Rain Nightclub

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  Saturday evening for a show, it was cool... but a little later ~12:30 for dancing... it was dead.

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  Posted on 07.01.13 Steven F.

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  We checked out Rain because previous reviews intrigued me--I had hoped this would be a great location for my birthday party this year.
  Big time NO.
  First of all, if it ever was a gay bar, it certainly isn't anymore.  In fact, the bouncer was pretty emphatic about explaining that the past reviews weren't accurate.  Little did he know that being a gay bar actually would have won them points, as that's more along the lines of what I was looking for.
  Currently, it's just a run of the mill douchebag club, which is a shame because the space inside is actually really great.  Nice decor, spacious booths, big dance floor (which not a single person was on), and lots of laser lights.  Aesthetically, it was perfect for my party, but the scene was too decidedly elitist Persian for me to feel like my friends would have a good time there.  To be clear, I have no problem with Persian folks, but we appeared to be LITERALLY the only patrons who weren't part of that crowd.  We happened to show up on a night where, according to the bartender, there were "11 Persian birthday parties" booked.  I guess this place knows who its fans are and really caters to them.
  Our bartender, Ben, was awesome, and I really debated giving this place a third star just for him.  Very good drinks, super friendly, and he made an effort to make us feel welcome after a rather off putting experience at the door.  He invited us to sit right at the end of the bar where he could chat with us before the place filled up.  We also happened to meet the owner, who seemed way more down to earth than the club itself.
  Here's why Rain only gets two stars, and why we won't be returning.  When we arrived at the door, the hostess says I can get in for free, but it'll be $20 for my boyfriend.  He literally let out a laugh.  I told her if that was a case, we wouldn't be coming in.  I mentioned that the purpose of my trip was to scope it out for a party, and if this was the sort of place that would charge all my male guests, I wasn't interested.  Newsflash: There are hundreds of clubs in LA who offer the same level of entertainment, who won't charge dudes cover.  P.S. Your club is in a strip mall. She exchanged looks with another staff member and then tells me it's because the club is booked for a private event.  We told her that there had been no mention of that on their website, nor was there any signage out front saying the club was closed to the public. Just as I'm saying "well, we're outta here then", she suddenly changes her mind and lets us in for free.  When we later found out the "private event" was just the series of bday parties, not in fact a rental of the entire space, we left feeling as though the hostess has tried to bullshit us because she simply didn't want slightly underdressed midwesterners stinking up her club.  I don't deal with places who give me attitude, or judge me on the amount of Gucci I'm not wearing.  They lost me.
  Hopefully someday they change it BACK to a gay club and I can try again.

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  Posted on 04.21.13 Ashley L.

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  I was confused (haha) when I walked into this place, is it a straight bar that's actually a gay bar? Gay bar that is straight? It was techo night (ick) but since we got in for free we suffered through it as much as possible. The drinks were weak--and $10 for a cranberry and vodka? Get outta here! Which is what we did and went someplace better.

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  Posted on 04.14.13 Kemi A.

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  Came her randomly on a Friday night.  Showed up super early @8pm.  Was under the impression it was a gay club.  Turns out it was actually Bosnian night.  They had a live Bosnian singer and I believe every Bosnian from LA showed up.  
  The service was really good.  The two bar tenders were amazing.  Can't remember their names though.  The owner aka Papa was super friendly and bought us some shots.  Will definitely go back again.  The bartenders said Mondays are good.

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  Posted on 03.07.13 Lili b.

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  Super cool spot to have an event. Lots of cultural events going on here since they've moved away from the gay scene. Events are spuratic and by appointment which may frustrate some partygoers.

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  Posted on 01.25.13 Kyle S.

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  I went to a paid event (ticket's purchased prior through TicketMaster for $30) on Friday night honestly NOT WORTH IT... this is a place I would say go if have absolutely nothing to do, can't find anything and are desperate to get out.
  
  There was a live bad playing (which is what the even was all about), the dance floor in from of the stage is small - similar to the one companies bring in for small wedding parties. In addition, Rain is located on the second floor, so while everyone was dancing on the dance floor, you can feel the floor vibrating under you - honestly my fist reaction is that it was an earthquake (and I'm not making fat people jokes). Ventilation was horrible, there was no air flow considering the location is a club and people go with the intention to dance. This place had about 500 people there, 2 bartenders (right?) so it took us approximately 30 minutes to get a drink.
  
