Sharab Lounge

by Ben M.

Since it's a pretty damned rare occasion that I actually get all dressed up (suit and all), I decided that we should probably take advantage of this and go somewhere slightly more classy than the typical Gainesville bar or club. My friends brought us here after a short stop at 101 (which we decided was not what we were looking for). When we got there, it was pretty low-key with a DJ spinning some mostly upbeat but decent stuff and only a few people around. We talked to the bar manager a bit and eventually got a hookah to go with our drinks. Unfortunately, they don't allow the hookahs at the bar, so we moved to a nearby table, then eventually to a more private booth/couch section separated by chainmail. I have the feeling that if more than one group wanted bottle service, we probably would have been kicked out of there, but no worries, really.Anyway, I liked the bottom floor, where the main bar was. The bar manager, Nick, was really friendly and offered some suggestions of drinks (which we didn't go with, but it's the thought that counts) and chatted with us a bit. Similarly, the hookah manager, Matt, was very friendly and checked up on us pretty regularly to ensure we were doing okay. That's the one thing I really dug about this place: the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful.On the minus side, right at 11 hit, the college crowd became more and more obvious, and it was clear that as a bunch of somewhat older people, we didn't really fit in. A quick jaunt to the upstairs dancefloor confirmed this, and we made our way out.Drinks are actually pretty reasonably priced. The gin and tonics I was drinking were running $6 apiece, and the Dr. Manhattan shots (all the blue and power, none of the junk) were $5 each, with some of their other signature shots running $4. Far less than I would have expected, honestly.All in all I had a really good time for the first couple hours I had here, and I feel like if they could somehow keep out the younger crowd (not that they would, but one can hope), it would be a great place to just chill. Not that it matters since I don't live, but it's the idea.

by Mike C.

I would definitely agree with Vishal.  If you come to Sharab's you better be looking nice, because everyone else will be. Two floors, both with a full bar.  I have been during peak hours (night).  Tim Tebow was on his way out and  shaking hand's with the owner. As it turns out he was making an appearance for a date auction. I've also been during afternoon hours just to see what the place is like when its not packed with people.  The bartenders are pretty cool and seem to enjoy being there.  They offer hookahs, and have a designated person to assign them.  Only downside is that its only done outside in the little alleyway they've tried to spice up.  All in all, the music is okay.  Not your typical hip hop club, but I enjoyed the music and time with friends.  Definitely the most upscale club in Gainesville.

by Vishal A.

Hands down Gainesville's nicest club.

by Kat M.

Nice, classy place.  Expensive, but delicious drinks:  Depending on the bartender.  Some bartenders are top-notch, others not so much (still training  I guess)21+: gives an adult feel to downtown GainesvillePretentious (you are an appreciated customer until someone with a bigger wallet arrives)Great layout: serve tapas and hookahs as wellGood place to take a date

by A z.

Every time I go to Sharab I regret it.  They charge a ridiculous cover and make you wait in line, while they let whatever girls they think will sleep with the owner and his crew in ahead of you. Sometimes they will try to offer you bottle service for $200 to get in faster...come on, last time I checked this is Gainesville, not NYC. Then, when you are finally able to actually get inside, there is another even longer line to get upstairs to the actual dance floor.  The downstairs is essentially a long hallway w/ a bar so there is no reason to come here if you are going to stay downstairs.  If you are actually "fortunate" enough to make it upstairs, you can forget about drinking for the rest of the evening because you will stand in line for the rest of the night to actually get to a bar.  The dance floor is sometimes fun, but usually way overcrowded.

by Julie A.

We're definitely not in Gainesville, anymore, Toto. I came here with college chick on Thursday, which is 18 and up night. It was empty for the first hour (we got there at 11), but got filled up hella quick in a span of 20 minutes around midnight. I completely forgot how awesomely packed (not really dancing, but more like wiggling like sardines) the clubs get in a college town. Been spending my last few years in the clubs here in Jackassville. Lol. Anyway... It was a treat to reminisce in the college atmosphere with everyone. It also helps that I look like I still attend high school so I blended in like a Freshman here. Hahaha.5 stars for the atmosphere.The setup reminds me of the Park Club in NYC, with the bar area downstairs and the dancefloor upstairs. Too bad the clubs in Gville close at 2am instead of 4am. (I guess that petition I signed to extend club hours a few years ago didn't go through.)The club itself is really classy. The bottom floor features fine metal mesh curtains to separate some areas, and wine holders as decor. The theme is somewhat of a Mediterranean flavor with hookahs which you can smoke outdoors. In fact, there is no smoking indoors, just outdoors in the alleyway. This is great for those who have asthma or just don't want to go home stinking like a chimney. Hooray for clean air to dance in!The top floor has more of an urban feel with the graffiti mural on the wall. Personally, I wish their graffiti looked more like this one I found in the Mission of SF. http://farm4.static.fl...5 stars for the club's style and decor. As for the DJ's... They played mash-ups, indie rock, hip hop, especially old skool hip hop. College chick and I were sure we had somehow got warped back into time. Skillwise, sometimes the DJ's were good; sometimes they were not so good. I liked that only portions of songs were played. It kept the groove going. Only thing is that sometimes the mixing wasn't great. Interestingly, they played a lot of old skool hip hop, so I have a feeling they were closer to my age. Haha. College chick and I were both surprised to not hear Beyonce or Rihanna that night. However, I remember hearing Lily Allen and MGMT, as well as Nelly and Gym Class Heroes. 3 starsThe Mai Tai I ordered was decent. Nothing to write home about, but it tasted kinda watered down. 3 starsAs for the bouncers and the bar staff. Really friendly people. 5 stars. 4.2 stars, rounded down.