Getting table service at swanky clubs

[DrPublo]

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

[miajag]

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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?"

[hawk59]

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.

[TheMetetron]

It's several hundred for each bottle in Vegas.

[guids]

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.

[Apathy]

table service is amazingly fun but its definetly not cheaper.

[mason55]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
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?


[/ QUOTE ]

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.

[SackUp]

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

[tortman]

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.

[Dallara]

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.