Love Night Club

by Vivian K.

btw btw.. the guy that posted that long ass review.. that was the funniest one i've ever read regarding nightclubs.. thanks.. and i really enjoy people that take the time out to really write a good review.. anypoo.. this is the club love experience from a girl who's only gone more than 3 times because i got a VIP pass... .   so first off, i'm not sure about you all, but i'm not the type that loves to park my car in a shady area and then hope that someone doesn't club me with a bat and drag me into oblivion...  so you and your 85 friends squished into a rav-4 ( because no one wants to be DD and only one person usually does) and pay the valet guy $20 to keep your car safe... after getting the dirty looks from the bouncers for havin' 85 people with 85 free passes, you go up the stairs to the entrance only to be felt up by two women bouncers who are checkin' to see if the string bikini that you're wearing contains some sort of AK-47 weapon OR a pack of gum.... then you pass through the main doors, and head straight  to the bar... you primp up your outfit, and get your eyes ready to wink... but no matter how much you try to push your B cups to look like D cups to the bartender, he's not going to charge you any less or give you a free shot... it's not because you're not good looking enough, but prolli because he's gotten more than "a lil' show" for those free drinks from some of the other girls.. if you know what i mean... *nudge nudge* .. so you stop trying and ask for the strongest drink that ends up costing you a good 15 bucks.. afterwards, since you were in there sooo early to get in for free, you're stuck in the salsa room for about... 45 minutes before they finally open up the next floor.. the hip hop room....  you get another two drinks, and your tab is now close to $45 and you're bitchin' because you're a girl and should be only forkin out $30 or under.. but hope that the night will hold some fun once the goddamn second floor opens up..  all of a sudden a surge of people push you away, and you realize the floor has opened, and you start pushing others outta the way just to get up there.. and finally, you're in awe of the second floor.. a vast space of 70% men and 10% girls and 20% skanks.. yay~!!! so you get your groove on, and you're dancing with your two girl friends ... and your drink finally kicks in...  when.. all of a sudden you guys are attacked by a wolfpack of men, all with corny lines about how " you be lookin' soo sweeet.. " and the ones that don't say anything and just try to inch up behind you and you can just smell his fishy breath over your shoulder... phew!!! lucky me!! i bust out my fake engagement ring ( a.k.a. my captain planet anti-heart ring) and wave it in the air a couple of times, and they get the hint and go away..... after a few of these wolfpack incidences and about 3 trips to the 4 hour bathroom line, you decide its' time to explore and see what else out there..  you get to the third floor which sometimes plays decent music, like a lil' bit of 80's or dance but the room's not full enough to be fun,  so you go to the next rooms... to which you find random people making out in corners and you can see the developing wolf packs in the distance... regardless it's about 1:30 and the drinks are wearing thin, and you're not ready to loose the buzz, so you fork out another $15 for a crappy drink, and then decide to just make a nite of what it was.. you bust into the second floor room again and try to burn the 400 calories you just drank by dancing the nite away...  and in between getting your toes stepped on, the cigarettes that are waving carelessly in the air and burning holes in your shoulder,  and beating down the wolfpacks that are after you, the time flies to 2:45... and the lights come on and you finally see what everyone really looks like..  sometimes it's scary, and sometimes it's funny, and sometimes you find people passed out in the corner with a lil' bit of puke on their shirt from their bathroom break.. but thank god that wasn't you tonite, and  you slowly carry your tired and black feet to the rav 4 parked in a gravel parking lot ( which is really hard to walk through when you have heels on.. ... and harder with heels and drunk) ... and you and your 85 friends climb in, stuff three people in the trunk and head home.. another glorious club to pass the mere 5 hours on a sat nite.. THE GOOD: the music is good, there's lots of floors to explore, and for a single girl, the ratio is really in your favor. THE BAD: it's really crowded on certain floors and you better go to the bathroom before you haveta go, drinks are expensive, and the wolfpacks are always out. THE UGLY: the wolfpacks are never to your liking most of the time..  and very rarely are they nice enough to ask before they try to dance with you... also, it's not the place that you can bat your eyes and get free crap..

by Mia K.

