INSIDE: SYN

On Rush Street, even the nightclubs get facelifts

By Ellen Fox

January 6 2004

Basement-level Jilly's Retro club, the disco-drenched Viagra Triangle standby, has been re-named and revamped and repackaged as SYN. The owners hope to lure in a younger, sexier crowd who will "synergize" with the older, monied set that frequented the original club.

Think never the twain shall meet? Last weekend saw a mix of both types of Gold Coast nightcrawlers, perhaps brought together by a common taste for retro dance hits, cushy seating, martinis and implants.

Once Inside: The small, low-ceilinged room offers metal-beaded curtains, chick-pea-colored couches and hardwood floors. Two bars--with butt-friendly, melon-hued barstools and requisite illuminated shelves--flank the space; two small champagne rooms occupy the corners. The dance floor is overhung with a black pleather canopy that curves down into banquettes. The multi-textured look seems to be the hallmark of Slick Design and Manufacturing, which recently pulled off new lounge Y. Here, however, the disparate materials and colors--electric-orange drink tables, marble floors, shag carpeting, stain-resistant seating--seem more mish-mash than harmonious. And there's no excuse for the ceiling: We've seen better paneling in suburban basements.

Drinks: Bartenders push a list of signature cocktails--called the Seven Deadly Syns ($12 each)--but we preferred the refreshing Sweet Sensation, a blend of Skyy Citrus vodka and DeKuyper Pucker Sour Apple with a splash of sour and soda ($9). There's no bottle service, but you can choose from a selection of lovely bubblies.

Crowd: A people-watcher's wet dream: cigar chompers, muscle dudes, yuppie tourists, drunk moms and suburban hotties. Chances are that babe you just spotted is one of the eager waitstaff.

What to wear: Whatever you wore to Gibsons is fine. We spotted tight club shirts on the younger guys, sharp suits and shiny shoes on the older ones. Women sport leather pants--regardless of age--status handbags and Kangol caps.

Music: The '70s disco hits and '80s pop classics (think The Cure's "Just Like Heaven") are infectious dance-floor packers.

Ellen Fox is a metromix special contributor.


Copyright 2004 Metromix.com