Since opening in the summer of 2006, Venu Resto-Lounge and Nightclub has prided itself on working with promoters to create unusual events for Rochesterians look for a dance party. From an after-hours party for comedian Tracy Morgan to promoting new fashion boutiques, Venu meets the challenge of being an upscale, urban club.
The place: Venu is in the St. Paul Quarter. There are two levels, and often two DJs create different vibes on each floor.
The crowd: On Wednesday nights, Venu is 18 and older.
“It’s a mixed crowd,” says bartender Marquita Smith, 25, of Rochester. “It depends on what the promotion is, but it’s all different races and types of people.”
IDs are a must on Wednesday nights, but Smith says that despite what Mother Nature dishes out, 18-year-olds love to come to the club. Thursday through Saturday, Venu is 21 and older.
Blakk Christmas: Smith also is the owner of Fierce Boutique, a month-old fashion boutique at 822 Merchants Road, which carries one-of-a-kind items, especially handbags. Fierce is sponsoring Venu’s Blakk Christmas party on Friday, Dec. 26. Hosted by Bird of WDKX-FM (103.9), it starts at 10 p.m. The event also will feature DJ Bac-Spin and a music showcase by Black August. Fierce will be giving away gift packs at the party, and Fierce customers who mention the Blakk Christmas party at Venu will receive 10 percent off their purchases. WHAT: A dance club and lounge in Rochester’s St. Paul Quarter.
Attire is trendy/business casual, and admission is $10.
“The Blakk Thanksgiving party was ridiculous,” Smith says. “It was packed!”
For more on Venu’s Blakk Christmas event, call (315) 378-7573.
Good to Know
WHERE: 151 St. Paul St.
WHEN: 10 p.m. till 2 a.m. Wednesday; 9 p.m. till 2 a.m. Thursday; 5 p.m. till 2 a.m. Friday; and 6 p.m. till 2 a.m. Saturday.
COVER: Yes. Varies per event. The Blakk Christmas party cover will be $10.
DRINKS: Each night features special drink prices, but there are happy-hour specials on Friday and Saturday with $2 Coronas and Heinekens.
SIGNATURE DRINK: Venu’s managers encourage bartenders to create and promote signature drinks. Marquita Smith’s drink “Kiki,” which is her nickname, is a “blue drink” and she swears that, of the bartenders’ drinks, it’s the most popular.
FOOD: A tapas-style menu is offered until 1 a.m.; and there is a special menu on Friday.
MUSIC: Dance, hip-hop and urban music spun by DJs, often from New York City.
DRESS CODE: Dress to impress, trendy/business casual attire. No white T-shirts or athletic wear.
PARKING: On the street or valet.
ON THE WEB: www.venurochester.com.
