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Avalon
Rating Details »
Categories: Venues & Event Spaces, Music Venues
777 Lawrence ExpySanta Clara, CA 95051
(408) 241-0777
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Best Nights:
- Thu, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- Yes
56 reviews for Avalon
I went out with my friends on a Friday and hit Avalon for the 1st time and it was a Very nice looking night club
Its got that FUN feeling.....The bouncers should try to be a little nicer though.
I like that there is alot of space so it does not usually get too overcrowded like some clubs do. I will definitely go there again.
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to date, i Have two experiences hanging out at avalon... The first time I went there i saw a guy beat up two girls and leave out the back door.
Now that doesn't say anything about avalon itself except they have, sh**ty cliente. T
the second time i went, they were playin techno music. I went to the bar and asked for a soda water, because i had to drive my friends home. The barternder is like "3 dollars" so im like no thanks and she throws the drink down the drain in a rude way. Im like ok this place just put the nail in their own coffin. You blast techno music and charge money for water.
I wouldnt go out of my way to hurt a business but this place is f***ckin' wack as sh*t. If you want to have a good club experience and dance with some cute girls, or guys please do not go here. Save yourself the trouble this dump can't even get crowded on a weekend. They charge waaaay to much ( i snuck in the second time) but this is a warning to all people SAVE THE 15 dollar cover charge and the trip to avalon.
I'd rather stay at home and play tic-tac toe for 3 hours straight than step fooot in this sorry excuse for a club.
NOt to mention they make your empty your pockets when you first get there. IM LIKE WHO THE F**CK ARE YOU THA POLICE f**CK cops and THE AVALON NIGHTCLUB DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OVER CHARGIN SOUTH BAY PATHEtIC @SS CLUb
This is my first Yelp review ever.
I arrived at Avalon sincerely excited to watch a show on 09/13/09 at 7:00PM. When I got to the front door, I was greeted by the security guard who was skeptical that I am over 21 years of age (I'm in my mid 20s) because he thought my DMV ID picture did not match my face. I gladly pulled out my government issued California identification card (another valid ID card of mine.)
The security guard then had two of my identification cards in his hand and was still skeptical. In order to convince them that it was me, I gladly smiled and pointed out my dimples. At that moment, I reached for both of my identification cards - I was then physically shoved aside, in a violated manner, as the security guard said out loud "stand to the side."
My friend, who was in line behind me, showed his ID card as he tried to convince the security guard that both of my ID pictures are in fact me and that I am definitely over 21 years of age.
After being shoved by the security guard, he turned across his right shoulder and said "Dan, could you get over here?" At that moment, a guy named Dan took both of my IDs and looked me straight in the eye and said "this isn't you, I know this is not you." However, Dan and the security guard could have easily verified my identity by checking the the guest list and verifying my identity through a mutual acquaintance at Avalon that night.
I then pulled out my credit card and asked Dan and the security guard if I could show a valid handwritten signature on paper so that I can prove that both of my IDs were in fact me. I stood to the side, for about 30 seconds, as Dan and the security guard discussed whether or not they should call the police to confiscate my IDs and charge me of identify theft.
Shortly after, Dan decided to let me through. The security guard then stamped my left wrist, with a red star, simultaneously nodding his head and said "this isn't you."
Feeling insulted after being shoved by the security guard, I walked up to the attendant at the cash register and politely asked if I could speak to the manager of the place. Suddenly, Dan turned to me and said, "yes, I am the manager."
Feeling helpless, I left the club right after my friend paid $18 dollars to get us into the door. I can only hope that whoever is reading this will not have the same experience that I had at my first time at Avalon. Bottom line: If you're looking to watch your favorite bands play here, I suggest you go somewhere else and spend a little extra money for the courtesy of professional management.
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This place is very large and accomodates guests, VIP service, etc. but it is rare to find a packed house since the location is out of the way for everyone; located far from any other night life, it makes it harder for guests to have options of where to go.
The owner is very nice though and is very professional about his clients. I would definitely book this venue if it were closer to other nightlife, however, it is too hard to get patrons to come here.
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"Most Elegant Nightclub in Silicon Valley"????? Seriously, that cracks me up every time I see ads for Avalon with their tagline. Not only is that a tall order but it just sounds ridiculous.......
As for the venue, I've seen a handful of concerts here over the past few years---mostly island and reggae bands. The club is pretty roomy and offers a number of nooks and spots around to sit and get away from the crowds near the stage. The acoustics for music in this place isn't the best--but it's a nightclub after all and not the Orpheum.
