Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

I have never done this, but I have a friend who is convinced that getting table service at a club (in NYC, LA, Vegas, wherever) is basically the best possible bang for your buck in terms of night life. Is he right?

What's the price comparison like for a few guys going to a club and getting individual drinks versus a few guys going to a club and getting table service? Does the "value" offered by table service differ by city?

What are bottle prices like in NYC, vegas, etc?

Thanks

The Doc

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

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I have a friend who is convinced that getting table service at a club (in NYC, LA, Vegas, wherever) is basically the best possible bang for your buck in terms of night life. Is he right?


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Since when is paying $400 for a bottle of vodka good "bang for your buck?"

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

The only time I have ever gotten table service was at a Club in South beach with $400 bottles and a $2k minimum. I had to do it because my cousin was getting married and she wanted to go there and get table service, but it didn't make any sense to me why people would do that normally.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

It's several hundred for each bottle in Vegas.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

Meh, if there is no minumum and you can get a bottle for less then 200$, which is doubtful, then it might be a good deal. 99% fo the time its not.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

table service is amazingly fun but its definetly not cheaper.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

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I have a friend who is convinced that getting table service at a club (in NYC, LA, Vegas, wherever) is basically the best possible bang for your buck in terms of night life. Is he right?


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Since when is paying $400 for a bottle of vodka good "bang for your buck?"

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If you're paying $10 for a drink or $230 for a bottle (I'm holding a stolen Crobar menu in my hand right now), the bottle costs you about the same and is way more fun. Plus you get free mixers, usually get to skip the line, and get to hang out in the VIP area (wchich is much nicer than the rest of the club a lot of times, it's not just hanging out with the wanna be cool people).

Whenever I go out with enough people to make it worthwhile we almost always get bottle service.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

table services can be very hit or miss but is always overpriced.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

It always depends on the place. In some places, the only way a group of guys is going to be allowed in is if they get bottle service.

In Vegas, I have found that having a table at a good location of a good club is VERY good in terms of meeting women or getting them to hang out with you, especially if you are a bunch of guys. Yes, some will just hang out to drink your liquor and soon leave, but overall, you get a good mix.

NY is a bit different because it's not the same party/crazy mentality as in Vegas. I would probably not pay for bottle service in NY because (1) women wont respond to it as positively and (2) bottle/table service is not as good as in Vegas.

Prices also vary. In a "hot" club, expect to pay between $250-$500 per bottle (not including tax and tips). You are generally required to get 1 bottle per 4-5 people in most places.

I dont think you should think of this in terms of "value". You will probably spend more $$ if you do bottle/table service mainly because of the larger number of people for whom you are technically paying drinks. However, some of the most fun nights I've had a clubs, I was doing bottle service. One thing that is essential is that you can't worry about how much money you are spending and just worry about having fun. That being said, last time I did bottle service at Pure in Caesars Palace, the bill came out to $3200 between 9 guys because one of my friends thought it would be a good idea to get two more bottles (this time of champagne) at 3:45am, one of which he then proceeded to dump all over himself. Classic.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

In NYC, the economics are very close to breakeven. It's probably worth it if you have six or more people, but you must check with the club on the exact details. It also matters what the "standard" cover at the club is, since you usually get that comped for free if you get table service. Last, but not least, it matters if it's going to be a crowded show or not. The best time to get table service is when it's a very big name show and the club is going to be expensive anyway.

Example, if you're going to see someone real popular (say Digweed or Oakenfold), it's going to be $50 to get in and there will be 500 people waiting in line after 11:00. If you get table service for 6 people, you will probably have to buy one bottle minimum which is usually $300. That's break even, assuming they comp your admission. Plus you get some drinks you would otherwise pay for, a shorter line and you get a place to sit down, even if it's crowded. You'll end up tipping your server and probably buying some mixers or water or something, so in the end you pay a little more, but like I said, it's very close to breakeven.

A good alternative is to look for comp lists that get you free or discounted admission. There are lots of these in most cities, and sometimes you just need to email them to get in free. PM if you want some suggestions.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

When done right bottle service can be very kickass and definitely worth it. When done wrong it is an expensive and frustrating mistake. Choose your spots wisely.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

Reading this thread, I just realized how cheap stuff is where I live, and how tight I am.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

last time I was in vegas we got a bottle at Tryst (in the Wynn) - I believe it ws\as 325 for the bottle (1 liter of Jack) - plus tips all around - it really is not a bad deal if you set it up right with a Host and get a good table by the dance floor (of course you also have to tip him). In toronto a bottle costs about $180 at a nice club - we get a bottle 100% of the time we go out (as long as there is at least 2 of us)

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

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In Vegas, I have found that having a table at a good location of a good club is VERY good in terms of meeting women or getting them to hang out with you, especially if you are a bunch of guys. Yes, some will just hang out to drink your liquor and soon leave, but overall, you get a good mix.

