By Jared Curtis
The Garden Nightclub
Dance the night away
When heading out on the town for a night of fun and dancing, patrons have a number of choices. But only The Garden has been voted “Best Dance Club” in Cityview’s reader poll for numerous years.
“We bought the bar about five years ago, but it has been here for 25 years,” said Tony Zika, who co-owns the bar with Cy Stewart. “We’re definitely off the beaten path, but that makes us a destination bar. Plus, we’re one of the biggest night clubs in town.”
Over the years, numerous gay and lesbian bars have opened around the metro, but only a few continue to succeed. Zika believes there are a few deciding factors.
“The bar has been here so long and has a good reputation,” he said. “We’re a great dance club, but we also have fantastic drag shows. The queens who perform here are amazing, and we love to show off our local talent. We have drag shows every Friday and Saturday at 11 p.m. and on Sundays at 6:30 p.m.”
Adding to their dance floor, The Garden is only one of 120 bars in the nation that works with Billboard Magazine’s Dance Charts. They are sent new music almost every week, which won’t even be released to consumers for months.
“We have always been known for our music. We get sent exclusive music and we try it all out and see what works and what doesn’t,” Zika said.
No matter your bar preference, The Garden has you covered. Not only do they have the dance club area, they also have a more relaxed video bar and a patio bar, which is a hidden treasure.
“Customers can enjoy the best of both worlds,” Zika said. “And the patio bar is a nice place to relax and have a drink.”
Although the bar is packed on weekends (no cover on Fridays), it is also a great place to relax and enjoy a drink on most weeknights. On Wednesday, stop in for half-priced drinks all night as well as free pool and Nintendo Wii. On Thursdays, enjoy $3 UV Vodka drinks and $2 beers. The bar also hosts numerous theme nights.
“We are always throwing great theme parties,” Zika said. “Our customers love our parties. It gives them a chance to dress up, have some fun and maybe when some cash.”
On April 17, the bar will host an ’80s theme night with a costume contest, ’80s drag shows, ’80s music and prize give-aways.
“The bar has been here since the ’80s, so we figured we would celebrate in style,” Zika said.
No matter if you are gay or straight, your first trip to The Garden won’t be your last.
“We have the best dance floor in town and host amazing drag shows,” Zika said. “It’s an experience like no other, and you will definitely be entertained.” CV
Caption: Co-owner Tony Zika pours a house specialty, an Attitude Adjustment, at The Garden Nightclub, 112 S.E. 4th St. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday, 5 p.m. to midnight (13 and older allowed from 5 to 8:30 p.m.). For upcoming events and specials visit its Facebook page (The Garden Nightclub).