Depending on the promoter of the bands/shows, you'll get hit or miss service for tickets, etc. I've been to a show where they actually oversold tickets and the folks in line outside were not too happy.
As for the bar.....good luck trying to order a drink on busy show nights. They often under staff bartenders and hire the ones who are "selective" on who they take drink orders from. HELLOO---do you see us over here waving you down for the past 20min trying to get a $10 cocktail from you??!! My advice, go college style and have most of your cocktails ahead of time. It'll save you money and wait time.
But when all is said and done....I appreciate that they host island-reggae bands at their venue. It gives a great alternative for us folks in the South Bay who don't want to drive into the city during the work week to catch a show.
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I give it 2 stars only because I only come here for concerts. I'm sure if I was of age and wanted to go clubbing, I would go elsewhere.
The bouncers are okay, but they could be more polite. It took me a couple tries to tell them that the club was open to underage people because there was a concert that night. The venue is decently clean and spacious, but the entire lounge area is usually closed off to people under 21 so plan on standing if you're in the same boat as me. The place doesn't turn the AC up. My friend almost passed out because the place got so hot. The bartenders are ridiculously dense. I couldn't tell you anything about their alcoholic beverages, but I can tell you that they wanted to card me when I tried to buy a BOTTLE OF WATER. Really now? Also. If you go to a concert that attracts a rowdier crowd, be sure to be careful. The stage is kind of low so you usually get a couple drunken losers that try to stage dive.
So we went here for my cousin's bday over memorial day weekend. The area is pretty big but was really dead when I got there at 10:30p on a Saturday night. Gee I wonder why... Still had to pay a $10 cover even though I was on the guestlist. It didn't really pick up til about 11:30p. Music is good, crowd is about late 20's and drinks were ok, kinda hit and miss.
I had a little run in with management about my lost ID, but was contacted after several weeks and personally assisted by Julia one of the managers/owners there. The next week or two we kept in contact and exhausted all possible locations of where the lost ID might be.
3 stars for the venue for now, I'd have to come back another time to see. +1 star for the much appreciated followups!
I would give this place 0 stars if possible.
I have been to a few clubs, and going here was by far the worst experience I have had. A friend and I got kicked out within 15 minutes because the underage girl next to us was caught drinking. Security guys were complete dicks on ego-trips (are two young women really that dangerous?) Took my flask and didn't return it. Forced us to leave the grounds, so we had to call a cab because, oh, did I mention, the shuttle service they offered that night hit a car and stopped running. Absolute trash.
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Went here to see KRS-ONE. The venue was beautiful and the staff were all pretty friendly.
Bartenders were fast and professional, and the rest of the staff were great.
Reasonable prices, too, for food. Chips and salsa for $4, Three really good tacos for $7, and French fries for $3. I didn't partake in the nachos so I can't speak for them.
Seats were comfortable and there are lots of good angles to watch the performers.
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**BAD BARTENDER ALERT** THE MF ALMOST LOST MY DEBIT CARD, FUCKER HAD THE NERVE TO TELL ME TO CANCEL IT. Okay, here goes...
I went to see Katchafire on Saturday (sick island reggae!! and even better live!!), it was my third time at Avalon. While the show was worth going, and the security staff were smiling and friendly, I can't say I could say the same about Avalon's bartenders, particularly an older lady with blonde streaks, a guy with frosted tips and a Lionel Ritchie looking guy named "Craig".
The first drink took me oh about 20 minutes to get, and only because my husband who is taller grabbed the blonde-streaked lady's attention. Granted, they're busy, Katchafire packed up the place, but hey if people are waiting for you to serve them then shit you could do it in order (use your eyes!!). During our lengthy wait, my husband flagged down frosted-flakes (I mean, TIPS) bartender to serve us. He points to Blondie, finishes rinsing a glass, then motions over to the other end to serve someone else. What an ass. I get my drink and as expected, it's pretty damn weak. What should've been a Patron Margarita was more like a watered-down Country Time. Figures. Chintzy ass lady.
I hadn't totally given up on Avalon yet, so for my second round, I went over to the other side of the bar to try another bartender. Here comes funny looking white guy with hella curly hair, reminds me of Lionel Ritchie. Meh, my drink was even weaker here. He takes my debit card, and pretty much keeps it. At that point, I figured ah well, I'll keep it open for one more drink and leave the bar after about 4-5 minutes. My husband was there and witnessed this entire thing.
