NIGHTCLUB The definition of a nightclub varies from person to person. The San Antonio Metro Area  (San Anto)  Night Club Directories definition of a nightclub is a business that is open at least twice a week and provides some type of regularly scheduled entertainment. (For space purposes nightclub will be referred to as "club" from this point on.) A club usually has an area for dancing if it is a dance club or a stage where patrons may observe entertainment such as live bands, comedy, magic, exotic dancers, etc. Most clubs serve alcoholic beverages and may or may not have dining. There are a few non-alcoholic clubs for those who may be on the wagon. There are some independent promoters who host certain theme nights in various clubs. These one nighters are not considered a nightclub. Presentations of this nature, however, can be very innovative and fun.  (back to TOP)

ENTERTAINMENT Entertainment is the featured attraction that is offered for the enjoyment of the audience. Types of entertainment that are offered in various clubs are live bands, D.J.'s, magicians, comedians, exotic dancers, variety performers, etc. Although a Juke Box may be fun, it does not qualify as an entertainment item. (back to TOP)

AGE RESTRICTIONS Most clubs require patrons to be at least 21 years of age or older in order to be granted entry. There are a few clubs that allow 18 year olds and over to enter. Some restaurants have a nightclub operation that allow all ages to be admitted. Some areas, however, may be restricted or off limits to minors because of Alcoholic Beverage Control rules and regulations. In the state of California no person under the age of 21 may be served or sold any alcoholic beverages. (back to TOP)

IDENTIFICATION (I.D.) The biggest hassle that can and usually does kill a night of partying right from the start is when you do not have an acceptable valid identification card or I.D. Even if you look old enough to be a grandparent, without proper I.D., your chances of getting in are usually null and void. Sometimes there are exceptions like when the non-I.D. carrying patron is a busty female with an abundance of cleavage in plain view. This sometimes works better and faster than cash. Gee, I wonder why? For California residents the two most acceptable forms of I.D. are a California driver's license or California I.D. card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Sometimes a military I.D. will do! One I.D. that usually gets a good laugh is the old $3.00 swap meet I.D. card. It is better to try and con your way in without any I.D. at all, than to use one of those swap meet specials. For out-of-state visitors, a driver's license with picture is recommended. For visitors from foreign countries, a passport is ususally acceptable. It would be a good idea though, to have another form of I.D. with your picture and signature on it for backup. (back to TOP)

REFRESHMENTS Most San Antonio Metro Area   clubs have one or more bars which serve a full variety of alcoholic beverages including beer and wine to adults 21 years of age and over. There are also clubs that 1) serve beer and wine only, 2) have different drinking areas for adults to drink alcoholic beverages and minors to drink soft drinks and 3) serve no alcohol whatsoever. (back to TOP)

COVER CHARGE The cover charge is the admission price for entry into the club. Sometimes there is no cover charge. Usually the earlier it is in the week, the smaller the cover charge will be. Cover charges are highest on the weekends. They may vary nightly depending on what entertainment is being offered. Cover charges may range from as little as $1.00 on up to $30.00 or more on rare occasions. Cover charges are usually paid in cash with U.S. currency. Although travelers checks are used quite often by tourists, you can save yourself a lot of headaches if you just have American currency when paying cover charges. (back to TOP)

DRESS CODE The dress code is the type of clothing required for entry into the club. Sometimes dress codes can overlap each other but here are a few definitions that may guide your fashion selection for the evening. If the dress code is dressy dress or fashionable attire, wearing jeans, t-shirt and tennis shoes will keep you in the parking lot and not in the club. For men dressy dress usually means a coat, shirt and slacks (neck or bow ties are optional). For the gals, an evening gown or dress will do. Sometimes a very nice blouse and skirt may suffice. High heels are usually the footgear apropo for the ladies in the evening and definitely for the "ladies of the evening"! Casual dress usually means just about anything may be worn. Here is where jeans, t-shirt and tennis shoes are cool. Most rock 'n roll clubs have a casual dress code. Sometimes clubs have dress codes that go along with special themes or clientele. Levi & leather, leather & lace, all black, all white, lingerie, toga, etc. Keep in mind that some club dress codes change from night to night. If you have any doubt about what to wear on a certain evening to a certain club, always call the club before leaving your home or hotel room. (back to TOP)

