9139
encorevip.com
Comments for "Encore Boutique Nightclub" (6)
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SunSilly said on Nov. 30, 2010 at 1:15pm
This club plays nothing but House Music. Which is fine and I don't mind dancing to it, but I don't want to listen to only house music for 4 hours straight. It's definately a dressy club which is nice and the remodel looks great. I think if they mix up the music than i'll probably be back.
Priscilla perez said on Dec. 05, 2010 at 12:28pm
Very dissatisfied will never pay for VIP or refer anyone again mgr is horrible ( Rick ) and host Anna needs to find a new job.. Jj my waitress on the plus side represents encore well and was amazing
danielle griffith said on Jan. 02, 2011 at 10:51am
glad to know not to pay extra $350.00 for vip if it's not worth it (=
Navy said on Jan. 15, 2011 at 6:11pm
This place charges way to much for VIP and the pouring service. VIP is not even secured, anybody can just come and go as they please. I wanted them to pour for me but no one was ever available. A second later the bottle was gone.
Jules said on Feb. 20, 2011 at 5:45pm
Just moved back to town from Vegas. Checked out the Encore last night that my cousin is a part owner of. The VIP service was awesome. There was good music and a large crowd. It was like being back in Vegas! I will definitly go back!
Anthony said on Apr. 09, 2011 at 7:09am
So, i'd like to consider myself a seasoned veteran of the Tacoma bar scene, and I'm always one to check out a new spot... I've been to Encore on three seperate occasions. The first one being the best...Our group stumbled into Encore late one Saturday night. It was either a slow night or our group of party go-ers was looking especially hott...(im thinking slow night) But as soon as we paid our cover the manager came and fashioned us all with the ever so balleristic bright pink Encore VIP bracelets free of charge. The bouncers flung open the doors upon our enterance and the hostess led us through the maze of dazed up'n comers to our private "suite." Sleek, comfy black leather couches to rest my drunk ass on while I mustered up the courage to get out on the dance floor with my friends...I had to, the DJ was spinning that electronic house music with chest thumping bass lines that just makes ya wanna get dooown... Flashing lights and backlit walls...very bold, industrial look from what I remember. Although for me it was a bit like a sceen from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, but that was my fault.
Over all, its a fun place, pretty hip. The second time I went reality set in, seriously, 350.00 for vip and a minimum one bottle purchase with bottle service...(bottles start at 100 bucks for bacardi!) Shoulda waited for another slow night! Problem was that my server was so hot that I couldnt let her think I was a cheapskate!..haha.. The male ego is so damn expensive!...Fun night that murdered my checking account!
Third time was fun..just mixed in with the rest of the crowd and had a great time. So all in all, Id say Encore is a blast if you're feelin' kinda "upiddy" for tacoma. Just make sure you get lucky and dont hafta pay for VIP or just mix in with the crowd and laugh at the jokers getting bent over at the vip lounge!
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