The Mixx

by Nicole Goddeyne
Vanguard Copy Editor

January 28, 2008 —

The first thing I saw when walking into The Mixx Nightclub, Metro Bar and Grille, located at 115 N. Hamilton Street, on the block next to Steamers and The Red Eye, was a sign that read, "FREE HIV TESTING TONIGHT!" an array of sex toys and two jars of free condoms and lube. Upon seeing this, I knew I was in for a treat.

The bar is definitely geared toward the gay community, but is by no means limited to just that. Summed up: it's just a normal bar with some gay people in it.

Attached to the bar was a game room for those who enjoy pool or darts, and next door to the bar is the nightclub, with a brand new dance floor, lighting, and a DJ on the weekends. The Mixx is also open for the 18-to-20-year-old crowd and has karaoke nights on Fridays.

Two things caught me off guard on my journey to The Mixx, however. First, the dance floor wasn't open. I had to look through a window to get a glimpse of it, and it was Thursday. Apparently, the floor is only open on Friday and Saturday nights. Also, I was under the impression that the club had a college night on Thursdays with no cover charge, but I had to pay $3 and wasn't even able to dance.

Drink specials weren't the greatest I've ever seen either, although there were some. I was given three tickets for $1 off any of my drinks upon entering, and there were pitchers of beer for $5.50.

I'll admit I was a little nervous going into the bar. I didn't know if it would be raunchy, trashy or accepting of new people waltzing in. I'm happy to say, however, that this was definitely the nicest bar I've been to on all of Hamilton Street, and there was more than one occasion when strangers came up to me just to chat. It's a friendly and outgoing atmosphere, and I will definitely stop by again.

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