A central dance floor filled with energy and class.
(Credit: Jhawn E. Jones, Special to Metromix)
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Not to be confused with the four time Emmy Award winning hit HBO Series, “Entourage,” boldly steps forward into the heavy nightlife scene in Downtown Norfolk. Less than a month old, it has been blessed with the presence of multiple nationwide performers and celebrities (i.e., The Clipse, Fam-Lay, Timbaland, etc.)
Drinks: Although most of the people around you might be taking back a few, you might want to think cautiously before following suit. The drinks are good as expected but tend to be pricy. Top shelf drinkers be aware, because your favorite choices are most popular, and will most likely run out early. If paying with a card, consider declining when asked to run a tab, because a festive night might hurt worse than your hangover the following morning.
Décor: If able to ignore the rough and indistinct exterior, you might raise eyebrows after making it inside. Dim lighting and plush seating surround the slightly raised dance floor. Thin railing ensures that the foot stompers don’t endanger themselves or the people sitting at the trail of small draped hardwood tables beneath them.
The establishment consists of two fully stocked bars backed with wall to wall mirrors and two VIP sections. Throughout the night, guests may witness a laser light show across the rear walls and ceiling of the club. A large plasma screen, heightened DJ booth, and wall encased tropical aquarium all add the finishing touches to the tasteful appearance of the venue.
Service: When you approach the club, there are immensely long entry lines, from which you will probably never receive an explanation as to why neither of them are moving. Get used to waiting because if you’re able to stomach the steep cover charge upon entry, you may be doing a lot more of it at the bar.
Veteran hint: Purchase a good strong beverage early and “baby-sit”. Security is easy to locate, but finding a waitress might be as difficult to do as keeping up with the people you came with. If you manage to nab one, hold on to her, otherwise you might not spot her again until the lights come on.
Crowd: The crowd is a small mix of all ethnicities. Young professionals, business owners, college students, entrepreneurs, and travelers flood Entourage’s doors Wednesday through Saturday. After about 5 minutes of small talk, you’ll most likely come across someone from one of the major cities outside of Hampton Roads.
Sounds: Amazing! You’re guaranteed to receive a weekly taste of the latest hip hop, house, dancehall, and of course old school jams.
Dress code: Approaching the line you will find those around you dressed appropriately for an upscale establishment. Clean cut, collared or fitted shirts combined with a decent pair of designer jeans dress most of the fellas. The ladies exude sexy in almost any outfit as long as the shoes are cute. Leave the oversized tees, boots, and ballin’ kicks at home this time around, and upgrade yourself to adulthood to prevent that dreaded front door rejection!
Bottom Line: Although unchanged in location, this new rendition will certainly give visitors a reason to veer beyond Granby St. Its street address couldn’t be more ironically named, Bank Street, and the chatter of people waiting in line will confirm that they do just that.