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What is the protocol here? You're just drinking with your buddies and a hot woman comes up to you and asks if she can jump in? Does this work the other way around if I see a table with a bunch of attractive women?

The Doc

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

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When done right bottle service can be very kickass and definitely worth it. When done wrong it is an expensive and frustrating mistake. Choose your spots wisely.

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Name some clubs and situations where it is "kickass and definitely worth it." Name some clubs and situations where it is not.

Thanks,

The Doc

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

Club: B.E.D. Miami
Situation: Winter Music Conference. There is no way to get in without being famous or having a bed (aka VIP table). You're with 15 people and can get the biggest bed in the club. Everyone is loaded and has no problem splitting a $4000 bill. Everyone is going to be completely obliterated on who knows what substances and therefore will want a bed to lay on.
Verdict: Worth it

Club: Crobar NYC
Situation: 8 people are out on a random saturday. Cover is $15 cause some crappy DJ is there and Sander Kleinenberg is spinning somewhere else in the city that night. Everyone is pretty broke cause you're all still in college so everyone is super nitty about making sure they don't get gypped on their drinks. The VIP tables are small and away from all the action.
Verdict: Not worth it

Club: Shelter, LA
Situation: There's 4 of you who all have good jobs and just want to get drunk. The VIP tables are actually individual pods that you can close the curtain to if you want, which is nice if you'd like to smoke a joint in there. You also have a place to take girls you meet on the dancefloor to make out (I'd never give them a drink from my bottle though). Cover is something ridiculous like $40/person when there's not even anything going on and you'll probably have to wait an hour for that. No cover if you get a bottle.
Verdict: Worth it

I can go on but you hopefully get the picture.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

It's obviously a horrible deal, but it's fun!!!!!!!!!

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

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one of my friends thought it would be a good idea to get two more bottles (this time of champagne) at 3:45am, one of which he then proceeded to dump all over himself. Classic.

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I just wanted to point out that instead of dumping a $400 bottle of champagne on himself, he could have saved these kids' lives.

http://www.thesahara.fsnet.co.uk/sta...ng_world.4.jpg

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

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one of my friends thought it would be a good idea to get two more bottles (this time of champagne) at 3:45am, one of which he then proceeded to dump all over himself. Classic.

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I just wanted to point out that instead of dumping a $400 bottle of champagne on himself, he could have saved these kids' lives.

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maybe those kids should get jobs so they can buy champagne too

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

Wowowowowowowowow

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

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I believe it ws\as 325 for the bottle (1 liter of Jack)

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I'm not a huge club person so lemme get this right. Bottle service is you basically rent one of those little booths next to the dance floor and a waiter will go get you a bottle of booze and bring it over to you occasionally. And for a liter of jack daniel's it costs $325?

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

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I'm not a huge club person so lemme get this right. Bottle service is you basically rent one of those little booths next to the dance floor and a waiter will go get you a bottle of booze and bring it over to you occasionally. And for a liter of jack daniel's it costs $325?

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Hm, that would be a 1000% markup.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

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I believe it ws\as 325 for the bottle (1 liter of Jack)

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I'm not a huge club person so lemme get this right. Bottle service is you basically rent one of those little booths next to the dance floor and a waiter will go get you a bottle of booze and bring it over to you occasionally. And for a liter of jack daniel's it costs $325?

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They also typically require that you wear pants.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

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[ QUOTE ]
I believe it ws\as 325 for the bottle (1 liter of Jack)

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not a huge club person so lemme get this right. Bottle service is you basically rent one of those little booths next to the dance floor and a waiter will go get you a bottle of booze and bring it over to you occasionally. And for a liter of jack daniel's it costs $325?

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typical bottle has 20-25 shots, at a conservative 8$ per drink you are looking at about 200$, for an extra 125$, you get a free cover, dont hvae to wait for drinks, dont really have to tip as well per drink, etc. Its not a horrible deal, but not great.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

oh that sorta makes sense

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

Wait... how much for a bottle?

Makes getting wasted at SpoCo in Iowa City on dollar-you-call-it night sound amazing. $1 pitchers + $1 mixed drinks.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I believe it ws\as 325 for the bottle (1 liter of Jack)

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not a huge club person so lemme get this right. Bottle service is you basically rent one of those little booths next to the dance floor and a waiter will go get you a bottle of booze and bring it over to you occasionally. And for a liter of jack daniel's it costs $325?

[/ QUOTE ]

typical bottle has 20-25 shots, at a conservative 8$ per drink you are looking at about 200$, for an extra 125$, you get a free cover, dont hvae to wait for drinks, dont really have to tip as well per drink, etc. Its not a horrible deal, but not great.