  The location is overall small. Although they do a great job with trying to create some open space, if you look through the pictures you can see when you enter there's a large island that's awkwardly place in the middle, one bar that had a limited drink selection with beers and drinks, a private seating area that was completely off limits, and bar tables/lounge couches along the sides. Also, if you look at the outdoor patio images, it's VERY narrow! and the Views are nothing to brag about... you're basically looking at the parking lot to the commercial shopping center adjacent to Rain. This is also where the designated smoking section is... it's not very clear what area they "sectioned off" for smoking but Security there kept telling people to step further down. That was the joke of the night because NO ONE knew where to stand.
  
  Overall huge disappointment... I doubt any other events they hold there would make the place more enjoyable.

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  Posted on 11.27.12 Melissa A.

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  As a filming location, I would highly recommend Rain Nightclub.  We did a large commercial shoot here last month for our client's national ad campaign.  I was incredibly pleased to find a nightclub this good without having to go into Hollywood.  
  
  It's a little challenging at first to find the club.  It's in Studio City and although it's right on Ventura Blvd.  just west of Laurel Canyon, it's situated at the back of the Times Square plaza.  You have to drive into the plaza to find it, the suite cannot be seen from the street.  This actually worked quite well for our purposes, to be away from the pedestrian traffic of the area and curious onlookers.  
  
  The owner was generous, knowledgeable about our filming needs, anticipated and resolved many of our logistical concerns, and in the end everything we needed was conveniently self-contained.  Cast and crew parking was provided underground; parking for the grip truck was provided above ground; a private area was roped off in the back for our talent holding and catering; an empty suite in the plaza was provided for hair, makeup and wardrobe close by yet away from set; location reps were always available attending to all our various needs from assisting with deliveries and pickups to operating club lighting.  We were even able to arrange 'walk-aways' at night, saving us valuable tear down and set up time each day.
  
  On our first day of filming, we were treated with a 'spot-check' from the local authorities who checked out our permits and set-up and passed us with flying colors, offering to return to help us with anything we might need!  
  Plenty of outlets throughout the place for lighting, laptops and charging batteries; modern décor all available as props; no problem moving furniture around as needed; even wireless internet for the production office.
  
  Also, we were able to utilize the Peet's Coffee & Tea and Café Aldente located right in the plaza.  Café Aldente delivered and set up amazing gourmet food each day right on time of a caliber more than appropriate for our international clients and ad reps.  They too are familiar with the film industry, frequently providing catered meals for television productions such as 'Up All Night'.
  
  The bathrooms were very clean, with multiple stalls and mirrors, much needed for our talent.
  
  Overall, our experience shooting at Rain Nightclub was perfect for our production.   I would definitely shoot there again!

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  Posted on 11.23.12 Christina L.

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  Booooo! Completely dead. On a Saturday night! Great decor but wasn't worth the time. Probably would have had more fun staying at home.

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  Posted on 10.15.12 Natasha E.

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  Closed.
  
  Its Friday Oct. 5th in Studio City and after seeing a few good reviews on here I wanted to check out club Rain.  I swung by at 10:30pm and the doors were locked and the place was dark.  Can't imagine a nightclub closed on a Friday night so I'm guessing this place is no more.

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  Posted on 10.05.12 B V.

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  Don't bother...they have too much going on (not in a good way) and it's too much of a hassle to get there!!  Save your money and go to Oil Can Harry's....You'll at least have fun!!

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  Posted on 10.04.12 Trey H.

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  Stopped in the early evening, place was quite. I really think we should give his place a chance. The Bartender was nice, courteous  didn't get a watered down drink like other people who reviewed this place..we Need to support a place in the valley, come on guys ! Hope it survives.

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  Posted on 09.26.12 Tom A.

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  A West Hollywood club with out having to DRIVE to West Hollywood. If you live in the valley THIS is the club to go to!! Great staff, happy hour specials, and on certain nights HOT go-go dancers!

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  Posted on 08.30.12 Tina S.

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  Went there tonight for the first time it was very nice. Very Hollywood looking type place. I did care for the enclosed paito it smells like Smoke and Cat Shit! Parking is good and location is ok next to Chin Chin. I might go again sometime.

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  Posted on 04.26.12 Larry K.

