Nightlife

THE LIGHTS ARE BRIGHT DOWNTOWN

Downtown Miami, a collection of warehouses and empty lots long neglected by the city, has become the hot alternative nightspot to South Beach.

Across from South Beach, over Biscayne Bay, a place where at one time only stray cats and garbage trucks roamed, well-heeled VIPs now gather in packs to experience club life. Attracted by lower rent, less competition, larger spaces and friendlier (or non-existent) neighbors, club developers have created a gold-coast atmosphere—minus the coast—and are driving their designers to the verge of insanity trying to outdo one another. The competition bodes well for those seeking a truly memorable evening and for fans of music of all stripes. Be warned, however: Once you go downtown, you may find it hard to leave. —Jeremy Dillahunt

Pawn Shop

1222 NE 2nd Ave • 305-373-3511 www.thepawnshoplounge.com

As its name suggests, Pawn Shop is a bit of an oddity, an homage to an older Florida, one where green velour palm tree-patterned couches match up with gazelle heads mounted above yellow muumuus. It features not just an Airstream trailer lounge inside, but also a school bus VIP area, a tractor-trailer cab DJ booth and a separate VIP “room” that is actually a 727 fuselage—yes, an airplane in a nightclub. Famed for its Revolver, Dirty Disco and Q&A parties, Pawn Shop features DJs spinning house, funk, indie, hip-hop and rock most nights.

Karu & Y

• 71 NW 14th St • 305-403-7850 • www.karu-y.com

This sprawling complex of more than 40,000 square feet comprises several linked venues, including Karu Restaurant; Mas Allá for private dining; Y Ultralounge (and its VIP lounge); Tottem; and Tottem Gardens.

It’s an evolution in night clubbing. A private garden features an overhead waterfall, and a collection of “pods” from the ’60s makes up a 40-foot-high VIP space. Cabanas and nooks make their home in 12,000 square feet of manicured gardens. With at least five dance floors, it’s easy to find music to groove to. Finding your way out is another story.

Studio A

• 60 NE 11th St • 305-358-7625 • www.studioamiami.com

Studio A is one of the best spaces in Miami to see live music and DJs. Past performers include Damian Marley, Cat Power, Dead Prez, Maroon 5 and The Rapture. Unlike many of its counterparts, Studio A is a relatively small space with room for 500 or so people—yet the club manages to party like there’s a crowd of 3,000. Powered by an audiophile’s dream sound system, the club features a bar complete with a VIP area.