I've been hearing mixed reviews about Love for years (since it was Dream) but until this past weekend I hadn't actually seen it for myself.My Persian friends all swear to me Love is so ghetto, omg don't go there, it's disgusting, we'll never go there!Another one of my friends here in PA swears that Love is the only club worth going to (although she still calls it Dream) and makes the trek to DC at least once a month to frequent the venue.So one day I was browsing shows on Ticketmaster and found out that one of my favorite artists ever, Common, was coming to Love.  I've never turned down an amazing show in DC, why should this time be any different?So after an amazing dinner/hookah session at Oasis, my brother and I hit 395 to New York Ave. to make sure we were at Love with plenty of time to spare before Common hit the stage at what I was told would be 10.Love was ridiculously easy to find.  I had forgotten the name of the street to turn off of New York Ave. onto but that was ok, because there's a huge sign on the building that you can see from 2 blocks away!  I brushed off the valet guy who wanted to charge me 20$ and drove around the block, where I immediately found on street parking.  So what if I had to walk past 2 homeless people begging for cash, that's the city baby!So I skipped in through VIP, went through security and all that jonx (I could have hidden anything in my purse, so I wish I had brought a real camera - oh well, I know for next time).  Love is freaking BEAUTIFUL.  I've done Avalon and Webster Hall in NY, Hush in Houston - some of what are supposed to be THE BEST clubs in the US.  As far as presentation is concerned - Love has them all beat.We walked over to the bar, and I decided to buy my brother a bday drink.  They were like 8$ - not ridiculous, but definitely not dive bar prices.The show was incredible - best concert I have EVER been to, however, there were a few things at Love I didn't like.*The VIP area was allowed to reach maximum capacity and we had to wait about 10 minutes to go up - how the hell does that happen?  Why would they sell more VIP spots than they can hold?*We left early, but I can't imagine how many homeless people would have been outside at closing, and I wonder if they have more police at that point.*Some of the people (by no fault of the club) were pretty rude - one guy asked me to move so that he could see the pool table even though I was standing there first.Things I adored:*The drink glasses - they're thick plastic so they don't break, but they look nice like real glasses.*The pool table, and the cute lil guy who's job it is to rack the balls*The door people were really sweet*Very mixed crowd (I'm not sure if this was typical but I was impressed by the diversity)*Easily accessible from NY Ave.All-in-all I had a great time at Love, although after the Common show it was a bit too packed, and I was ready to call it a night.  I would definitely go again if my Persians weren't so damn racist haha.

by Sila D.

It was only cool when it was called "Dream" and you were 18 years old (or 17 and under with a fake)...other than that, this place is horrible and is a wanna-be pretentious place that attracts trash.  I don't understand why people still go here...seriously, let's stop acting like we're 18 years old, again.  We should have left it the way it was, back when it was "Dream"...

by Lightfeldt A.

