Mansion Allure

I just heard on the news that they have been evicted, but are still selling tickets to an upcoming event.

The owners of the building have confirmed that the event will NOT take place here. Just giving you guys a head's up!

That's too bad, this was a fun place....

Dance clubs are a tricky matter when it comes to the Hampton Roads area and when you are older.  Its hard to balance a nice place where you can party and not feel like you are partying with your parents or with teenagers.  Although I did feel like I was a bit old for the club my fiance and I had a BALL.  I loved the atmosphere...very nice decor and staff was  friendly (sometimes with clubs who portray themselves as upscale you get snobby staff at Mansion this was not the case). Drinks were expensive but that is the usual with most clubs so no surprises.  Loved the lay out and loved that the crowd actually wanted to dance and was enjoying themselves.  I had been waiting to experience Mansion and was not disappointed.

So I'm perusing around a number of different social networking sites the other night looking for something to do and come across this event called "The Social Network."

What is it?  

"Kick off your heels, loosen your tie, and end the hectic work week with The Social Network - Mansion Allure's exclusive corporate mixer designed specifically for the working professional.  Come gain business insights and benefit from casual networking, while enjoying live entertainment/DJs and our complimentary buffet - each and every Friday from 5pm to 9pm."

Friday is usually an off night for me but I decided to go through the Downtown Tunnel traffic at 5pm to get to P-Town for this mixer. After the expected traffic, hitting another car while trying to park and having to walk two blocks I finally arrived not knowing what the hell I was getting into for the early evening.

Well I have to say...this venue sure mildly impressed me, but still impressed me. I was reminded as if I was in DC or NYC at an elaborate bar with multiple levels. I felt like I was walking into a club. Trendy and sort of upscale feel. Up the stairs and to the right is a full service bar. Walk left and you'll find a very large room with a stage and jazz band playing. My guess is that this part of the joint turns into a dance floor late at night. It's just a big open and nicely decorated space with a lounge/VIP area surrounding the floor. I was really given the upscale I'm in a big city type bar/dance floor atmosphere.

I was at The Social Network event from 5:15 to 7:15 so I'm pretty sure I haven't seen this place in its full potential. I never did make it to the third floor where apparently they had a special picture taking section. The event itself was pretty good, though. I'd say some 50 people were in attendance. They did have a small table with endless appetizers. The food was far from special but certainly kept me from catching a buzz.

For a mixer the music was too loud. It was a business mixer and I was having trouble talking to the person two feet away from me. I'm not sure if drinks were on any sort of happy hour because three drinks still cost $16 but no complaints because there was no cover or charge to eat.

A-OK for now but I will definitely try this place again --- perhaps next week for their Friday night event and certainly on a night after 11pm when I expect this place to be hoppin'.