The new gay 'n' straight club in Hillcrest, Universal, opens its doors to all. However, we can't help but wonder who will accept the invitation, and what that means for the ever-evolving San Diego nightlife scene.
University Avenue is home to many staples of the Hillcrest nightlife community. Standing at the front door of Universal, you can see the chipped white paint and speedo-centric promo posters adorning the blunt exterior at Rich's.
A few blocks east sits Bamboo Lounge, a step up from dive status with interior plush and art displays, and a quaint garden patio in the back. From flashy dive to urban lounge, nightlife in Hillcrest has always offered variety within reason - but University (and all avenues over the hill) hasn't seen anything like Universal.
A panoramic gaze across Universal stimulates every sense and spurs a full-body craving for tableside mixology. Bottle service is so 2007, apparently.
Universal's central bar commands first attention with twisted golden strands of drift wood against the glow of electric black. Intoxicating bottles of Grey Goose and Tanquerey, among many, pepper the bar with jolts of color that seem to echo to every corner of the club. The Goose blue draws the eye to a retro corner lounge painted teal and red with the scene of poppies in a field under blue sky. Embrace the poppy, but don't get too literal on us - Universal is a venue made for fun, and experimentation. Shiny red booths sit beside the elevated dance floor overseen by the DJ booth.
Two steps down, guests flee the poppy field and find themselves beneath a handful of neon lamps, circular in shape, parading retro-floral art. The surrounding walls radiate with a pink and orange modern paisley print-meets-Brady Bunch wallpaper design. A spacious central area is polka-dotted with elbow-leaning cocktail tables for standing, and simple black couches are available for sit-down relief. A set of bright prink flamingos pops in the corner of your eye, and you turn to discover the second, smaller bar. Petite black flowered chandeliers hang above a second set of shiny red booths, under close watch of our flamingo friends perched behind the bar.
The busy palette of florescent shades and eclectic graphics makes the Universal interior a big sip to swallow. But, the new-age mixology table service goes down smooth. Rather than ordering a bottle of vodka with three mixers and the traditional garnishes, Universal is stepping up the VIP game with mixology. Table service at Universal is a themed, interactive experience between the party and the costumed server - just as it should be.
On a June Gloom evening, go VIP with the Russian Winter mixology package with Imperia Vodka. Or, after a hot summer day on the beach, up the energy with the Mexican Riviera service with Sauza Hornitos Tequila or Havana Nights service with Tommy Bahama Rum. And thrill seekers will make the obvious choice with the Vegas Lights mixology package with Tommy Lanson Champagne. From steamy island attire to skimpy Vegas sass, Universal servers always dress the part. And they also play the part as skilled mixologists, providing drink recipes and interactive how-to demonstrations complete with all tools and ingredients. Kiss that straight-up vodka soda goodbye - Universal is all about reinventing the norm, with dramatic flair.
If you're not flying VIP, indulge in Universal's full bar menu of cocktails and martinis. We recommend the Comfortable Screw with Southern Comfort, splash of blood orange bitters, brut champagne, and fresh orange juice. To get a quick buzz, order the Foursome with vodka, triple sec, gin, rum, 7up, sweet and sour, fresh raspberries, and mint. And for a lighter sweet to sip, check out the Your Poma! with pomegranate vodka, pomegranate liquor, and champagne.
Universal is the fifth EnDev venue to grace San Diego streets, following Side Bar, Stingaree, The Witherby, and Bar West. In true EnDev character, Universal features an unexpected design from Davis Ink and an unpredictable atmosphere that you have to see to believe. Bar West conquered community doubt and brought upscale nightlife to Pacific Beach in 2007. So, we wonder if EnDev can (again) succeed against the odds and redefine nightlife in Hillcrest.
Universal differs from Bar West, however, in that EnDev is no longer only trying to convert sandals to stilettos - the nocturnal transformation is now a bit more complicated. Universal did not launch as a gay club; it opened as a venue for all. As a result of the ambiguous outreach, I wonder if Universal will alienate both the gay and straight crowds. Or, if Universal will be the first to pioneer a mutual respect and positive synergy in the San Diego nightlife scene. Only time will tell.
Until then, you must see this venue for yourself. Hey - there's no cover and fresh drink prices will make you question your sanity for accepting Gaslamp standards.
Insider Tip: Don't be surprised to encounter go-go dancers one weekend and feather-clad drag queens the next. All summer long Universal will be bringing in a lineup of diverse DJs, promotion companies, and entertainment.
Now, discover the Insider scoop on Dish, the new restaurant at Universal in Hillcrest. The natural décor with a synthetic overtone makes Dish the perfect dining precursor to an avant garde evening at Universal. Read more on why here.
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