A large group of us went to Love on a Saturday night, and I had low expectations. First of all, large groups like ours are always difficult to accommodate, but also I've always been weary of the "exclusive"-New York-Las Vegas-Miami-LA-wannabe clubs that take any opportunity to rape your wallet "because they can."So, it was with that mentality that I went to Love expecting rude staff, lots of stares (and not in the good way), and overpriced drinks. I was totally wrong!Perhaps we were there on a good night, but my worst fears were not realized at Love. The lines are long but the bouncers do a good job of making it move quickly. They seem to be used to high volumes of people here. We also had printed out a free pass on their website the day of to avoid having to pay that hefty cover charge. I'm not sure I would have gotten over paying $20 to get into a club, but thats just me.As previously reported, the drinks are indeed expensive but no more so than most clubs (I paid $12 for a vodka-tonic, my friend paid $8 for a Corona - again, not cheap but not beyond expectation). Anyone expecting market price for alcohol at night venues is setting themselves up for a lifetime of disappointment. The staff were all very courteous and they do a good job of keeping the place orderly and clean (considering Love easily handles 500+ in  its peak hours). Aesthetically speaking, Love was precisely what you'd expect from a self identifying "high-end" club - ubiquitous red lamps hanging from the ceiling, lots of plasma tv's playing god-knows-what, and bars EVERYWHERE. I actually thought there was too much light in the dance areas, but that's just my opinion. Also, I thought it was weird that the "dance areas" were carpeted.If you do decide to go to Love, just remember it is not in the greatest area of town. We were smart to take cabs as the parking situation looked dire and nobody wanted to be a DD. On the downside, it took me 40 minutes of wandering these sketch streets to track down a taxi after leaving the club at like 2am (they race down New York Avenue already occupied). So word of the wise: order a taxi in advance if you can.

by Riley B.Stephanie M.Lightfeldt A.Jake K.Lianne Z.

