You’re coming to South Beach. Finally. With it’s famed party reputation, you’re sure to want to hit at least one of the hotspots you’ve heard/read about, but is it really as difficult as you’ve heard it can be to get in and what can you do, if anything, to make the process hassle free?
Crazy Miami nightclub stories and memories only happen once you get passed the doorman. Proper planning and execution are key so here are a few tips that can help you reign over the velvet rope battles.
Tip 1: Subscribe to the Nightclub, Deejay & Promoter Mailing Lists
For starters, the best way to find out about upcoming events and promotions prior to your visit is by joining mailing lists. Nightclubs, deejays, promoters and even online ticket sales businesses all bombard their registered recipients with weekly, sometimes daily, email regarding upcoming events. Sometimes these notices even include discounts for purchasing tickets and services.
Important note: unless you happen to NOT mind the dreaded SPAM, you’ll want to register using an email address created for specifically for this use because your information is GUARANTEED to be shared. The last thing you want your boss, or IT guy, to see is that the sudden surge of messages in your inbox is due to you looking for ways to live it up on SoBe.
While visiting nightclub sites, check to see if they offer any VIP or frequent visitor programs. Although not dirt cheap, these programs are often relatively inexpensive compared to door prices and can save you some moolah if you do happen to frequent Miami or the nightclubs often.
Also, many sites allow you to purchase bottle service in advance which not only guarantees your entry but also provides with you some alcohol and a comfy table and booth space in the posh VIP section amongst A-Listers and SoBe elite so you can rest your tired footsies and shaken booty.
Tip 2: Leverage Social Network Sites
Another great way to be “in the know,” is through social networking sites like MySpace, Facebook, Linkedin, and Friendster. I kid you not, internet stalking can pay off. My MySpace bulletin list is bombarded, HOURLY, with promoters advising of parties and tips on ‘how to get comped on my list’ not to mention the non-stop ‘Event Invites.’ Add a few of these promoters as your friends and you may never have to pay cover again. And, if the incessant posting of bulletins doesn’t seem enough for you, join groups. Groups are no longer promoter specific; nightclubs and deejays have pages as well. Heck, there are even groups belonging to locals just looking for tag-alongs.
A Brief Guide on Social Networking Websites and How To Use Them
* MySpace: For MySpace users, it’s very easy. Click on your ‘groups’ tab. Under ‘category,’ choose ‘Nightlife and Clubs’ and just use “Miami’ as your keyword. Happy surfing those 109 pages of groups. Get creative and, using the keyword option, search for other phrases. Personally, ONS Management Group really rocks. They always have representation at some of the best hot spots on SoBe and in Miami. Also, check out Cover? I’m with Shaun Gold B*iatch! This guy’s bread and butter is possible through the people he brings to clubs and as has been quoted as saying, “I pride myself on making sure everyone has a good time. When you’re on my list there is minimal if any wait and you get in for free.”
* Facebook: Facebook is the number 2 social networking site. Originally created for college students, it has got to be the most talked about website right now. Many groups on Facebook can provide useful information and professional connections as it is network based. Networks can be anything from cities, businesses, schools and even professional associations. For Facebook users, from your profile page, click on ‘Groups’ under your ‘Applications.’ Similar to the myspace instructions, in the search engine, use keywords relative to nightlife in SoFla.
Don’t miss the already existing groups for Miami Nightlife and Baller Status in Miami. Each group features a Wall (like a guestbook of messages) and threaded discussion lists. Also, using the ‘Event’ application, you can browse upcoming events.
* LinkedIn: Used predominantly by professionals, most people use LinkedIn to “get to someone” in order to make a sale, form a partnership, or get a job. It’s successful because it is an online network of more than 9 million professionals world wide representing 130 industries. However, it’s also a golden ticket that can work great for bypassing doorman and sashaying into a nightclub. A quick search on LinkedIn can put you in touch with the likes of the Nightlife columnist from the Sun Sentinel and the Director of Events for the Opium Group.
* Friendster: Friendster, another leading social network, emphasizes on genuine friendships and the discovery of new people through other people’s friends. Networking 101 is perfect if you belong to a social circle with someone baring door pull. At Friendster, you can find like-minded people in the groups for Miami nightlife and the M.I.A.M.I. Express.
If you choose to spend some time building your social media profile, you’ll likely find it easier to make a connection.
Tip 3: Ask Around
If staying at a hotel, ask the concierge. I know it sounds cliche because he or she may not look like someone who knows about 4 am partying done under flashing neon lights, but THAT is exactly what concierges are paid to know. Not only that, but promoters and nightclubs, knowing that concierges can and DO affect guest counts, provide them with goodies like door passes. Also, they can arrange VIP services like bottles and tables.
Concierges really are the go-to guys/girls for tourists. Simply advise them of what you need and they’ll be able to steer you in the right direction. In some cases, hotels even have their own lists which they can place you on to avoid a cover fee.
Restaurants and record stores are also a great place to find out about any upcoming events and maybe score some door passes. Always up on the latest info and artists, store employees are usually in the scene as well. Check out any flyers displayed as you’re at the register and make sure to chat up the employee. You know, a little “I’m from Omaha....listen to house...Dude, I like your shirt...What’s a good club?”
Like I said, ask.
