by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
I’m about as white-bread as you can get. I do not dance. My family does not dance. “Rhythm” is simply not in our vocabulary. It’s ironic, then, that I married a Puerto Rican whose family loves to dance and does so at every possible occasion, sometimes for no reason at all. With my complete lack of dance floor skills, fitting in with that group has been amusing (for them) and embarrassing (for me), but after seven years of Christmases, New Years and birthdays set to the spicy sounds of Salsa and Merengue, I’ve gotten used to cutting the occasional rug, my two left feet notwithstanding.
There are many night clubs and lounges in Jacksonville that offer people like me a chance to brush up on their Latin dance moves or, better still, watch how it’s really done each week. As many as there are, there wasn’t a comprehensive, easy-to-navigate listing of Latin dance nights in the area--until now. EU has scoured the Jacksonville club scene to bring you a complete listing of the hottest Latin nights in town:
One wouldn’t necessarily think of Aromas when looking for a place to put on their dancing shoes, but each week the upscale cigar, wine and martini bar has live entertainment from terrific Latin bands. Every Wednesday at the Southside location Strings of Fire or the LeMonde Latin Band (they alternate) take to the stage to give cigar lovers a taste of Spanish culture. Like my own extended family, Aromas patrons can’t help but get on their feet when these musicians perform.
“A lot of people do end up getting up and dancing,” said Marshall, an employee at the Southside Aromas. “There’s not a whole lot of space for it, but they find the room.”
Strings of Fire also performs at the Ponte Vedra location on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Aromas on the Southside is located at 4372 Southside Blvd., Suite 101. The Ponte Vedra location is at 880 A1A North, Suite 18-B. For more information call (904) 928-0515 (Southside) or (904) 280-2525 (Ponte Vedra) or visit their website at aromascigars.com.
Many people I spoke to said that Café Bolero is the place to go if you’re looking for the best Latin nights in town. On top of serving amazing Cuban food at reasonable prices, the hot spot also has, not one, but two Latin nights to choose from. If you’re in the mood for more contemporary music, the restaurant/ballroom offers Latin and American Top 40 each Friday night. Salsa night is Saturday, where you can hear live music and get some free dance lessons. Happy Hour is from 5 pm to 8 pm every night and the party doesn’t stop until 2 am.
Café Bolero is located at 8595 Beach Blvd. #318. For more information call (904) 641-3442 or visit cafebolerojacksonville.com.
Club Christophers in Orange Park features a great Latin Night each Friday, hosted by DJ Jose De La Sol. The club also boasts live bands each month in addition to the DJ.
Club Christophers is at 1620 Wells Rd. For more information call (904) 215-4222 or visit clubchristophers.com.
If Café Bolero is number one with young Latinos, Cuba Libre is a close second. Located next to Havana Jax, Cuba Libre Bar is the first upscale Latin club in Jacksonville. Each Friday and Saturday night is Big Salsa Night. Resident DJ Miguelito spins the hottest Latin sounds along with special guests from 9 pm to 2 am. If you want to brush up on your moves, take Salsa lessons with Debi on Tuesdays.
Cuba Libre Bar is located at 2578 Atlantic Blvd. Contact them at (904) 399-5553 or visit them on the web at cubalibrebar.com.
Elixir in Orange Park has two Latin nights. Enjoy Noche Latinas Latin Night on Fridays and Salsa Saturdays with Jesse James and DJ Chino each week. Both nights have great music and decent drink specials.
Elixir is located at 341 Park Ave. in the Comfort Inn. Contact them at (904) 215-4400 or online at elixirultra.com.
The Globe boasts Latin nights on Fridays and Saturdays. With four themed rooms, expect a different style of music at each turn.
The Globe is located at 11000 Beach Blvd. For more info, call (904) 997-2063.
According to their websites, the Leopard Lounge and Rain, both located at 845 University Blvd N, have two different Latin nights. Head to the Leopard Lounge on Thursdays for their Latin night and come back on Fridays for Rain’s version.
For more info, visit plushjax.com or call (904) 743-5272)
Another insanely popular Latin night can be found at Twisted Martini each Thursday. DJs spin the best Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and Latin Disco while club goers enjoy authentic Latin libations and free Salsa lessons from Pharcyde Dance Studio. Both the downtown and the new Ponte Vedra locations have “Hot Latin Nights” on Thursdays so be sure to give both a chance.
Twisted Martini Downtown is located at 2 Independent Drive in the Jacksonville Landing. The Ponte Vedra location is at 822 N. Hwy. A1A at The Verandas. For more information call (904) 353-8454 or visit thetwistedmartini.com.
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