Okkk  LOVE is thee best LOL.Had a great time each time i went.The music is great people are always dancing.The 3rd floor is my favorite!Its true you will either love "LOVE" or hate it I would def suggest you go to this clubOk first off I'm 31, secondly I may be close to a double D, and I always dress like a hooker when I go out, so obviously I have never not gotten in here and never been forced to wait in the line.I've gone three times, and all three times have been disappointing. The first event I arrived notknowing what to expect and had to park far far away. I know how these things work so I went past the lineand the bouncer assumed I was alone and let me in, no real search because obviously you could seeby what I was wearing I wasn't hiding anything. I flagged my boyfriend over and they begrudgingly let himin, but did such a complete search it took us like 15 minutes to get in from that point on. They even asked him to pull out his wallet and the guy proceeded to look through the compartments of hiswallet. Yes his wallet, I think it was some type of reverse discrimination thing and I came to this conclusion when someone shouted that we had "jungle fever" um ok I'm assuming it's cause he's white and I am not. All three times the line was down the block, so I assumed the place was to max capacity, nope this place is huge. They merely weren't letting people in to create the illusion that something was going on and it's a happening place.Drinks were heavy on the soda, light on the booze. There is a lot of young people here that are either really nothaving a good time, or too cool to let it be known they were having a good time. The crowd here is YOUNG, YOUNG, Youngas in "I can smell the newborn scent on your skin" young.A large group of us went to Love on a Saturday night, and I had low expectations. First of all, large groups like ours are always difficult to accommodate, but also I've always been weary of the "exclusive"-New York-Las Vegas-Miami-LA-wannabe clubs that take any opportunity to rape your wallet "because they can."So, it was with that mentality that I went to Love expecting rude staff, lots of stares (and not in the good way), and overpriced drinks. I was totally wrong!Perhaps we were there on a good night, but my worst fears were not realized at Love. The lines are long but the bouncers do a good job of making it move quickly. They seem to be used to high volumes of people here. We also had printed out a free pass on their website the day of to avoid having to pay that hefty cover charge. I'm not sure I would have gotten over paying $20 to get into a club, but thats just me.As previously reported, the drinks are indeed expensive but no more so than most clubs (I paid $12 for a vodka-tonic, my friend paid $8 for a Corona - again, not cheap but not beyond expectation). Anyone expecting market price for alcohol at night venues is setting themselves up for a lifetime of disappointment. The staff were all very courteous and they do a good job of keeping the place orderly and clean (considering Love easily handles 500+ in  its peak hours). Aesthetically speaking, Love was precisely what you'd expect from a self identifying "high-end" club - ubiquitous red lamps hanging from the ceiling, lots of plasma tv's playing god-knows-what, and bars EVERYWHERE. I actually thought there was too much light in the dance areas, but that's just my opinion. Also, I thought it was weird that the "dance areas" were carpeted.If you do decide to go to Love, just remember it is not in the greatest area of town. We were smart to take cabs as the parking situation looked dire and nobody wanted to be a DD. On the downside, it took me 40 minutes of wandering these sketch streets to track down a taxi after leaving the club at like 2am (they race down New York Avenue already occupied). So word of the wise: order a taxi in advance if you can.I think in the several name shifts that this place went through - they missed one:  Club GarbageBesides the fact that it has a catchy ring to it, I think it tends to capture the experience of the place.First, let's remember - you're in the Northeast - not the best part of our wonderful District.  I think the only other benefit of being up there is the cheap gas that you get a block away before venturing back into the land of crazy traffic and Virginia State Police.Second, the people there - well, well, well.  I'm not even on the look out anymore, but damned if you get caught even admiring a lady's particular outfit, make up, or looks.  As a married man, you learn to master the "quick appreciative glance" that eluded you as you either gawked and were labeled "creepy" or you checked someone out from head to toe to send the "interested?" signal.  Trust me - it's a matter of survival.  But I digress.  If you even give the quick glance and nod with approval, most of the young ladies will respond back with a face that looks like you farted while they had their mouth open.  Now, I'm not the ugliest guy but I remember even some measures of success in Dream/Love/Garbage/Whatever-you-want-to-call-it in the past.  I occasionally walked out with a phone number, not the death stares you can elicit now.Finally, the place is just way too overpriced.  Seriously.  Let's think of the economy here for a moment:Cover Charge:  $20Bottle of Water and a Gin and Tonic:  $16Gas Money to Drive Round Trip:  $10The ability to say f*( it and just spend the $46 minus gas money on a few cases of beer and a pizza with friends:  PricelessSeriously, I'll keep avoiding this place.  Not worth it - even for someones birthday.I grew up in the metro area so DC nightlife was my prerequisite for life in the Alcohol lane.Back when I was in college (or hs), this place used to be called " Dream".Somewhere between graduation and adulthood it changed its name to "Love". Along with new management and the new name, it lost its luster and appeal.I do not LOVE "LOVE".It's roomy, spacious and definitely reminiscent of some fun, summer parties. And when it first opened it was definitely known to be a celebrity hot spot.However, despite it boasting more than enough space, this predicted asset is actually it's downfall. No one can ever find anyone here. First floor is mainly hip hop but the spacing is all off and not at all conducive to a proper shakefest. It's like partying in a really large and not as fancy hotel lobby. It's weird grindin' with carpet underneath you!The upper levels are better in terms of it looking like an actual nightclub with a dance floor but I'm a fan of hip-hop...and the upper levels play other types of music (Latin, house, etc). They have an open air rooftop but music isn't good up there either.The area is seedy and don't expect street parking to be free- someone is bound to come up and claim the public space as "theirs". If you don't pay, they'll leave you some nice presents: pierced tires, scratched paints, or broken-in windows guaranteed.I like how they have a sobriety/detox room for those that are too wasted.Good lookin out Dream/Love! I do have LOVE (ha) for this place because it is reminiscent of my 19-year-old fake ID using days when my skirts were shorter than Mariah Carey's and my heels were higher than Posh's. Mid-twenties me though? No thanks.Now you'll find me in hot spots around Dupont/Adams or Georgetown on the rare occasions that I do decide to leave NY and venture home.

by Kaya A.