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  So I'm updating my review after a couple of subsequent visits to Rain, as I feel the initial one no longer applies. Sadly, this place may not survive which is too bad...but given its staff, which seems unwilling (or unable) to make changes and, at times, now borders on rude, it's to be expected. One evening (in an attempt to support this new venue) I arranged a group of 12 people and went to have some drinks, telling everyone how fun it is! The bartender seemed like he absolutely hated being there and was barely pleasant. I ordered a well martini extra extra dry...it had so much vermouth in it that it was undrinkable....I nicely mentioned to him that by extra extra dry I meant minimal vermouth (shouldn't a bartender know this?) anyway, he begrudgingly remade and (quite frankly after tasting the remade one), realized that their well vodka was SO bad that I'd better cut my losses and just switch to beer! lol.... its ok, i get why they have a low level 'well', thats fair.  So then, I went to try AGAIN w another friend (since nobody from previous group enjoyed or wanted to return) last night to happy hour and had a couple of vodka on the rocks which I was told were $7 (this time having learned my lesson ordered 'call' grey goose). When the bill came I was charged $2 additional for EACH DRINK for ice........No, I'm not kidding..... When I asked about it, I was told that's what they do when it's on the rocks. (I wasn't informed at time of order and would've just had it 'neat' had I known, after all it was happy hour). Ironically I had just spent 20 minutes talking with the waiter/bartender about ways to help their business. (it was a sunday night and there were between 2 and 6 people there other than my friend and I). I actually asked the waiter again about the bill before we left, (i was dumbfounded and thought maybe he  had made an error) but he said they pour more and that's why the addtl charge (which I'd never heard of) but bottom line, its not the money, its that it feels cheap, dishonest and badly run and I'm finally realizing why nobody wants to go spend an evening at Rain. It's really a shame...but hopefully someone in the business of successful nightclubs will see the degree of money and clientele who would patronize such a place, (if it were run well with a great staff), and create a bar where people want to go to hang out and socialize .....but until then, I guess we have Oil Can Harry's down the street or WeHo.

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  Posted on 04.26.12 Paul W.

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  SO. MUCH. FUN!
  
  What a cool place to have a birthday party!  A friend of mine booked a table at Rain for his birthday last weekend at it was great.  The vibe was non pretentious, it's nice to have the club vibe of Hollywood without actually having to deal with Hollywood attitude.  I really loved the decor (I had been here a few times while it was still Aura), it had a Miami-esque feel to it.
  
  Every employee I encountered was super friendly.  I have to give some extra props to Johnny who was our server.  We had a party of about 12 and he made sure to accommodate to us all.  There was always a drink in our hands :)
  
  The music was really fun.  It was a mix of everything from top 40 to 80's.  The DJ was pretty good too.  If I was dancing (I never ever do), it must have been good!
  
  It seems like this place is still being discovered, it was pretty empty until about 11pm.  I guess not very many people know about the new gay bar in Studio City.  Either way, I think this place is great and I hope it sticks around for a long time :)
  
  P.S. They have male and female go-go dancers.  Yes please!

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  Posted on 04.11.12 Ashley P.

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  Went to Rain for the Probe reunion party and was very pleased.  Nice space friendly(hot) staff.  Great prices..I am at a bit of an advantage..I don't drink achohol.  Although other places like to rape you on non alchoholic drinks.  Sure glad they didn't.  Thank You for hosting the event.  Great job.

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  Posted on 03.29.12 Ruben A.

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  Went to Rain for Academy Awards Party.....WHAT A JOKE, I give this place 6 months max until it closes.  Staff so confused and have no idea what they are doing.  The best part of the night was the food.  Hello, We got a champagne glass TWICE with lipstick on it....Get it together people.  Spent $300 there and will NEVER go back

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  Posted on 02.29.12 TJ W.

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  So! I've reviewed maybe 2 things ever and seldom suffer reading others' reviews. But I'm happy this addition to the Valley exists and there are certainly more people than I expected on a Tuesday night. Get involved! The Val needs such a place and it won't fly without you.

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  Posted on 02.21.12 Ben W.

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  Rain is a beautiful club.  It has the latest LED lighting, a neat bar, a dance floor, large stage and private areas.  The drinks are good and strong.  They have an interesting food menu, including appetizers, entrees and salads.
  
  It's amazing to walk upstairs (or use the escalator) to the back of this complex and walk into this really huge, colorful, interesting club.  They have had several events here, including a Super Bowl Party.  They promise to have more in the future.
  
