DOOD.CA: Guy Stuff

Nanaimo’s ever-changing bar-scene had a new introduction a couple months ago with the Spice Lounge. As far as I know this establishment is owned and operated by the same guys that brought you the Queens. This past weekend was my first experience in the place, and it was a good one – environment was safe, with lots of seating. Though I would have a few complaints, but still far better than the previous club in that location, “Malibu”. Previous to it being the Malibu, it was Desperados. The Spice Lounge is different, and a fresh change.

I’ll break my review down into a few areas, but they are based on a single experience. Cover charge is $7, same as the Queens.

Bouncers/Staff
The staff at Spice Lounge is great, and probably among the best I’ve seen around… with great bouncers at the door(s). The only problem I would say is the need to have the line up outside when there is a lot of room inside for them to wait, but this is to make the job of dealing with the people easier for them, and is understandable.

The bartenders were great, friendly and actually treated me quite well. Above average I would say.

Decor/Interior
The decor inside is pretty sparse, with scattered tables and booths along one side. There are stand up bar stools and tables along each side of the dance floor, which is a bit small for the amount of people in there on Saturday Night. We had trouble dancing amidst the crowds of college kids (several of us being college kids ourselves).

The layout itself has changed little from what it used to be like when it was the Malibu, but feels cleaner than it used to be.

Entertainment
The live show touch was a very cool idea, but the rappers on stage had some sound problems I think, because the sound was a bit shrill and hurt my ears at certain points and it sounded like the amps might have been clipping. The beginning was very cool because there were some guys there breakdancing before the bar really filled up and they were really good. This was around 10:30. There was a woman singing with the rappers that had a great voice and sounded good.

In-between the rap acts they played club music at more reasonable levels and that’s mostly when the dance floor filled up.. during the live rap most people just kinda watched and bounced a bit.

Atmosphere
Younger crowd than the Queens, similar to the crowd that would have been at the Grizzly before it was shut down. I would say that most were in their 20’s, and quite the fashion show reminiscent of the Vancouver club scene. Lots of beautiful girls dressed very nicely, with lots of guys wearing hot brands like Christian Audigier, Don Ed Hardy, Affliction, True Religion, etc.

Obviously I was wearing Affliction.

Very surprising as it’s showing that the club scene in Nanaimo has progressed to buying their clothes in Vancouver or online. Not very many people in Nanaimo want a $300 hoodie/zip up or $100 t-shirts. Even the bouncer commented on my Affliction button-down because he has the same shirt!

One of the girls with us had a Drink bought for her by a guy that she had a class with.. pretty classy. Seemed like a nice enough guy. I ran into lots of people I know in there, the girls from Moxies, some people I know from the Starbucks days and other old acquaintances.

The bar was packed by 1am when we left, and the lineup had shortened quite a bit from the 50-60 there were when I went out to check at 12:15 or so. Only about 10 people outside as we left.

I think the location of Spice Lounge is good, with the entrance on the front side… makes it feel less shady. All in all, I would go again, but as the people get more and more drunk, it gets rowdier towards the end of the night. I still prefer to head out around 1am, being a non-drinker myself.