This weekend, like most these days, came too slow, and ended way too fast. I had the chance to stop by Slide, a place I have had a love/hate relationship with over the years, but this weekend reminded me why I continue to come back.
Positives: Slide attracts a high end clientele, and sort of has a mystery about it since it can be difficult to get into. The crowd is pretty diverse, but could use a little bit more color in my opinion. The actual slide is also a draw (had to add an extra pic just for it), but only newbies really slide down it. They have an abundance of VIP tables, but not overkill like Infusion or Mist. There’s also a good amount of dance floor space, even though they this place is always packed - it should also be noted that there is only one main room. The DJ’s usually play mashups by default, I’ve only been here a few times where they switched it up for another specific genre, so Slide is usually a good backup spot at the very least. I’m also a big fan of the no time limit guest list, I’ve shown up here at 1 am and been able to get in as long as I was on the list. Dress code is usually pretty lenient, I always prefer to wear all black, casual shoes, but I have noticed guys in there with trendy athletic shoe-wear — I’ve gotten in on Thursdays with some sneakers on. Also, no need for collared shirts, they’ll let you in with a graphic tee.
Negatives: There are a few things that stand out immediately here. First off, it can be a pain in the neck getting onto the guest list, pretty much you need to either try to call in, sign up through various nightlife web sites, or email certain promoters. Just showing up and expecting to pay cover (which there is none), is not going to happen. Second, the ratio. If you are able to get onto the guestlist, you must hop over another hurdle, this time making sure the majority of your party is female (they state 50/50, but I find it’s always better to be safe and have a more favorable percentage). I’ve been able to get by this by just putting myself on the list, and making sure all the friends to the same - that way we have no “+#”, and all come up as individual entries. I still get the occasional grumble from the door man, just this Friday he stamped my hand and whispered “next time bring girls”. If I was going to a club with a girl, I wouldn’t go to Slide, but that’s another post altogether. The crowd, while high end, can seem about “marina” - i.e. people that rarely come downtown to party, mainly hang out in the marina bar scene, can’t dance, and hence step on toes and spill drinks while trying to maintain balance. Lastly, the DJ booth (or I guess it was never really a booth here, rather a station), used to be on top of the piano near the back corner, however they built a temporary looking station located at the back of the dance floor. Kind of weird to me for a few reason. The DJ booth now cuts off about two vip tables, and also blocks off what used to be usable dancing area as well. It’s not a big issue, just a minor annoyance.
- Location/Transportation: Located a block away from Union Square, this is ideal location for most city dwellers as it’s easy to cab and bus to - cabbies literally line up outside at closing time. People driving in might get a little frustrated as there are several clubs nearby (Ruby Skye, Infusion, Suite 181, etc.), and public parking is limited. All of my friends that drive in, are usually able to find a spot in under 10 minutes. Also, there are several pay lots that are reasonably priced in the area. Grade: 4/5
- Line: Lines can pretty reasonable, however the doorman usually takes his time with the progression. In my experience the line rarely gets longer than about 30 feet long, and average wait time is about 30 - 45 mins at its peek. Things that piss me off here are that 1) people get this line confused with Ruby Skyes, and accidentally cause delays 2) people that are not on the guest list wait in line and think they can some how talk or pay their way in (when they are repeatedly told “if you are not on the guest list you are not getting in”) Grade: 2.5/5
- Interior: Very elegantly designed, the bathrooms are pretty high class, and overall you get a feeling that a lot of money was spent on the design. The actual slide is pretty novel, it’s definitely one of the things that makes this place unique. I also dig the piano in the back, really adds a feel of sophistication to the venue. Grade 4/5
- Exterior: Not really much to say here, Slide was designed to be more secretive, modeled after the old speakeasies - definitely lacking the flare of its sister club and neighbor Ruby Skye. Its in a relatively safe neighborhood, as long as you stay on Mason, or head east (closer to Union Square) you’re good. Heading further west will lead you into the heart of the Tenderloin. Grade 3/5
- Drinks: On the higher end prices here on average $8 - 10 for a mixed drink, $5 for a beer. Grade: 2/5
- Services: Sigh…the security, well they are only just doing their jobs right? Most of the guys out front can be kind of pompous - quick to make smart ass remarks, that just turn me off. Sometimes they can be helpful by getting people out of line that should not be there, but I really don’t need to be told to bring girls every other time I’m there. They’re also really bad about dealing with people that cut in line or just head to the front and try to weasel their way in. I never got bottle service here, but I heard it is pretty expensive (2 bottle min, bottles start at 300). Coat check is pretty average at $3. Grade 2.5/5
- Sound system: Single DJ booth, sound system is pretty awesome, it’s really easy to hold conversations while dancing. Grade 3.5/5
- Overall: Great venue, I do have some issues with their policies, but that’s not going to take away too much from the enjoyment factor. I’m usually here a few times a month as the benefits outweigh the negatives - 21.5/35
