Nitelife Review: Onyx -- More than Meets the Eye

So I lied, I was going to review the new club Onyx that's in Upper Arlington off of Henderson yesterday, but I was not able to do so...with good reason. First, I was awakened to news that America's Next Top Model was having a casting call for their Cycle 12 season in Columbus (!!!) at Eastland Mall yesterday. Being a big fan of Tyra, ANTM and modeling (something I've always wanted to try my hand at if given the chance...) I went to the try-outs. I am going to write a separate blog about that after this one. But my fun day didn't stop there; my boyfriend and I went to the midnight premiere showing of Batman The Dark Knight! It was amazing! That warrants another blog as well.

So, finally, I get to tell you about my thoughts on Onyx.

Onyx definitely had more than met the eye. When I first drove up, I was skeptical...it was in a standard shopping center, two doors down from the Krogers, and across the street there were homes, so it was a residential area. I couldn't help but wonder how long the neighbors would be able to take the booming house music before they complain to the city.

The grand opening was free, and when I peered in the glass door, it just appeared to be a banquet hall that was outfitted with some strobe lights and a disco ball. There weren't many people in there, from what I could tell, and those that were already inside were of all ages and backgrounds. The place has yet to distinguish itself as a lounge/bar that attracts a certain group of people, for example the grown-n-sexy crowd or the young, professional set.

But once I actually walked into the place, I realized that there was actually a bigger turn-out than it seemed, and the place was so big that there was lots of room to spread out. One room just led to another and another, it was pretty cool. It was pretty much Onyx, connected to The Arlington Cafe connected to Cazzie's, so you could switch around between all three. There were at least four main bars that each featured plenty of top-shelf brands and different genres of music. 

The first room was the darkest and the loudest, and it was mainly a dance floor, a DJ booth and a modern bar, but off to the right-hand side was a VIP section. Again, all ages of types of people were having fun cutting a rug, so to speak. It was actually kind of cute. Because it was it's own separate area, the VIP area was quite private and intimate. There was contemporary decorating in that section, an orangish glow and a fireplace that may or may not have been real (because it is summer, there were lights flashing on metallic paper made to look like real fire in the unit so I am not sure whether, come winter, it will be used as a real one). If you are one of those high-rollers who enjoys anonymity and seclusion, then this would be a great VIP spot for you and your entourage. If you are one to be the center of attention--you enjoy being seen and want all club-goers to envy your VIP status, then this may not be a great place for you and your posse. The walls make it hard for people to see who's privy to that section, and interaction with non-VIPS proves challenging unless you come out onto the main floor with the "regulars."

The doors open onto a patio, from the dance room, and you soon realize you are out in the atrium. There is no ceiling there on the patio, as the area is blocked in by doors to the other parts of the venue. In the center of the atrium is a huge statue, though the feel is much more like that of a neighborhood sports bar. From one room to the next, it's as if you aren't still at the same place. Even the types of people and attire seem to change.

Across the patio, through another set of doors, you enter, what I believe is The Arlington Cafe part. This room is an equal mix of billiards, cocktailing, dancing and sport spectating. One huge thing I have yet to mention is the number of flat screen TVs in this place. In just this room, there were 29! I am guesstimating the other rooms had at least 10 in each. I have never seen so many flat-screened TVs in one lounge/bar. For real, this is THE place I am going to come to next when I want to watch a big sports event. You wouldn't miss a second because you can look at a TV from any angle. They even have TVs in the bathrooms.

The bathrooms were nice too, by the way. Slate-colored travertine tiles covered the floors and went half-way up the walls, and it was very well-kept. The final room appeared to be a restaurant and bar, and this was the part called Cazzie's. There was a live-band schedule posted, so clearly, they have live music on certain nights. Again, modern decor but a laid-back atmosphere. An upscale dive bar/diner, I'd say.

In all there was so much room to hang out, and there really is something for everyone there. I recommend that you head over to Onyx on a night where you have a big mixed group; when you've got some people who like to drink beers and watch the game, while others who are active and like to play pool while they knock 'em back, but you've also got those friends mixed in there who love to dance or sip martinis while deciding which Express-clad guy they want to dance up on next, all together in one group. Here, everyone will be happy!

Draft drinks were about $2.50, domestic bottles $3-3.50, well drinks rang up at about $4 to $6 and that night, they were walking around with $2 jello-and-whipped cream shots. I am not sure how much cover would be on a regular weekend night, or what the daily specials would be, if any.

Don't judge a book by its cover, though, and decide not to go in, just because the outside may look like a low-rate strip club or a hair salon from the curb. Once you head it, you realize it's very easy to have a good time there.