Club Reports: Church Street Station, 180, Touch, The Attic, The Beacham, I-Bar

There was a time way back in the day when Church Street Station was the entertainment district of Orlando, not just for locals but also for tourists. That was before Disney created Pleasure Island expressly to keep their guests on-property. Once Universal opened CityWalk, it was basically over for Church Street. So it was great to see it so lively last night as they held a Mardi Gras festival down there.

There was a number of vendor booths, patrons on upper floors were tossing beads all while others danced to a New Orleans style Dixie band.

There are actually grand plans in the works to create this type of atmosphere every weekend. The city has blessed plans for Church Street businesses to block the street on evenings regularly and try to bring people back downtown. I think it will take more retail but the bars and restaurants are definitely there already!

OK, moving on. There are lots of new clubs/lounges downtown and I needed to check them out. The much talked about 180 Grey Goose Lounge is up on the 6th floor of the new Amway Center and let me tell you, the place is incredible! You enter from doors near the northeast corner and travel up via elevator.

Once up there, you find a luxuriously-appointed interior space with a color-changing backdrop while awesome House/Dance music is playing quite loudly.

You search out the source of the music by going onto the outdoor patio and discover two DJ's pumping it out. And damn, one of them is DJ Tillman (The Blue Room at The Groove, Peacock Room) and the other is DJ John Campisano(Red Coconut Club, Lattitudes)!

And then you turn your head in the other direction and find this incredible view of downtown Orlando. Even I-4 looks interesting at this height!

They had heaters set-up because it was a bit chilly from the wind but I'm pretty sure in a couple months it's going to be the humidity that they're going to have to deal with. Lots of tables with no-charge seating plus countertops all the way around gives you a place to put your drink while you enjoy the view!

A bit of dancing was getting started during my visit. Amway Center is very easy to get to. Cross under I-4 along Church Street and the entrance is right there. During events they are only open to those with tickets but then they open to the public as soon as a game or concert ends. During non-event nights, 180 is open on Fridays only at 4:30pm and Saturdays only at 10pm. No cover.

Touch opened this past weekend bringing yet another ultra-lounge to downtown Orlando. Located directly across Church Street for another new club Heat, it is located under the new dueling piano bar Baby Grands.

Big crowd on hand for the opening but I don't recall anyone dancing in there.

The music was mostly Hip Hop and the DJ is located back behind a VIP area so I did not get to meet him. While I was invited in for no charge, they need to rethink their $10 cover charge if they stand any chance of success.

Another new club, The Attic is located upstairs in the spot formerly home to AKA Lounge on Pine Street.

Got to meet Saturday night DJ Bingoballs (I didn't ask) who was spinning Top 40 and Hip Hop with a little bit of House during my visit.

I really like this place too. Two side-by-side rectangular rooms with two bars in one room and another bar plus the DJ/dance floor in the other.

Three VIP areas dominate the area beside the dance floor.

Spotted: Friday night DJ Erica Jane. No cover charge at The Attic.

Yet another new club is The Beacham which really is just Tabu with a new name. However, renovations are definitely underway and Saturday night DJ Richie Rich (HOB) is having to work from a much lower temporary stage. The popular weekend events are not changing and Saturday remains 102Jamz Night.

And jammed it was!

Why carry a purse? Admission free until 11pm.

And finally, a visit to Independent Bar is a Saturday night must if I'm downtown.

Weren't we just discussing hard drive generated music? This one is a nice one and a brand new addition to I-Bar as even Saturday night DJ Indie John is now using one.

Very crowded last night dancing to early to mid 80's New Wave/Old Wave.

The crowd is a mix of all types of all ages which along with the music is what makes it so fun!

Spotted: DJ Rob (Independent Bar) down on the floor with regular patron David. Admission is free on Saturday nights until 11pm and then $5.