In a town where the party is everything, people have clearly seen it all. As a new wave of clubs joins the SoBe scene, being different is more important than ever. As nightlife gurus continue to fight for top shelf, it’s the newbies that prompt the real water-cooler chitchat.
Ink is part of that new model of clubs in every way and its Friday night party is just the beginning.
Located at 7th and Washington, you might not know what to expect in this undervalued part of town. But, make it past the lineup and discriminating doorman and you’re in for a treat. While I may not have to worry about getting in, you should know that this club is VIP all the way.
Ink is Miami’s first boutique nightclub. Dmitri Fragoulis, one of the club’s four owners says, “If we can have boutique hotels and boutique spas, then why not a boutique club to supply exactly the same demand?”
And why not indeed? In fact, the intimate yet luxe setting is really appealing. Most club owners seem to consider size the most important detail, but Ink’s command-central knows that if you know what you’re doing, size just doesn’t matter. And plus, it will be easy to find your drunken friend or your nightly love interest pretty quickly.
In just two rooms, Ink offers a lot more than most clubs or lounges provide in three times the space. On Inkredible Fridays, you’ll hear Euro-House play in the main room as you walk in. Unlike the heavy beats that you hear everywhere you go in Miami, Ink’s brand of house is actually refreshing and cool. So popular in fact that when Ink came out with its own cd, other clubs began playing those same tracks within the very same weekend! (I guess local DJs are too busy trying to get booked instead of working on original material.) What’s more, a well-known Saint Tropez DJ will soon become the resident Friday-night showman.
And in the back room, you’ll be pleased to know that there will be no Hip Hop variety show going on. Instead, DJ Mary J spins some R&B, light Hip Hop and a little rock for those who want it. And if the music somehow goes truly ghetto, you’ll be sure to know that one of the owners will promptly jump in to stop it.
Besides atypical musical samplings, the attention to detail is distinct. If you’re lucky enough to make it past the velvet rope, you’ll enjoy ample seating space for bottle service. In fact, Ink really caters to people buying bottles and can easily accommodate large groups.
And for smart design, ladies can stash their purses into little cubbies built into those very same seats. No more watching girls struggle to keep track of their purses all night long or worse yet, have their guy friends carry them around.
Among other details, the club itself is simple and chic. Color-changing LED lights line the ceiling and Tattoo-style prints adorn the walls. Its interior is dark and mostly black; so all sorts of colorful animal prints and changing lights really help to define a sleek and stylish environment.
On top of all this, the staff is actually polite and although I may be going out on a limb here, they’re friendly too! For anyone that’s ever had beef with a prissy waiter or bartender like I have, that’s reason enough to stop by Ink on a Friday night.
Although it really gets hopping as clients leave Social around 1am and later, there’s an open bar sponsored by Level Vodka between 11pm and 12pm. Since I get free drinks wherever I go, that’s not much for me, but I know for some that’s the only way to start out. I spend my Friday nights entertained by a great bar staff. Led by my new best friend Marlee, the energy and all-around good vibe of the bartenders makes the whole night that much better. (That and countless drinks…)
But this attention to detail goes both ways. Don’t come to Ink in your favorite ghetto-fabulous outfit, because you won’t get in no matter how many bottles of Krystal you’re drinking. Ink caters to a high-end clientele, who not only acts cool, but also looks cool. Dress codes are strictly enforced and if you don’t look the part, prepare to be kindly turned away (even if you have a table reservation). At least here, the doorman will be gracious about it, but don’t say you weren’t forewarned.
In a city where looking good (or something like it) is integral to nightlife, Ink compels its guests to really make the effort. By enforcing a dress code and a call to VIP entertainment, guests will find a truly sophisticated experience. For once, it seems that size just doesn’t matter. At Ink, you’ll get an original soundtrack you won’t hear anywhere else. Factor in the high-energy vibe, strong drinks, and elegant setting and you’ll be there every Friday night. In this way, Ink leaves its SoBe alums behind for a VIP status of its very own.
