The only thing certain is change
The club scene is all topsy-turvy with a number of openings, closings and renovations.
Thirsty’s has been closed for a couple of months now, but in its former space, at 21 E. Lincoln Road, is Crazy 8’s Sports Club.
Crazy 8’s combines the energy of a dance club with the décor of a sports bar. There are at least two television screens in view at all times, including a giant projection screen to watch sporting events. An intimate sports bar is located on the south side of the building. Six pool tables and a banquet room are on the west side of the building, while the main club area is used for dancing and live DJs who spin everything from ‘70s rock to current hip-hop.
Eventually, live bands might be added on off nights, said Promotions Director Kevin Ryno, aka DJ Ryndog.
“It’s not so much a nightclub as a sports bar that offers that nightclub feel after 9 p.m.,” Ryno said. “It’s something new to spice up the North Side.”
Open everyday from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m., Crazy 8’s menu includes steaks and burgers and signature hot wings. There are various theme nights: Monday is karaoke, Thursday is ladies’ night, and there is no cover on Saturdays.
Also on the North Side, The Mercury, 706 N. Monroe, is reopening this week after being closed last December for a renovation that added 3,000 square feet to double the space.
The renovation makes way for a dance floor, lounge, pool tables, couches and a restaurant.
Gone are the days of this being a local hang out for underage hipsters who sip coffee while doing their homework and listening to techno music.
The renovated Mercury is dimly lit, and turns into a full bar after 9 p.m. for 21 and older customers. In January, owner Josh Lewis said he hopes the third floor will be open for live music. He envisions hosting jazz bands on Fridays and Saturdays.
With modern art and lighting, the Mercury has a more hip look, as well.
“Instead of the rustic décor and neutral colors, we went with dome lights and blown glass set for a dim, warming atmosphere,” Lewis said.
While there still will be live DJs cutting underground electronic music, there is also a state-of-the-art jukebox that plays more familiar tunes.
Downtown, a favorite watering hole for a hard rock, cheap beer-swigging crowd, the Quarterhorse, 1321 W. Second, also has closed. And the former location of the Sante Fe Steak House, across the street from the Convention Center, will be the new home of the Boulevard, a live music venue and restaurant which opens at the end of the month.