Night clubs are establishments meant for entertainment. They are places where people go to dance, sing, drink, and mingle. People frequent night clubs to spend time with their friends, meet new friends or new significant others, or to have fun amongst strangers. Going to night clubs, or "clubbing" has become one of the most popular pastimes in America.
Most night clubs include some specific features that enhance the entertainment value of them. Dance floors are often found in night clubs. A fully-stocked bar is also a night club staple because drinking is a common practice in them. There is usually a DJ or music system, dark (sometimes pulsing or flashing) lighting, and lounge areas. Most night clubs do not have all of these features, but rather some combination of them.
Deciding on which night club to visit for a night may be the most important choice you make to ensure a good time. There are a few things to consider that may aid you in your choice. The costs for cover and drinks, usual wait lines, and the quality of general services at the establishment may help you decide one way or another on which night club to visit. In addition, whether or not you may be able to make a reservation at a particular night club may have an influence on your choice. Making a reservation may make it easier to get in, but may be more costly in the long run.
The price of getting into a night club varies greatly by the features offered, the location, and the demand for entrance to it. If the night club is in a popular location, or if surplus numbers of people visit it nightly, the owner may raise the prices in order to get the maximum amount of money from the establishment. In addition, the entry fee is not including the price for drinks at the bar. (Also note that drinks purchased in a night club are far more expensive than drinks purchased in store.) The entry fee is often called the "cover," and can range anywhere from free to $20 for a night, and even more on special occasions such as New Year's Eve. Some clubs accept the "tipping" (or bribing) of bouncers, servers, and managers to ensure special treatment, and this can get extremely expensive.
Remember, most people in nightclubs will be drinking, and some may even get completely intoxicated. It is important to remember to watch whom you are talking to, what information you give out, and whom you may leave with if you or the other person is intoxicated. Having a designated driver is a smart idea, and never giving out any personal information is as well. Financially, as stated above, some nightclubs can wheedle large amounts of money from you to provide even the most common services, such as serving drinks or leading you to your reserved area.