The third time I decided to try a different drink and close out. Lionel Ritchie makes my drink and I remind my tab's open through him. I give him my name. No luck. Asks me over and over whether I am sure, and if I've checked my wallet. After looking at me all crazy and frustrated like I'm some liar, he tells me that he couldn't have it, because he introduces himself to everyone as "Craig", and that he writes the patron's first name on the tab. That's when my husband stepped in and we both told him that was a crock of shit. Then, Blondie steps in and also looks at me like I'm a liar and that I should check my wallet again. Lionel then admits that he may have mixed up cards and returned it back to someone else, and that I'll just have to cancel. By this time, I'm pissed, and I told HIM to look again. Sure enough, the pendejo had my debit card and receipt sitting on a small shelf next to the cash register, away from the shot glasses where all the other tabs were kept. He apologized and didn't charge for the third drink. it was all "xochi the evil, lying patron because I've been bartending for 15 years" until you realized your fuck-up, huh, Lionel? Pfft!!! I decided not to tip him because I just wasn't feeling the shallow, condescending refute he considered an apology.
Hmm. So what else about this wack place? While sitting down at the table, my husband is drinking the ice water out of his glass, when the busser? comes around and snags it from him. wtf? Otro pendejo!! Ask first, dumbass!
The club was real stuffy and I had to keep going outside every little while. Get a better AC system!!
Don't get any pizza here!! This was the warning I gave my husband, but he got a slice of "Hawaiian" anyway. Hehehe let's just say he'll listen from now on. It was a "Hawaiian" with no canadian bacon or pineapple, but rather a triangular slab of cheezy slop that had been under a heat lamp for hours. Yuck!!
Somehow, I enjoyed this venue better when it was Bullwinkles.
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Was *going to* go to the Luxy and Dreamscape Productions event in May where, supposedly, "2,000 people rsvped" for that night. Those who rsvped and were on the list were supposed to be given free entry until 11pm ($20 entry fee after 11pm). The line was extremely long and the lame thing was that there were 2 types of rsvp (those who bought bottle service and those who signed up). There were so few people who bought the bottle service (like 5?) and basically, no one was going inside. And everyone was waiting outside, wondering why the bouncers weren't letting in people.
They started taking in people in line at around 10:45pm. My group was ~15-20 people from the door. By the time it was down to ~5 people, it became 11pm and the bouncer announced that there would be a $20 fee to get in. I left when he announced that. The event is not worth $20. Why?
1. I was waiting for more than one hour to get in.
2. The majority of the people are around their 30s. Not my type of crowd.
3. All asian.
4. location: santa clara
I have only been to the Avalon a few times and coincidentally have only been here when a friend or friends band is performing. Therefore I cannot give my input on it as a club. From the reviews it sound like it doesn't rank high for it's club scene.
The location is a pretty big. There is ample seating with alot of booths and tables, I think these are the same ones from when it was Bullwinkle's. I get nostalgic for Bullwinkle's when I come here too. If I close my eyes for a second I can still see Rocky and Bullwinkle and the bopping heads on that stage!
The location is an odd one, but maybe a convenient one if there is ever an emergency Kaiser is now across the street.
Definitely not a bad or great place to patronize.
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Went here this past weekend for a buddy's birthday party. I was pretty hesitant on going to a club in the suburbs, because my past experiences with clubs in the suburbs weren't fun (all lame). Unfortunately, this was just as lame. My buddy had 2 booths reserved, as well as a few bottles of greygoose, yet they still ended up charging people on his guestlist $5 to get in. Anyone that got in after 10:30pm had to pay $10/person - LAME.
The venue is really big, but it had a really small dance floor, and it did get packed with people later on in the night. Oh yea, did I forget to mention that it mostly an Asian party - lame. So yea, there were a bunch of lil' cliques, and the vibe just sucked. I left around 1ish. The girl-to-guy ratio was like 1-to-10, if I wanted that type of ratio, I'd just stick to partying in downtown Man Jose.
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This place is great. It is definitely not something you would expect to find in sunnyvale, of all places. But the building is huge (used to be a bull winkles) so there is plenty of space on the dance floor, and ample room at the bar to get a drink and loads and loads of tables to sit at and chill. I have been here for a banquet once, which worked out very well. I have also been here at night, the host a Russian Radio night every month and the music is great, crowd is indeed Russian, and the vibe is great!! I think that more people need to recognize the potential of this place as a great nightclub that is not 40 mins away in SJ or all the way in SF.
