The cover was reasonable, much cheaper for ladies than gents, and there was a line of about 10 to 15 people waiting to get inside. It was hard to miss considering the “309 West” spotlight beaming on the brick building across the way.

The first floor is decked out with a bar, however only a few people sat there sipping drinks. The real party is upstairs. A live DJ kept the dance floor moving with the latest hip-hop songs. The crowd consisted of an interesting mix, and included someone dressed as a zebra. How’s that for diversity! I grabbed a drink and hit the dance floor, hoping to enjoy some time with my gal pals without being propositioned. Of course there were a few skeezy guys that took it upon themselves to invade my personal space, but kudos to the gentleman that actually ASKED me to dance! I thought the idea of asking a girl to dance was lost some 20 years ago. (Gentlemen, if you are reading this, please take notes!)

While I was spinning around in a sea of drunkeness, it dawned on me that my male companion was no where to be seen. He doesn’t typically hit the dance floor, and would much rather prefer drinking beers at some sports bar than hitting a dance club. I began to search frantically for him, fearing he had decided to leave me at the bar with my vampy friends. Finally, I found him, sitting off to the side of the bar. Worried that he was ready to bolt, I asked him how he was doing. “Great, the waitresses just jumped on the bar and poured water all over themselves.” What guy wouldn’t enjoy that?

Overall, 309 West made for a fun night. I got my workout on the dance floor. My man was amused by the scantily clad waitresses and their wet t-shirt contest, and our friends had a nice change of pace. The next time your on River St. pondering whether to walk back to City Market for the usually hot-spots, give 309 West a try.

--Review by Gypsy Leigh