Tip 4: Arrive Early, Dress Sharp, and Be Prepared to Wait
The simple fact is that the great majority of people do have to wait in line at a club. Sometimes it’s 2 minutes. Sometimes it’s an hour. Luckily, you CAN control how long you have to stand there and wait before you’re let through the gates of sex, sound and sin.
Nothing is as important as making contact with door staff and you can’t do that until you’re at the front of the line. Best way to get there: arrive early.
Something that can affect your process greatly is crowd size. There is nothing more discouraging than turning a corner and being greeted with a mob, 50 people deep in circumference, and lines that seem endless. I know you didn’t just spend hours getting ready to simply stand on the curb. So unless you have a crowd parting magic wand, you’ll want to arrive before the masses do. Generally, this is 11ish and always before midnight.
Getting to the front of the line is only half the battle at the ropes so once there, make sure you’re not overlooked because you didn’t dress the part. It should go without saying that hygiene is important but just in case, at the very least, BE CLEAN. Remember, door staff are looking for people that give the appearance that they’re going to do one thing: spend money.
Acceptable garb for men is flattering denim paired with a classy dress shirt and dressy shoes, well relatively dressy anyway. No baggy jeans. No sneakers. No underwear that is exposed- it’s called ‘underwear’ for a reason.
Ladies, less really is more here. Barring unnecessary exposure of certain female areas, and outfits designed specifically for stages with poles, the tighter it is, the skimpier it is, the more revealing it is, the quicker you’re getting in.
Remember to spit the gum out and toss any alcoholic beverages you may have before you get there and for the love of Pete, don’t slouch. Confidence goes a long way in getting you noticed.
If, unfortunately, you do find yourself waiting in a line, don’t act like an idiot- even if an idiot is what you usually are. Be friendly and polite. Leave the cockiness and arrogance for the bad pickup lines to be slurred while intoxicated, ONCE inside. Also, there is no need to name drop. No one cares if your cousin’s ex-boyfriend’s sister knows Diddy or P-Hil and if you mention it, you’re not getting in.
Similarly, don’t tap them or try to grab a host or door staff member. This is assault; a definite deal-breaker at the door; and, provided the person’s mood, a possible black eye and/or arrest. You also don’t want to huff, puff, taunt and make comments like “I can’t believe this guy is making me wait.” This is no way to get in door staff’s good graces.
Sweetheart, you’re not in Kansas anymore and sometimes you have to wait. Respect the door guy. Remember, nirvana is inside and good things do come to those who wait PATIENTLY.
Above all, make sure you’re in the correct line. Many establishments have separate lines for regular entry and VIPs. Imagine standing in line for a half hour only to find out that is was in vain. You’re supposed to be in the other line that’s four times as long as this one!
While waiting, why not take advantage of the time by interacting with those around you. Mingle. That group of six, very lovely, very tanned ladies behind you could just be your ticket in This doesn’t mean that you need to try and hook up with any of the hotties while in the line, simply incorporate yourself into their group.
Actually, this is the most sure-fire way of getting into a club. Increase your gal-to-guy ratio and make sure you fill those female positions with hot women. They say honesty is the best policy and here’s a prime example. You may even want to be completely honest with some women and barter something like drinks in exchange for assistance with getting in.
(To avoid looking like a pack of rabid dogs, look for a group of women equal or close to the number in your party)
“Hi. My name is Paul and these are my friends Chris and John. We’re here from Detroit. We were wondering if you ladies would be kind enough to escort us in because it looks as if we’ll never get in here. We’ll buy you each a drink inside. What do you say?”
This tip works even better for a single guy who is partying alone.
What? You never thought about that?
Lastly, have any requested items like ID’s ready. I’m sure you can imagine what the repercussion for wasting a door guy’s time is…
For large parties of guys: you’re better off splitting your crew into smaller sub-groups and meeting inside.
Tip 5: Don’t Rely On Tipping the Doorman
A quick note on ‘greasing’ door staff: Good luck. Unless you know him or her, this is actually quite difficult to do.
Gone are the days of one door guy. You now have a hoard of characters at the door and most places also employ off-duty police officers to maintain some level of security. This means that A) ‘greasing’ is not cheap because you’ll need to fund a few people and B) odds are, you’ll need to do so in front of a police officer. It’s awkward enough to try and be discreet while slipping it to him but the fear of publicly bribing someone in front of an officer is enough to kill any buzz. What’s worse, some door staff members actually consider it an insult, think: your $20 is not worth my job.
Truthfully, this option is best left as a last resort or if you’ve been standing in line for longer than 30 minutes and your company is getting antsy.
That said, pay attention you under-aged folk: There are establishments where underage persons can (and will) hand door staff an under-aged ID and accompany it with a neatly folded bill or bills.
I’ve seen this work. I’ve also seen this fail miserably with the underage person not only being denied entry but also losing their money. Mostly, scantily clad girls get away with it.
Hopefully you’ll heed the advice and shave that extra wait time from your night. A smooth entrance really does make for a better evening. After all, in a town where clubs close long after the sun comes up and only after the last patron has left, you sure don’t want to miss a beat!
Miami Nightclub Websites
* Nikki Beach
* Opium/Prive
* dek23
* Mansion on MySpace
* Suite
* Snatch
* Cameo
* Set
* Mokai
* Mynt
* Club Space
* Nocturnal
* Studio A
* Pawn Shop
* Club SpiderPussy
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