As many of my review predecessors have indicated, you have to have one hell of a charmed life to survive in this environment.  But there are alternatives -- shortcuts if you may -- to enjoying the heaven-in-helll called Club Love without having to be a great candidate for an episode of VH1's A Fabulous Life Of...Let me count the ways:1.  Find a way to know Marc or Taz.  They are the evil geniuses behind this institution, even when it was still the lush party called Dream.2.  If access to Marc or Taz is too hard, find Masoud.  He's their right-hand promoter and best candidate for Most Likely to Give You A VIP Pass.3.  If you're not quite the extrovert, go to their Web site.  Sign up for the VIP list and get yourself a free pass.  Have a strong stomach when the bouncers roll their eyes at you, but they do that anyway to anyone who isn't a member of a gang, a professional sports team or a recording studio.4.  Find guy friends who owe you big time to come with you.  Bonus points if they're really tall or really big.  If your male friends would rather brave Dante's inner circles, find a bunch of lady friends.  There is strength in numbers.  And if you want to go alone...good luck.5.  Remember all those beer commercials about how cool girls can be when they come up to guys to buy them drinks?  Don't even think about it here unless you know the guy, where he lives and how his mother is capable (and willing) to kick his ass.With that said, I've always had a blast in every soiree at Love.  As pricey as drinks may be when I had to pay, they're above average to very good for the most part.  Staff is really nice when you're not trying to impress them or pretend to get into their pants for goodies.

by Dave H.

Love Nightclub is fun, open late (until 4 AM), with a diverse crowd, hip music, and lots of energy. It's in a pretty ghetto quarter of DC (run-down buildings, panhandlers, don't want to walk around there at night), so if you don't want to risk street parking, you'll have to resort to Love's private lot for about $30. If you want to skip their long lines (this is a popular place), try the shorter VIP line - was quoted $40 last I was there.Love has multiple floors (huge dance floors, relaxing lounge areas, private rooms available), multiple DJs, and multiple bars. What's open and depends on the night (check their site, and call with any questions or requests, such as reserving table service). The bartenders, security detail, and hosts are friendly, accommodating, and there to help you.

by Ana K.

Don't drive. There is no parking. Well there is, but it is horrible. I was just there two weeks ago, and my friends and I drove. It was miserable. Every floor has different styles of music. Euro tech nights are absolutely fabulous. The bar on the main floor is your best bet because there is more space to move around and mingle with cute boys (and girls!).NOTE: The theme/music for the night really depends on the crowd you are going to get. I've gone many times before and the crowd was very....skanky. However, the night I went euro techno played and it was much more high end. The guys were very sweet, paid for all my drinks with out question. Everyone was dressed very nicely. Not slutty. I absolutely loved it. If you can get a VIP pass, do it. Line is MUCH shorter, and quicker.

by Jake K.

I think in the several name shifts that this place went through - they missed one:  Club GarbageBesides the fact that it has a catchy ring to it, I think it tends to capture the experience of the place.First, let's remember - you're in the Northeast - not the best part of our wonderful District.  I think the only other benefit of being up there is the cheap gas that you get a block away before venturing back into the land of crazy traffic and Virginia State Police.Second, the people there - well, well, well.  I'm not even on the look out anymore, but damned if you get caught even admiring a lady's particular outfit, make up, or looks.  As a married man, you learn to master the "quick appreciative glance" that eluded you as you either gawked and were labeled "creepy" or you checked someone out from head to toe to send the "interested?" signal.  Trust me - it's a matter of survival.  But I digress.  If you even give the quick glance and nod with approval, most of the young ladies will respond back with a face that looks like you farted while they had their mouth open.  Now, I'm not the ugliest guy but I remember even some measures of success in Dream/Love/Garbage/Whatever-you-want-to-call-it in the past.  I occasionally walked out with a phone number, not the death stares you can elicit now.Finally, the place is just way too overpriced.  Seriously.  Let's think of the economy here for a moment:Cover Charge:  $20Bottle of Water and a Gin and Tonic:  $16Gas Money to Drive Round Trip:  $10The ability to say f*( it and just spend the $46 minus gas money on a few cases of beer and a pizza with friends:  PricelessSeriously, I'll keep avoiding this place.  Not worth it - even for someones birthday.

by Riley B.

Okkk  LOVE is thee best LOL.Had a great time each time i went.The music is great people are always dancing.The 3rd floor is my favorite!Its true you will either love "LOVE" or hate it I would def suggest you go to this club