VIDEO SCREENS More and more clubs are installing video screens to enhance the atmosphere for their patrons. There are large video screens and T.V. monitor types. The video screens are used for special events and sometimes to allow patrons a better view of what's happening on the stage or dance floor. Some clubs show music videos and creatively edited comedy bits. You can usually tell who doesn't have their MTV by the length of time they spend around the video monitors when music videos are shown. (back to TOP)

HAPPY HOUR Happy Hour is usually held Monday thru Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. (days and times may vary from club to club) and usually there is a free buffet, hors d'oeuvres or discounts on certain food items. Also discounted drinks, 2 for 1 drinks, beer busts (this is where you pay a small cover charge but once in the club you can drink all the beer you desire) and other creative drink specials are offered. Sometimes there are just drink specials. The ideal happy hour is when they offer both. (back to TOP)

AFTER HOURS After hours means the club stays open after 2:00 a.m. in the morning. How long it remains open after that time depends on the club and how much business it is doing. If business is slow the club may opt to close early. But if the place is jumping, it may stay open as long as it is profitable or at least fun. After hours is usually held on Friday and Saturday nights, although sometimes clubs will have a Sunday after hours if Monday is a holiday. There is no alcohol served during after hours. California state law does not allow alcohol to be served or sold after 2:00 a.m. (back to TOP)

DINING The San Antonio Metro Area   night scene has many places to eat, drink and be merry. They run the gamut from fast food to casual to fine dining. Fast food can be nachos, chips, popcorn, fries, burgers, etc. Casual dining is a sit down affair that requires no particular fashion attire to be comfortable or practical. Most casual dining establishments offer a full menu with steaks, salads, chicken, hot and cold sandwiches, some seafood items, juices, coffee, etc. Fine dining is offered in the more posh clubs and finer hotels. Dressy attire is the rule of thumb. Although not posted, it is just understood. You probably wouldn't feel too comfortable wearing levis and tennis shoes to a fine dining establishment, although you would get a considerable amount of attention. (That is, if they allowed you to enter.) What makes fine dining a real pleasure is there are usually two or more people that tend to your table during your dining experience. It is usually quite expensive but the service and cuisine make it well worth it. If you aren't familiar with fine dining, it wouldn't be a bad idea to pick up a book on etiquette. There will be numerous forks, knives and spoons all over the place that may be confusing to the novice fine diner. As for myself, I can attack anything on the table with just one fork and knife. Amazing as it may seem -- it's true! (back to TOP)

PARKING Parking isn't too much of problem at most San Antonio Metro Area   nightspots because as the song says "Nobody Walks In San Antonio !" Clubs usually provide either valet parking or a parking lot with ample parking space. Sometimes there is only street parking. If you have to park on the street try to park in a well lit area or you may run the risk of going home without any sounds in your ride! If your destination is fairly close to your hotel you may be better off catching a cab. Sometimes a cab ride may be cheaper than the cost of valet parking. (back to TOP)

CREDIT CARDS Credit cards that are honored vary from place to place. The most popular ones accepted are MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club. Some clubs don't accept any credit cards but most of the nightclub/restaurant operations do. It is always less hassle if you have good old American cash. They always accept that. If you are from out of town and are using travelers checks, you might be wise to cash enough of them to cover your style of partying for the evening. (back to TOP)

WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL BEFORE GOING OUT! If you have any doubt about anything listed in the San Antonio Metro Area (San Anto)  Night Club Directory , just keep one thing in mind - you can always call the club by using the phone numbers we have provided. Well, enough reading. It's time to hit the streets, get down, get funky, get loose, get busy. In other words - IT'S TIME TO PARTY!