Vancouver club guide

Vancouver's clubs are as diverse as its residents. There's something for everyone. They keep their lines long, though (even when they're less than packed inside), so you need to choose your spots wisely. Our intrepid writer went to 10 clubs -- five in historic, edgy Gastown and five in chichi Yaletown -- so you won't waste your time in the wrong queue.

GASTOWN

Lamplighter
92 Water St. (at Abbott)
Hours: Noon to 2 a.m.
Cover: $5
Looks: Well-styled interior with (empty) dance floor, pool tables, nice bar and good sightlines.
Music: DJs spinning Brit pop and classic rock over heavy bass.
Scene: Good-looking but approachable late twenty- and thirtysomethings.
Go if: You'd rather see and be seen than dance. Snag a table if you want to hang with friends. Hit the bar if you want to mingle.

The Modern
7 Alexander St. (at Water)
Hours: 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Cover: $15
Looks: L.A.-style club with multiple crowded levels. Poor sightlines.
Music: Pussycat Dolls and '90s hip-hop pleased the crowd.
Scene: Trendy young twentysomethings in skimpy club wear and button-down shirts.
Go if: You're looking for a young I-just-started-drinking atmosphere where party buses unload and the music is kept simple.

Honey
455 Abbott St. (at Hastings)
Hours: 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Cover: $5-$15, depending on event
Looks: Small, well-used dance floor in a seemingly unfinished room.
Music: Brit pop and indie rock with dance beats underneath.
Scene: Approachable. 20- to 30ish hipster/geek-chic crowd unabashedly dancing.
Go if: You're looking for a more laid-back dance crowd, or you're looking for someone to make out with.

Lotus
455 Abbott St. (at Hastings)
Hours: 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Cover: $5-$15, depending on event
Looks: Basement dance hole that's allegedly about to get renovated.
Music: Friday nights rotate alternative themes. Industrial Goth was playing the night I visited.
Scene: Changes vastly depending on theme, but come to get sweaty and dance.
Go if: You've checked the schedule and want to dance all night.

Lick
455 Abbott St. (at Hastings)
Hours: 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Cover: $5-$15, depending on event
Looks: Small, intimate space that needs a little more polish.
Music: Generally hip-hop and fun dance music spun by DJ Dellux.
Scene: Vancouver's only lesbian bar had a small, mixed crowd ready to dance. They were friendly and welcoming to all.
Go if: You want to hear a great DJ in a laid-back space.

YALETOWN

Republic
958 Granville St. (at Nelson)
Hours: 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Cover: $8-$15, depending on the night
Looks: New, slick spot has a huge bar and two floors. The front room upstairs will kick butt in the summer when they roll up the walls that face the street.
Music: Typical dance beats.
Scene: The 20- to 30ish trendy, attractive crowd was kept in line more than they were allowed into the club.
Go if: It's summer and you can snag a table in the front room.

Crush
1180 Granville St. (at Davie)
Hours: 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Cover: Women, $12; men, $15
Looks: Needs a facelift (which they say is coming). Smaller rooms for private parties.
Music: Interesting mix of upbeat dance and Latin beats.
Scene: Thirtysomethings fill this comfortable place to dance or lounge. Less trendy and sceney than most Yaletown spots.
Go if: You're hosting a bachelorette party or have a large group, since it's a fun spot and it doesn't take long to get in.

Ginger 62
1219 Granville St. (at Davie)
Hours: 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Cover: $12
Looks: Cool blend of edgy art and Asian themes. Small dance floor and killer VIP room.
Music: Crowd-pleasing Latin dance beats.
Scene: Attractive, stylish thirtysomethings ready to dance or get chatted up. Plenty of dancing going on, but more seating area than dance floor.
Go if: You're looking for a hot crowd and want to dress to impress.

Opus
322 Davie St. (at Hamilton)
Hours: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Cover: None
Looks: New, modern lounge (with tiny dance floor) and older, librarylike lounge bookend the bar.
Music: DJ playing dance music off a laptop with a guy playing electric guitar solos.
Scene: Thirtysomethings and up, with some hotel guests thrown in. Preppy and conservative.
Go if: You're staying at the Opus Hotel and want a place to start the night.

Celebrities
1022 Davie St. (at Burrard)
Hours: 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Cover: $10-$15 on weekends
Looks: Big, gay dance club with high ceilings and a mezzanine for eye cruising.
Music: Fridays host big electronic DJs; Saturdays feature more typical dance beats.
Scene: Drag queens and go-go dancers enliven the mixed crowd filling the dance floor.
Go if: Fridays if you are into progressive electronica; Saturdays for a more typical gay club.

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