One of my fav places in Sunnyvale to shake it ! and not be overwhelmed by a crazy night club crowded bar scene.
Go try it out, you will be surprised how cool it is!
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So Surprised!! Last night was my first time here and I saw Katchafire!! yee yee! This place is definitely huge! Bathrooms - nasty. Food-good&cheap. Bar- (I suggest swiggin it in the car!) took forever to get drinks! Seating - a ton! One of the best parts of the venue is that you get a good view from every angle of the room!
I can't wait to see who performs here next!
Went here once when it was called the Back Beat and a high school club when I was like 17 years old and that shit was hella wack thinking back and they charged us all $20 to get in since they obviously couldn't make any money off us selling alcohol to us, and I think they had to kick everyone out by like 11PM or midnight because of curfew laws or something. - And I guess this place was that arcade place called Bullwinkles back in the day even before Back Beat, but my parents never took me there as a child.
Went here once again last spring for a 21+ event that our homeboy told us to roll thru to and said he had us on the guest list, but we weren't on it and had to pay $10 to get in, but he bought us all shots so that was cool. But yeah, the DJs played a lot of Top 40 hip-hop and played some of the same songs over and over again which means I don't like the DJs if I'm coherent enough to notice that. The crowd was pretty much around 75-80% Vietnamese with a couple Filipinos, Whites, Blacks, Chinese, Koreans, Japanese, Mexicans, etc. in the crowd, and when I say a couple, I mean it. Don't really like not so diverse club nights, which usually happens when the club promoters are all one ethnicity and all their friends and people that they party with are the same ethnicity too. Lil' Saigon what is it?!
1.5 stars rounded down. Lo siento!
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Nice venue.
I went there to see Russian Rock Band and was surprised by its big size, cozy atmosphere and full bar, not your usual place for rock concert.
Couple tables, booths, dance floor... Overall worth driving, really.
Next time I won't complain over 40 min drive from SF.
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this place needs to shut down. it was horrible as Backbeat, and it's horrible as Avalon. It's really big, so you definitely notice when it's lacking people. the music is nothing special, drinks are ok at best, and the fact that they have a cover is ridiculous. Upon arriving here you have a few thoughts:
1. "wonder what time it picks up?" - you'll be waiting all night, cause it never picks up.
2. "why did we come here again?" - and someone should really be punished for that.
3. "how long before i can get (anywhere else)?" - don't ponder it, just go somewhere.... anywhere!!!
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Came here for Skin Is In 2008
Perfect place for the event
Dated event and dated event space
This place looks like it is trying to be a club but it is a bowling alley at heart. Weird.
It's like a disco ball in a trench coat. Your disguise is lame Avalon, you are SO 70's .........
If you were going to bring back Soul Train, this would be the place to do it
If you were going to build a lude, coed strip club in Santa Clara, this would be the place to do it.
If you are attracted to all things average, this is the place to be.
The Avalon is really big and you can see the potential, but it's just kind of there.
Like a nun with a hot body. Total waste.
Maybe a little investment in the decor (a.k.a. complete gutting and overhaul) would attract some more premier events. But that's probably never going to happen, so until then, approach Avalon w/ caution.
It would be nice to have some real action in Santa Clara
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I used to live down the street from this place and my good friend bounced here, so I would come time to time. I don't really like it was a club, because it doesn't get enough foot traffic, but as a venue it isn't bad.
I saw Zion I here a few weeks ago, they were good but the openers were garbage. I remember being buzzed and losing my mind when they played Silly Puddy hahaha
Big parking lot and lots of space, almost too much space...lots of guys too.
You know I can understand why this place is only a 3 star rating BUT... I have been here alot of times and I always have a blast. Namely, my 09 NYE... 99.7FM people were here and it was nice. The crowd was diverse, from many ages to many races. Always nice!
Bar tender and server chicks were polite and friendly. The dance floor is pretty big given its a smaller club. And funny enough that I noticed... their restrooms are always stocked with toilet paper, soap, hand towels... and lets keep in mind this is a CLUB and club restrooms SUCK! Not this one!
I used to party here alot... not so much anymore... but def. wouldn't mind going back!
Avalon ROXXXX!
