The lap of luxury

Smoke and laser beams, red-hot dancers and plenty of Cristal Magnum. These Reno luxury bars have more to them than a go-go dancer’s got moves. Add to that a decadent ambience and thumping good DJ music, and you’ve got a luxuriously posh weekend.

Aura Ultralounge at the Silver Legacy
407 N. Virginia St. 329-4777 x 7926; www.silverlegacyreno.com

If you’re looking to dance or just sit around luxuriously, Aura at the Silver Legacy is a great option with free cover and an elegantly decorated—albeit a bit small and crowded—dance floor and lounge. Although it’s primarily a young crowd dancing to the live DJ music, Aura isn’t short of older folks. When I was there, the most spritely dancer couldn’t have been younger than 60. Most of their signature drinks (chocolate martini, red passion martini) are $10. But they have deals, such as $3 draft beer and free drinks for ladies from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday through Thursday.

Pearl Champagne Lounge at the Grand Sierra Resort
2500 E. Second St.; 789-5369; www.pearlreno.com

At Pearl, the music is loud, the dancing is crowded, and the TV screens broadcast scantily clad ladies. It is the epitome of a girl’s—and I suppose guy’s—night out. Ladies get free cover and free drinks from 11:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Friday (otherwise it’s a $10 cover). What’s more alluring are the sexy salsa nights every Thursday, which are

a great relief from the usual bumping and grinding that Pearl typically brings. If you don’t know how to dance, Pearl will teach you. Pearl Lounge is almost entirely dance floor with plenty of comfy couches, seats and signature drinks—perfect after so much dancing.

210 North
210 N. Sierra St.; 786-6210; www.210north.com

210 North beats most Reno bars just with its size—17,500 square feet. Its dance floor certainly outdoes many bars. Cover is $10, but if you come before 10 p.m., it’s free. As a warning, Saturday is their day to earn, and prices have varied. But you can still get a good cocktail for $6 or their signature extra juicy Jamaican Vacation drink for $10. Late in the night, they have wild and crazy parties with themes such as Coyote Ugly. Or come to Thursday night keggers for free beer and the usual heart-pounding DJ music and go-go dancers.

Divine Ultra Lounge
95 North Sierra Street, Suite 101; 324-9977; www.divineultralounge.com

This is the place to chill. I’d recommend its lunch menu, which has a great $7.50 mini pizza that’s big enough for two. Grab a bite before a movie and return for the delicious signature party drinks, 2 for $18 or 4 for $36. And, something not on many bar menus: non-alcoholic drinks! For those who aren’t dancers, Divine is divine. The dance floor is high on a second floor. But if you are, maybe not so divine. The dance floor is so small you could wink at the DJ and be noticed. But you can play Wii.

The Edge at the Peppermill
2707 S. Virginia St.; 689-7444; www.edgeofreno.com

Edge can easily qualify as one of Reno’s most luxurious bars. But be ready to wait in line and pay the $20 cover. On a busy night, nearly 1,000 people can pass through this club, which has three bars, a massive dance floor, a patio with fire pits and plenty of VIP seating and rooms. Well drinks start at $7, and signature drinks start at $10. But, if you’re so inclined, buy a bottle (or a $400 VIP room), and skip the cover charge. Bottles can start at $175 for Moët White Star champagne and reach up to $1,100 for a bottle of Cristal Magnum champagne.

Sapphire Lounge at Harrah’s
219 N. Center St.; 788-2953; www.harrahsreno.com

If you’re sick of the crowds and the TV screens with go-go dancers, then you’ll like Sapphire. It’s a small lounge and, on a Saturday night, there aren’t too many visitors. I’d recommend it for its chattability quotient, as you can actually hear your friends talk. That in itself is worth going. Even with its small size, there’s a DJ every Saturday, but the dance floor is incredibly small—more like a corridor. Surprisingly, Sapphire still has 16, $7 premium martinis and $4 shots and $4 beers. As an extra, this small lounge has no cover and, with the right DJ, Michael Jackson hits.

Roxy’s Bar and Lounge at the Eldorado
345 N. Virginia St.; 786-5700; www.eldoradoreno.com/dining/roxy

Roxy’s Bar and Lounge is a definite throwback to the Rat Pack era. The live saxophone and piano music are reminiscent of unforgettable women, in every way. This lounge is high-class with prompt service and tasty bar food. Its martini menu boasts 102 different kinds of martinis for $9. They also have signature cocktails, beers and more than 350 types of wine. A few feet away is Roxy’s restaurant, where entrées ranging from rib eye beef ($29) to rack of lamb ($38) will impress the ultimate epicure. Also, the martinis are a sweet $5 during their daily happy hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.