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This is actually not a terrible way to look at it, I think. Are mixers free? What is the tipping expectations?

The Doc

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

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This is actually not a terrible way to look at it, I think. Are mixers free? What is the tipping expectations?

The Doc

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Mixers are usually free. Every where I've been a 20% service charge has been added.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I believe it ws\as 325 for the bottle (1 liter of Jack)

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not a huge club person so lemme get this right. Bottle service is you basically rent one of those little booths next to the dance floor and a waiter will go get you a bottle of booze and bring it over to you occasionally. And for a liter of jack daniel's it costs $325?

[/ QUOTE ]

typical bottle has 20-25 shots, at a conservative 8$ per drink you are looking at about 200$, for an extra 125$, you get a free cover, dont hvae to wait for drinks, dont really have to tip as well per drink, etc. Its not a horrible deal, but not great.

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This is actually not a terrible way to look at it, I think. Are mixers free? What is the tipping expectations?

The Doc

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Mixers are usually free, tipping expectation SHOULD be about inline w/ what you would normally tip, but, imo, you can get away w/ tipping a lot less than normal.. Plus there are extra perks as someone mentioned, reserved seating, vip rooms, chicks dig it etc.

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

Ive done bottle service 4 times...

1 bottle of Captain 1 bottle of Belvedere at Light $800 + tip (didnt pay for it)there was 8 of us $125 a person

Returned following night 2 bottles of Belvedere 2 Bottles of Captain $1600 + redbull and tip...10 people and it was the same table and section..right on the dance floor best table there by far.....and the hot waitress saved out bottle from last night we didnt finish that was sweet...

Its definatley worth it if you are with a large group...no waiting a personal waitress and $100-$150 per person...which if you arent willing to spend that at a club you need not go....

2 other times was at Rainbow Bar in Vegas

both times bought a bottle got a bottle....

on last Saturday for $257 + tip we got a bottle of Captain a comped bottle of Under 42 Vodka (???) pizza and apps...for 8 people....$35 per person....not too shabby...

...also if you order bottle service ahead of time at some places you can skip line and cover...just have a large party of people

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

Here's an abridged price list from Crobar NYC:

Moet Brut $135
Dom $350
Cristal $475

Absolut $240
Chopin $300
Grey Goose $300
Ketel $275


Tanq $250
Tanq 10 $300
Sapphire $300


Bacardi $250
Malibu $250

Cuervo Gold $250
1800 $300
Patron Silver $325

JD $250
Makers $275
Soco $250
Jamesons $300


Chivas Regal $300
Glenlivit $350
Glfiddich $350
JW Black $350
JW Blue $525

GM $325
GM 150 $750

Louis XIII $3,500

Bucket of Red Bull $45

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Louis XIII $3,500

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P-I-M-P

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No Old Crow for the ballers? [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

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Bucket of Red Bull $45

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I hate this about all table service...[censored] charging for the redbulls.....we are spenind hundreds and possible thousandes can you throw in $50 bucks worth of redbulls...what did you pay 8 bucks for em??

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So is ordering a bottle and smuggling in two more out of the realm of possibility?

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

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Tanq $250

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$250 for a bottle of Tang? What does real orange juice cost? [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

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Here's an abridged price list from Crobar NYC:

Moet Brut $135
Dom $350
Cristal $475

Absolut $240
Chopin $300
Grey Goose $300
Ketel $275


Tanq $250
Tanq 10 $300
Sapphire $300


Bacardi $250
Malibu $250

Cuervo Gold $250
1800 $300
Patron Silver $325

JD $250
Makers $275
Soco $250
Jamesons $300


Chivas Regal $300
Glenlivit $350
Glfiddich $350
JW Black $350
JW Blue $525

GM $325
GM 150 $750

Louis XIII $3,500

Bucket of Red Bull $45

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Does anybody else think some of the stuff on this list is well out of proportion? If I were a better economist (or conesseur of liquors) I dont think it would be very difficult to determine which liquor is the best deal.

The Doc

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

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So is ordering a bottle and smuggling in two more out of the realm of possibility?

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I feel bad for you that you have that much room in your pants to fit a bottle of liquor...better luck next life...

...if you had purchased multiple bottles and tried then maybe but Im assuming the waitress or staff would notice 4 bottles out of no where when you only bought 1...

...but you could always try to offer a "extra tip" for her to look the other way??

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mason,

"Moet Brut $135
Dom $350
Cristal $475"

Is it acceptable for me to get the Cristal for drinking but buy the Moet for walking around and spraying people at the club?

Re: Getting table service at swanky clubs
 

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mason,

"Moet Brut $135
Dom $350
Cristal $475"

Is it acceptable for me to get the Cristal for drinking but buy the Moet for walking around and spraying people at the club?

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I actually think it is preferred, if not expected.