YES...this used to BULLWINKLE'S....WOOT
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the memories....
in retrospect this place has grown up with me....the growing pains...the awkward te.....who am I kidding I never had awkward teen years, however this venue seems to be through it's odd moments.
lol
Backbeat..I remember that however that is neither here nor there.
So I remember they have industrial costco floors....
attempted hip las vegas decor....
hard to imagine the stage where it is when all I see is the old animatron bullwinkle performers.....
Fortunately a bunch of us went bar hoppin' and thought WTH...let's roll through here. We went through here and quickly got kicked out.
.
.
yes...kicked out.....I vaguely remember shots...girls at the table....and about 20 of us leaving because I got the boot....
I think those girls were minors WTF!!
is that my fault really?
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3 1/2 Stars rounded up
Came here last weekend for some Persian Concert. Security at the entrance had a great attitude and started the night off on a good note. Even though the place was not even 1/2 full.....we all had a great time. I'm lucky that the bartender I opened my tab w/ was probably the best one working that night because everyone else was complaining about their drinks while we were getting wasted off of ours.
Not sure why, but the bartender didn't charge me for the tip I left when I closed my tab.....at least it doesn't show up on my credit card statement.
Sound system was good......security was able to handle the crowd well....no fights, and even when a few did almost break out, they kept their distance and let it work itself out....
Sound system was really good too..... not like other concerts I've been to where you ignore the music and just enjoy getting drunk w/ your friends.
This is the second concert I've been to here, and it looks like management made a lot of improvements since last time (about 2 years ago).
Oh, so there was one fight (if that's what you wanna call it) in the parking lot, but it was a joke.....and security helped break it up and disperse the crowd.
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For my 100th Review (Yea for me!):
Oh how my friends love the dumpy clubs! Here is the one thing that I remember the most about this 'class act' of a club - My cousin, Fiance and I decided to enter the club to meet up for a B-day party (NOTE: My cousin and I are VERY white) and didn't realize that we were in an Asian club - HEY - for me, this is my HEAVEN - but my cousin and I felt so out of place - I was literally the only Blond in the joint.
So we have a few drinks, my cousin hits on some Asian chicks and his ass gets BEAT DOWN.
Apparently, according to the rice-rocket-drivin' Viet thugs, "No white boy talks to our people" - Oh, Okay - Sorry I didn't get that memo!!! My bad!
Yea - Awesome sh*thole!
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Pros: good-sized venue
Cons: cover; crowd
The place was fairly big so lots of room but I didn't enjoy the cover charge. The crowd was not diverse. Music was not that great.
My first club experience was great! I went to the Avalon to see none other than Freestyle King "Stevie B"
(most requested songs: "Spring Love", "Party Your Body", "Diamond Girl")
The security guys were super nice and funny and they did their job. The club was really nice, clean and perfect. The waitresses were really sweet and helpful.
I am knocking it a star because of the dress code. Seeing as this was my first experience ever and the club website mentioned "Upscale Attire Required" I was going crazy trying to find an outfit that was upscale. That must have been a joke, The girls were dressed like prostitutes. A girl in front of me was wearing a corset, hot pants and stripper heels. Once I was in, we saw people walking in who looked like they just woke up, Sweat pants, sneakers, and T-shirt. If it is going to be a nice club it should be strict.
I also didn't think that people should be on the dance floor with beers in hand. I saw a couple people fall down because they slipped from the wet dance floor.
Overall, I really enjoyed the concert and I would come back to this club. I would even recommend if for party rentals because it is really beautiful inside.
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I usually only go here when there is a special event that I want to support my 'promoter' friends for. The last event I was here for was the "Red Carpet Event" which had a pretty good turn out. YAY for them!
But this club is actually pretty cool. It has a fairly good-sized dance floor, which can fill up pretty quickly, and plenty of space to chill and drink. They have tables and booths towards the back of the club where you can either reserve for bottle service (or sit at if they're unoccupied, lol) Their smoking area is kinda small and narrow, like a hallway. It can get pretty crowded back there, too. A shot of Patron (my drank) runs you $8 which is not too bad, considering other clubs. Clean bathrooms, always a necessity. Overall 3 stars for a night club.
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10:45pm : Found rockstar parking
10:47pm: Got out of car
10:48-10:49pm : Walked half way down the disgustingly long line
10:50pm: Got the fuck back in our car and drove to SJ
3 stars for the parking spot!!
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1. Single Asian guy wants to try going clubbing sometime. He asks his male Asian friends if they'll come with him.
