Nightclub Review – BELO

Belo, named for the fact that the club is underground, opened in early 2006. Formerly known as E Street Alley, the space is 20,000 square feet decorated in chic decor that could be best described as post-modern, or even retro. Offering dining service from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m., Belo’s menu is impressive and blends upscale cuisine with some of the comfort foods that we know and love and is divided into seven sections: Intros, Big Plates, Salads, Skewers, Sammitches, Mix, and Outros. In addition to great “Intros”—or appetizers—like Ketel One Oysters and Mini Creole Crab Cakes, they have three plates that are perfect for sharing, named after each of the rooms: Red, Orange, and Green. I was also told they have happy hour from 5-7 p.m. with half-priced cocktails and specials on select menu items.

The cover to the nightclub is $20 per person and the line for entry was normal for a Saturday night. They offer regular guest list access with no cover before 10:30 by contacting [email protected]. The “dress to impress” policy was strictly enforced and the security was a bit rigid, but once I made it down the stairs and inside the club, the staff was exceptional. On this particular night, the crowd was a mix of 20 and early 30-somethings and the ratio of women to men was rather high. Truly a dance club, both floors (one playing Top 40, Hip Hop, and R&B, the other playing House music) were packed with patrons who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the deejay’s music selection. In addition, go-go dancers supplied plenty of eye candy—and they were actually quite good.

One thing to be aware of: Belo lacks seating and chances are that if you are not VIP then you will be standing all night. The drinks were on the expensive side and it took a while to make my way up to the bar, but I was pleased with the alcohol content of the drinks. The bartenders did an excellent job getting the drinks made quickly and didn’t rush me for my order.

Consensus: If you have the money to spend and enjoying dancing all night, then I would definitely recommend Belo. However, if you prefer a more intimate setting where you can sit and engage in conversation while having easy access to the bar, then you might choose elsewhere.

BELO – 919 4^th Avenue Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101

For more information, visit Belo at: http://www.belosandiego.com

Deanna McAdams is a freelance writer the co-owner of XplosionOut.com, a San Diego-based personal assistant & concierge service.