  What's great is that there is an underground parking lot.  In addition, there is a huge parking lot next door and plenty parking on the street at night.
  
  Since this place is brand new, they are a work in process and we can expect things to change.
  
  It's great having a new gay club to go to in the Valley.
  
  Give these people a chance.
  
  I've had a super time here.

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  Posted on 02.20.12 Larry K.

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  Went last night, Friday 2/17. The venue is very nice and it's great to have a place like this in the valley.  
  
  The club was somewhat crowded with a mixed crowd of all ages. Not much diversity through  The music was top 40 with an electro beat.
  
  Now for some of the negatives:
  -weak drinks
  -need better looking gogo's (and not just white ones)
  -this place needs to decide if they are going to be a gay club or a lesbian hang out. The day I went it seemed more like a lesbian spot.
  -need to do more advertising, in weho and other gay clubs.

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  Posted on 02.18.12 Aaron J.

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  UPDATE: Went to Rain on 2/17/12, much improved, better drinks, only 2 dancers now, one female and one male, better DJ, people were actually dancing. Bartenders and doormen were "acting" better.

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  Posted on 02.18.12 Ron H.

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  Rain is the new club/ bar located in the heart of Studio City and geared to be very gay friendly!
  That's a good thing, right? A cool place to go and eat and dance, or listen to music. All good!
  
  This place is large and spacious and has the potential to be a very hip.
  They will be serving gourmet food . Drinks will be fresh and original recipes that promise to please!
  What's the catch here, why do I write about this place? Well there is one huge mistake....
  
  The criticism I have is with the music selection. Originally the owner Maurice had the brilliant
  for thought to hire one of the finest Musicians ever, to be in charge of hiring and
  playing some of the finest Jazz you"ll ever hear. Now I find out that he instead hired a DJ. to play
  records??? What is he thinking???
  live music VS Disco ? Are you kidding me? Seriously it"s like you have a choice between Louis Armstrong
  or a record? I want live music. I'll be back with pictures and more information.
  Here's hoping enough people speak up and let Maurice know that we will come to listen and partake but please give us something that we can"t get at home,  jazz by the guys that do it best, live!

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  Posted on 02.18.12 Cynthia S.

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  Tried Rain out last Friday night and was a little disappointed... I live a few blocks away and would love a new local gay bar that I could walk home to after a fun night.
  
  Smart that they aren't charging a cover, but the drinks were so watered down (Not just mine, but everyone's who was with me) AND they poured the drinks at the opposite side of the bar that I ordered from. Anyone that's ever been drugged at a bar understands that this is a HUGE no-no...  I will say that we all received new drinks after complaining to the manager on duty, but will this happen again? What about everyone else's drink's in the bar?
  
  The music needs a lot of work - str8 club music and gay club music are COMPLETELY different things... Travis Garland was spinning last Friday night - if no one is dancing, change your set list up...
  
  I'm still a little confused why there were so many female gogo dancers at a club that was hosting a "Grindr" night - to my knowledge, Str8 guys and Lesbians aren't on Grinder... Mixed signals much?
  
  I'll certainly give Rain another try, but I do hope they address some of these start-up issues...
  
  RECENTLY, I went back and a lot have changed.. When I actually do make it out for a night for friends and dancing.. RAIN is my new place to be..

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  Posted on 02.16.12 Trevor K.

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  great place, awesome atmosphere! fantastic drinks and fabulous music!! all of this right in studio city, definite thumbs up :-)

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  Posted on 02.12.12 Joey F.

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  The most gay friendly Straight Bar I've ever been to!
  
  I thought the Miami themed white & orange decor was energetic and interesting.
  
  The VIP "rooms' for bottle service came across as pretentious, but could be the perfect place for a private party.
  
  The two female gogo dancers were very pretty, and seemed to really enjoyed themselves, but I was a little surprised that there weren't an equal amount of male dancers...
  
  The drinks were  embarrassingly watered down... There's really no excuse for that.
  
  I was a little confused with the music - it was one rap song with a techno beat after another, with the Bangles and Madonna tossed in here and there.  
  
  I live a couple blocks away and would absolutely love to see this club survive, but I feel like it's lacking a solid direction or identity - Are you a Gay Friendly Str8 Bar? A Lesbian Bar? Gay Bar?

