Current Hotspots in Seattle, Bellevue, Marysville and Kirkland

The harmonious clinking of martini glasses is synchronized to the tempo of rhythmically pounding high-altitude stilettos. All across Seattle, the nightlife landscape is once again emerging from its dormant winter hibernation. In a dashing escapade, fellow intern, Alix and myself dart off into the nebulous night to mingle with Seattle's nocturnal boozehound patrons. We are always up to no good, so it shouldn't surprise you the events of the night were entirely composed of preposterous shenanigans. Where shall I begin? Perhaps the part where we stumbled upon an abandoned kitchen sink properly displayed on the sidewalk where inebriated bystanders jokingly washed off their hands. Or, perchance, when we came into close proximity to a fleet of toothless drag queens dressed up as the Fanta Girls. Or how about when we inadvertently struck up a conversation with a homeless soothsayer, selling the secret location of a vampire lair in exchange for a buck? Well, nevertheless, 'tis the season for sporadic and unpredictable occasions. And of course, lots and lots of dancing!

The Chapel

Located in what many might consider an unorthodox place for a nightclub, Chapel's bar-by-night, law-firm-by-day combo makes it that much more intriguing and fascinating to the many Seattle patrons. During the day, this colonial-styled building adorned with marble columns and freshly manicured boxwood landscaping appears to be a quiet business establishment. However, transformed by Capitol Hill's unique nightlife scene, Chapel emerges into one of the neighborhood's most energetic sites when the sun goes down. After scaling the grand 16-foot staircase entrance, you will enter an impeccably symmetrical bar roofed with more skylights than an astrological observatory. Their massive U-shaped bar serves a series of delicious $5 martinis that come in an array of exotic flavors.

Glo @ Ibiza

Drenched in these industrial-styled curtains of a porous metallic material, the ambiance of Ibiza in Seattle's Pioneer Square District is set to emulate a trendy contemporary vibe. The unique skyscraping ceilings transform this space into an immediate private event feel. This expansive nightclub exhibits one enormous, spherically-shaped bar that might attract more architecture enthusiasts than it probably intended. Lining the establishment, a series of thick-framed mirrors are bolted to the walls to yield more light. Named after a Spanish micro-island situated in the Mediterranean Sea, Ibiza roots much of its menu to zesty tapas and other latin-infused cuisine. The $4 brochette on the happy hour menu from 4 to 6 p.m. is unbeatable.

Lake Street

Kirkland's Lake Street Grill offers a dynamite-sized dance floor with talented DJs and a vivacious crowd. This waterfront establishment also has that warm seashore breezy feel, which makes it a perfect setting for summer nights. The large projection screen and high-tech lighting systems nicely accessorize and coordinate with the music. Friday nights, with local DJ Violate, offers a $4 drink special for most wells and no cover charge. On Saturday nights, DJ Niros and DJ Kazan supply the symphonic pulsations that have said to make everyone, even the cooks in the back, join the dance party. Lake City Grill also provides us with the Eastside's most scrumptious summer appetizer. The Lake Street nachos are to die for. This perfect location for those hot evenings is perfect for delicious drinks, delectable dining and delightful dancing.

Belltown Billiards

Just recently renovated and refurbished, Belltown Billards has, since long ago, been one of Seattle's favorite nightclubs and music venues. There's great music, reasonably priced drinks and a friendly staff. If you're in the mood to shake your tail feathers to some incredible DJ sets this summer, you need to hit Belltown Billards.

Venom

Just a hop and a skip away from the Market, Venom nightclub is Seattle's most opulent and premier dance scene. Its fusion of ultramodern tempos with a vivacious underworld ambiance, gives it a conceptual vibe unlike anything else in the Northwest. Equipped with large aesthetically plush couches situated in their exclusive lounge area and lit with high tech modern lights, Venom functions as the perfect setting for summer nights when going out on the town. They exhibit four fully-operational bars, all furnished with an amazing bartending staff known for creative liquid concoctions. This sensuous atmosphere is essential for getting your shimmy on.

Del Rey

Let's just say, you wouldn't want to live across the street to Del Rey. This Belltown-located dancing joint is always bustling and generating more energy as the night goes on. Every Friday and Saturday night, this cover-free establishment exhibits incredible local DJs such as DJ N8 and DJ Sessions. This crimson and gold décor combination is a unique stylistic concept that offers Seattleites a fresh new atmosphere. The truffle mac and cheese is one of the most ordered menu items and gets praised throughout the city. For a mere $5 on the happy hour menu, you can snack on the spicy ceviche atop with fresh basil-infused tomatoes. The swanky dim red lights create a bewitching sensation and provide the backdrop for an enchantingly magnetic night of dancing and socializing.

