Reviewing the nightclub Instinct Part 2 - 9.11.2007.4

Continue from Reviewing the nightclub Instinct Part 1...

The next major item is of course the bartending at the bar. The bar is fully stocked with a wide selection of vodkas including Grey Goose, multiple rums, including Captain Morgan's, and most every other popular liquor you can think of. If you prefer beer there are multiple selections going from the domestic to the imported, each at a reasonable price. The bar is so well stocked that most any liquor choice most would have can be found, including a personal favorite, scotches such as the 18 year old Glenlivet Scotch. And if wine is your thing, the cellar goes from Napa Valley to Romania. There are several Merlots that I've had that I think are excellent choices. You will also find drink specials that change depending on which night you arrive.

The other component for the bar is the bartenders. You might expect that an upscale nightclub, similar to those found in New York City would have bartenders that might have an attitude similar to the ones in New York. And you would be wrong. The staff is fun, young, affable people that have a great deal of knowledge on various types of drinks. Many have come from some of the top bars, restaurants and nightclubs to be found in Binghamton area. As for guys, you'll be happy to be served as much is that what you're being served. For the ladies, several of the male bartenders should make you feel the same (sorry ladies, I have to guess at this because I'm a guy and I really don't know). Both way, there are many good conversations to be had and happy smiles that are genuine, because you can tell they truly enjoy working at this establishment.

And not nearly last or least is a security. Security can be found both outside and inside the nightclub. Expect IDs to be asked for and checked with some of the latest technology to verify IDs. While those 18 and older will be allowed in, be assured you will not be drinking. For those that try to engage in underage drinking expect to be escorted out and ask never to return. In terms of safety and keeping the peace and security staff is right on the mark. They are both polite and resolute in defusing situations and maintaining a positive atmosphere within the club.

When you take each of these elements that I've just described you get an idea of what you might expect, but it's not quite complete. The parts that are missing are the people. This may be one of the most interesting parts of the entire night club, because you can find a wide assortment of people at Instinct. I've been to club several times on several different days and I've noted that you can find Whites, Blacks, Hispanics and Asians all in the club at the same time. I've never noticed an issue among the crowd on who's there and who isn't. That's something that really makes a statement about how well run, and how enjoyable an experience this nightclub can be.

Not only is the clientele diverse, but so is the styles clothing. Patrons can range from suit and ties, to hip-hop. At this point, there is no dress code, though there may be a change of that in the future. But otherwise most any way that you describe dressing to impress you can find it here.

One thing I should note is that the age range in the crowd tends to be older earlier in the evening, and getting somewhat younger towards the end of the night. In a similar manner, the music can range from top 40 with some Latin songs to progressively more nightclub hip-hop as the hours pass. It's not uncommon to see a changing of the guard as the night goes on from business people or those parents out for a night, to college students and 20 something’s by 3a.m. I for one have spent several evenings from the open of the club to a close dressed in suits (which I feel comfortable in) without a strange look all night.

Overall, I have to say that I find Instinct. The nightclub to be an enjoyable experience and well worth the time. The prices are roughly equivalent to every other nightclub in Binghamton and easily cheaper than those found in New York City. The look and feel is straight out of the City. The people, whether they work there or a patron, have always made me feel comfortable and helped make a great evening.

If you haven't been to club Instinct yet I suggest you go. Whether it’s Ladies Night or over the weekend there is something for everyone to enjoy. Considering the other choices in Binghamton, I can’t imagine where else you’d want to be. You can reach Instinct at 607-757-9977 or www.instinctnightclub.com to ask about drink specials, or various activities at the nightclub.

Reviewing the nightclub Instinct - 9.11.2007.3

For those of us that live in Binghamton area some may be familiar with the state of affairs with evening entertainment. There are not a lot of choices. You have downtown, which is filled to overstuffing with college students that just want to binge drink and stumble back to campus. Spread thin throughout the rest of the town are local bars, most with nothing more than a jukebox for music (if a sports match is not on the television). Essentially it works out to be both go downtown and be swamped by 21 year olds (and those almost 21 with good fake ID’s), and risk being vomited on, or play hit-or-miss with the local bars.

So when a new venue opens one would expect that it would be jumped at. This is both true and untrue in respect to the nightclub Instinct. Stylish and upscale, yet with trendy music and reasonable drink prices it hits a middle ground most want to find. You won’t be crushed by college students en masse, though they are in the crowd, nor will you be stuck watching a baseball game with a room filled with your grandparents. This is perhaps the best choice for those say 23 to 40, with plenty to offer those above and below that age range.

Club Instinct is a unique place here in Binghamton. During the day, the club is an upscale restaurant, which I have spoken about previously. The fine dining matches, the overall decor and service. But on Thursday (Ladies Night), Friday, and Saturday nights a transformation occurs after the diners have left and the clock strikes 11p.m. It's at that time that a piece of Manhattan nightlife appears.

For those who haven't been in a New York nightclub you would expect to see mirrors, laser lights, a smoke machine and opulent bar, plenty of room and a large selection of top shelf drinks. Instinct does not let you down on any of these items. In fact, it is equal on each of these items as well as virtually any hotspot you can find on the Lower East Side. The lighting is one of the most critical factors, and here you'll find that while they are dim you will have no difficulty being able to see across the room or down at your feet. Great care it can be seen was taken to ensure that visitors would not feel like being a bat in a cave, while spending time at the club. At the same time, no one would confuse the lighting to be a blast of sunshine, which is perfect for those more akin to a vampire’s lifestyle.

The next most important item tends to be space. Thankfully, I can say that this club is hardly comparable to a closet. There is more than enough for one in the main bar section for dozens of people to stand and dance without tripping over each other. There is also additional room at the second bar for those not as interested in dancing. One nice feature of the open space and depth of the club is the fact that from virtually any spot on in the main dance area you can see who's coming in and moving about.

I should also mention that surrounding the DJ booth are wall-to-wall mirrors. This is something that I believe many of the ladies will be more interested in. I have observed on many nights women dancing and watching themselves in the mirrors, or touching up their outfits before starting to dance. So for those of you ladies that find this to be an important factor be happy it’s there.

I should also note that the laser lights, strobe lights, and fog machine are nice additions to the overall feel of the club, but are not overpowering. Unlike poor attempts at the same effect no one should feel woozy or lost in space, because of the effects that are ongoing. Like many of the aesthetics chosen for this nightclub they only add to the experience they can be had there.

One of the biggest things that everyone wonders about of course is the music. There are several DJs that work in rotation on several different nights, and each of them is quite good at what they do. Each of the DJs are professional, which is a great change of pace here in Binghamton, as there is nothing worse than listening to the dead space or massively conflicting beats as a song changes. On the several nights I've been to the nightclub I've always noticed that the crowd gets into the music, and there's always a few ladies dancing.

Continued in part 2...