2. His friends back him up, "We got your back. We'll go clubbing with you."
3. Guy doesn't want to drive to the city so finds the nearest club, which happens to be on, uh, Lawrence Expressway? Oh, I guess that's what happened to the Bullwinkles.
4. It's Russian Night at Avalon and they're the only non-Russians there.
5. Fun ensues.
I went to the Bullwinkles that was in this location quite a bit as a kid. Been to Avalon just twice:
- Once was to support a friend who wanted to go clubbing... in the South Bay. We were the only Asian people there on Russian Night. $10 cover (cover?! ). Drinks weren't great. If nothing else the night was memorable (though not in a good way).
- The other time was to watch a coworker compete in a comedy competition. Was fun, but probably only because I knew one of the comedians.
Avalon doesn't completely suck, but I wouldn't come unless you have a good reason to. Or you're Russian.
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I'd give this place 0 stars if yelp would allow me.
I knew that this was an odd place for a rock show but didn't conceive of the garbage that would entail because of this.
The bouncers were total dicks. I got pulled outside for no reason and told that I was "starting shit." Riiiight, I'm going to start shit at a concert for a band I had waited 7 years to see. I don't think so.
My friend pulled out twice and kicked out the third time. Admittedly, by the third time he was starting a mosh pit, but if you know anything about a rock show, that does not equate to "starting shit."
The sound system was awful and the bouncers were class-A pricks.
This club was successful in ruining what was to be a memorable night.
I hope this place burns down during a hip-hop show saving the world from fostering their egos and talentless hip-hop culture.
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I went here to see Katchafire & Natural Vibrations here over the weekend, so I'm reviewing it as a venue rather than a nightclub.
Overall, I was impressed. Before seeing the joint myself, I read some reviews about sketchy security and rude service, but didn't really experience too much of either, actually. Drinks are pricey, but no more than any club in downtown San Jose.
The best thing about this club as a venue is that it has PLENTY of space. The show started at 10pm and we showed up at 9:20. There was a line and it moved fairly quickly. Security pats the boys down good but they have a sense of humor and hey, better safe than sorry. Also, plenty of parking in an open lot, which means no hassle with valet or garages! yay.
The lighting and the interior decor are cool. Definitely has an upscale vibe to it, but there's no way the crowd is going to abide by that (which is cool with me- and my Locals!) or maybe it was just the crowd that night.
There are tables off to the side (but hard to see the band from most of them), comfy bench seats by the bar, and a mediocre sized dance floor, which is where we were the whole night (jammin'- obv!). The venue also had a snack bar, which we didn't eat from, but it looked pretty basic. The drinks were good, moderately strong. The beers were cold (which is a MUST for me).
Overall a great night of great music at a nice venue. and yes, it can make ALL the difference at a show.
SAUSAGEFEST.
Well, at least the night I went to...
It's uncomfortable to know that there's like 10:1 ratio with guys to girls. Gross. But it was a fun night nonetheless since it was my good friend's birthday.
This place is huge so even though there are a lot of people in this building, it still seems very empty. There's tons of seating area which is very nice.
I got hassled by the bouncer because of my new haircut... and because I was like 15 when I took that picture on my ID. He asked me what my driver's license number was. I was like, "WTF are you serious, who the hell memorizes that crap? Uhhh I remember the first letter is D5 and.. something..." And then he let me in. Hahaha.
The place itself is actually nice, if not a little on the old side. There is lots of parking outside and they have a big hallway leading up to the actual club entrance which could come in handy when the weather isn't that great. Inside the place has crazy real estate. There is room for days in this place. They have an area with larger tables for big groups of people that want to sit, the elevated bar area is nice, the L shaped bar allows for plenty of people to at least be able to order their drinks (even if they don't quite have enough bartenders on hand to serve them all very fast), they have another area with smaller tables and booths for people that want to chill, then there is the nice size dance floor and stage. The place is very red though, as in the color red.
The non-jawaiian parties I have been to here have not been the most fun but that had more to do with the crowd than the club or staff itself. I went to an 80s party here with friends and the music was great but the crowd was just kind of off. It was like being at a party with your aunts and uncles.
I have mostly come here when they have live local Hawaiian bands playing and it's always good times. The people are super friendly and everyone is just out to have fun while enjoying the music and dancing. Lots of polys, pacific islanders, and hapas in the crowd enjoying music from back home. Just this past Friday I had the chance to catch Pau Hana, One Groove, and Katchafire here. They tore it up!