The Shark

After a swift reconstructive facelift, Kirkland's effervescent nightlife scene starts at the Shark. Splashed with decorative vintage chandelier wallpaper and dimly lit with indigo wall accents, this transformation has certainly been one of the most fashion-forward alterations. The perimeter of the spacious dance-floor area is lined with large modish pewter-toned couches that give those danceaholics a brief resting spot in between DJ sets. Elegant sheer curtains suspended from the ceiling give the space its dynamic feel. The Shark features a series of pool tables for those eager to merely be spectators during the weekends' massive dance party. The drinks are reasonably priced and taste delicious.

Tiki Bob's

It's like a rummy-piña-colada time warp back to the shores of Oahu during the mid-1970s. Doused in classic island-themed décor and a menu with nearly every exotic fruit infusion drink, Tiki Bob's couldn't be a better way to ignite summer. The newly expanded dance floor and DJ pulpit are constructed of bamboo to give that authentic Hawaiian experience. But none of these things compare to the latest installment of a 100-gallon waterfall that pours out of the back mirrored bar. Employing some of Seattle's most enthusiastic and entertaining bartenders, you're sure to be dazzled with a few double reverse thumb-roll bottle spins while they make you a delicious blended concoction. During this summer, Saturday nights are hosted by MOViN 92.5 FM that blast Top 40 mash-up mixes for all those eager for some easy-going fun and dancing.

Havana

Tucked behind Capitol Hill's most eccentric artery of fashion, food and culture, Havana nightclub's location off Pike Street sets the stage for a unique aggregate of people. Longtime bouncer, Eligh, an iconic personality known throughout the neighborhood, always greets arrivers with his dapper attitude. This two-level dance mansion is decorated with large mirrors and viridian palm trees. In homage to Western Cuban style, Havana boasts a sequence of swanky leather booths and an intricately carved-wood bar. Local DJs such as Sean Cee and Tigerbeat routinely spin throughout the week and provide this area's inhabitants with an opportunity to dance all night long.

Vertigo

Vertigo Lounge&Grill, located in Bellevue, is one of the Eastside's hottest nightlife spots during the summer. And like the Webster's definition of vertigo implies, you'll certainly be swirling and spinning about after you hit the enormous dance floor. With an incredible rotating lineup of local DJs, Vertigo boasts one of the most animated dance scenes in the area. It is decorated with pristine white couches and a plethora of contemporary light fixtures that resemble a fine Chihuly piece. The zesty spring rolls baked in a jalapeño batter are popular appetizers on the insanely affordable happy hour menu. This swanky all-white décor nightclub also offers its patrons a live piano bar with some of Seattle's most talented musicians coming out to pound the keys for all to hear. Vertigo is a summer must for those ready to explore Bellevue's expanding nightlife scene.

Trinity

Similar to our bureaucratic structure, this trifurcated party system incorporates three distinguished chambers of dance into one massive celebration of lights. Lights you ponder. Well, if you've ever stepped inside this scintillating labyrinth of spectacular ornamentation, you'll know precisely what I am speaking of. Fueled by a copious level of electronic voltage and a two-ton generator, this symphonic display of ballistic photons are streaming across the main room's large dance floor. The engineers have calculably orchestrated each sequence of the light show to coincide with the music. If this doesn't thrust you into a little movin' and shakin', well, you're hopeless.

mPulse Lounge

This vivacious and exuberant lounge is located inside the Tulalip Resort Casino in Marysville. Inside, the blend of cherry wood grain and brushed aluminum beams give it a truly distinctive look. Its visually stimulating color scheme of crimsons and indigos effortlessly accessorize the energetic music combo sets cut by local DJs. It's imperative to know mpulse Lounge sports a massive interactive panel comprised of what they call "liquid lava" that swirls and fluctuates with the kinetic motion encompassed in the proximate area. The mirrored ceiling accentuates the incredible light fixtures decorating the walls. mpulse Lounge's tranquil holographic radiance is a sure spot to find great dancing on those hot summer nights.

Neumos

Operating today as one of Capitol Hill's most boisterous and animated concert venues, Neumos is a harmonious magnet for music enthusiasts off all ilks. It's a fantastic place to see big names at an intimate setting. Also located in Capitol Hill's Pike/Pine Bermuda triangle off 10th and East Pike, this vigorous nightlife scene also offers its devout clients with a funky annex saloon call Moe Bar. Moe Bar generally produces fresh cuts of electronically based industrial pop re-mastered by local DJs. Its unparalleled happy hour menu and close proximity to Pike Fish Frey's unmatched deep-fried fingerlings make it a summer must see.