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  Posted on 02.12.12 David A.

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  I went on a Friday night. I'm not a fan of pop music so it didn't appeal to me. Most likely will be a happy hour bar and restaurant. It will be difficult to compete with the weho clubs. Staff was friendly and parking is available. The crowd was mixed between young and old. As a studio city resident I hope rain succeeds but I think it's too soon to tell.

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  Posted on 02.11.12 David A.

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  I must admit that I'm impressed for a valley gay bar. A for ambiance, service, music and drinks! Definitely worth the drive:-)

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  Posted on 02.11.12 Joe J.

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  My friends and I went to Rain last night Friday 2/10, had an amazing time.  For its second weekend open, the place was busy and the drink prices were at happy hour prices till midnight. Music was awesome led by DJ Travis Garland.  He played hip hop and top 40 and some dance classics, including "I Wanna Dance With Somebody."  He truly had a musical method to the evening and was really thoughtful in his musical selections.
  
  I am a true fan of this place.  Nice to have a local club in Studio City other than WeHo.

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  Posted on 02.11.12 David S.

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  My friend and I went to the grand opening night and it was an awesome time! The venue is great, drinks are really strong (good deal) and the energy is absolutely awesome! Definitely coming here again and nothing but good vibes, people, and a fun environment!
  
  The music was mixed up by DJ Travis Garland from American Idol. Definitely recommend this bar/nightclub and will be going here most often :)

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  Posted on 02.10.12 Christine N.

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  Amazing! This place has a gorgeous streamlined orange and white decor that allows the multi-colored lights and lasers to bounce off every nook and cranny in the house! The dance floor was really going on Friday night, everybody in the club were dancing their asses off.  Fantastic food, great happy hour specials, NO COVER! And the staff is nice too! If you're looking for a reason to leave the hubbub of WeHo for one night then you have got to check this place out!

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  Posted on 02.07.12 Elijah H.

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  I had an absolute blast at Rain!  The venue is superb, the drinks are very reasonably priced, and the sound system and lighting really rocks.  
  
  The crowd was a good mix of people, both Valley and WeHo.  
  
  By far the best bar/nightclub in the Valley.

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  Posted on 02.07.12 Trevor H.

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  Great music, great bartenders, sexy go go's, just an over all amazing experience! I have been looking for club that fit my every need and this is it! Free Valet, no cover charge, and an awesome happy hour. I could not be more pleased.

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  Posted on 02.06.12 Rob H.

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  I spent several hours at this new club today ... mostly because I wanted to see the Madonna halftime show on a big screen!  This was actually my second visit to Rain.  The entire staff is very friendly and helpful ... I love the design of the place ... and I hear they're going to be having regularly scheduled special events, like movie nights, TV viewing parties (like for "American Idol," "Smash," and the like, I would imagine.  I stopped going to gay clubs a long time ago ... feeling a little too old for it ... but I really had fun at Rain ... I will be returning!  Highly recommended.

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  Posted on 02.05.12 Ken W.

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  My friend and I went on Saturday night, and we were not impressed.  First of all, it was a great venue.  There was no cover charge and free valet, but it all went down hill from there.  We had a vodka and redbull and a mojito which tastes like lemonade from a can.  The worst part was the dj and the music.  Seriously - this is a freaking gay club - so dj play something gay for God's sake (Top 40, Gagay, Britney or whatever is in).  It seems like the dj has never been at a gay club before.  You should know the music is bad when there is less than 1/5 of the gay guys were out on the dance floor.  I think the club has great potential if they play better music and serve better drinks.

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  Posted on 02.05.12 Howard N.

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  My friend and I went to check this place out on its grand opening. We walked in and loved the venue. The music was great and so was the crowd. We went straight to the bar and were ordering tequila shots the whole night. I really liked this place but my only issue was the service. We asked the owner (I believe) pricing for table and bottle service. At which point he told us he didn't know and that he would find out for us. We stood by the bar and waited for the info and he never told us. After seeing us waiting he came up and said that "refilling the bar with glasses was more important".
  
  Out of frustration my friend and I decided to continue at the bar. The place is great and in a awesome area since we are local. I'm just frustrated that the owner didn't know pricing at his own venue and didn't recognize the potential of future and loyal customers. I would love to go back but I'm very hesitant.

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  Posted on 02.04.12 George B.

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