It's great that there is a venue in the south bay that is aware of the contemporary Hawaiian music scene and brings great acts though it's doors on a somewhat regular basis. If this place was able to draw in a fun crowd for their other events this could be a happening spot in the South Bay.
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Went here twice, once to see Katchafire and the other to see three plus. The Katchafire concert was one of the best concert experiences ive ever had. Three plus was so so but I wouldnt put that on the club itself. The club is pretty good for concert venues. Big enough that you have room to breath but cozy enough so you can vibe with the bands. They have booths if you want but most people are at the dance floor or bar to check out the bands. They have themed nights so check out what the theme is before you go. But the reggae concerts thrown there are awesome. All the people there are super chill and friendly. Nothing but good times.
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SHORT AND NOT SO SWEET.
Strippers scheduled for 03/29/08.
Drove by to see if it was cool.
Noone outside.
Barely 10 cars in parking lot.
END OF STORY
Avalon.... promote better, kay? Kay.
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Large.
The dance floor is a decent size and then there is about 5x that area for the lounge part including booths, couches, & free-standing tables. The bar is huge and has 4 or 5 bartenders working. $3 for a club soda, lovely.
One of the video screens was fuzzy when I was there.
Couches felt a bit old.
No in-and-out-privileges (a policy stated by the club and all the women I approached). The funny consequence of that is the smokers pen they erect outside accessible through an emergency exit. Let's face it, in SF you can try to look cool standing outside a club on the sidewalk smoking. When you're corralled inside a temporary wooden smokers pen adjacent to a strip mall parking lot in Santa Clara you don't look cool. You look like you have a pathetic addiction.
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This place sucks!!! The owner Mike Jafar is an asshole! The bartenders are dicks, the bouncers are pricks and tried to fondle me as I walked in and then laughed about it. When I told one of the staff he said "boys will be boys".
The drinks are watered down, the service SUCKS and the sound is horrible. Save your money and go somewhere else!!!
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Left San Jose to escape the drama and found more then ever.
The bouncers greeted us in the parking lot before we could even get situated. Demanding that we either enter the club now or leave.
Well we are planning on having a big party so we complied and entered the club.
Major pat down meant standing in line while they frisked everyone.
When we got to the front everything went smooth with the guest list - that was a surprise.
Drinks are just as expensive as any San Jose club.
The carpet is annoying, especially when you are in heels.
The music was ok. Hot from dancing of course. A lil more air would have been nice.
The club was barely packed.
When we left we were greeted once again by the lovely bouncers. Look I understand that you are wearing a shirt that says "security" on it, but isn't it your job to protect us not hurt us.
Three girls in a car getting ready to leave- four fat bouncers who resent that they have to work in Santa Clara because they can't get hired in San Jose.
Get over yourselves. We were more then ready to leave until you decided to harass us at our car and shut the door on my leg.
Police were called and it was all bad.
NEVER EVER going there again.
I HATE THIS CLUB. Its location is good and it's really quite large. They also "let" a friend of mine host charity club nights there that are usually an 80s themed night. However their bartenders are JACKHOLES and their drinks are priced like they're an upscale club and they are not.
I went on Friday night to see my favorite cover band (The Sun Kings) play. It was "Fan Appreciation Night" and I had a ticket to get in free. As I was presenting my ticket to the cashier a man next to her, who was ostensibly a manager or owner, asked me if I had reservations for the buffet. When I answered no he bruskly told me that it's standing room only, all the tables are reserved. Well, howdoyado?! No wonder the bartenders are JACKHOLES because apparently so is management.
I asked a bartender for a cup of water with lemon - for which I tipped him a dollar (and he saw it!). Ten or twenty minutes later I returned to ask the same bartender for a refill in my same cup (which entails picking up the hose-thingy-from-which-all-non-alcoholic-beverages -come-forth and pushing a button while aiming it at my little solo-cup). First he walks away and serves two other people until he finally made his way back to me and deigned to put some water in my cup. Um - hello! I tipped you for a FREE drink! At least you could help me not drive drunk and hydrate my over-heated body!
BECAUSE
... they needed to turn up the air - it was too hot in there to dance - cheapskates.
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Their Baby Loves Disco events are such a BLAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My family and I always look forward to the Avalon for a Saturday afternoon full of bubbles, hula hoops and disco beats!!!!!!! Looking forward to their next BLD event in April for the Earth Day Celebration!!!! Woohooo!!
