To an extent, Dupont Circle’s Fly Lounge is a lot like the act of joining the real mile high club. It is undeniably sexy, steamy and accessible only to a lucky few who get the casual nod. Despite all the hype, the real thing’s probably a bit more cramped than you had anticipated. Since its debut in 2006, Fly has generated a lot of buzz as one of the most unique and exclusive clubs in the District. Founded by a local DJ-turned-pilot, the lounge is fully immersed in a sleek aviation theme. Fly’s interior is modeled after the cylindrical cabin of a hyper-classy private jet. Beautiful waitresses navigate the crowd in skimpy stewardess uniforms, complete with short skirts, neck scarves and bosom-hugging button-downs with winged lapel pins. Small LCD screens line the walls, displaying lucid images of passing clouds. Tables are even stocked with miniature packs of mixed nuts to complete the feel.
For such a small space (capacity is capped at 120), Fly packs in a surprising amount of energy. The venue’s impressively powerful sound system pulsates an eclectic mix of danceable music, facilitating a kinetic vibe. The DJ spins an engaging blend of house-infused rock, 80s pop, funk and hip-hop, promising to get even the most timid clubbers on the dance floor. Just try standing still when you hear Johnny Cash successfully transition into Kanye. Not possible.
Sound too good to be true? Unfortunately, you can expect to pay for all the frills. There are no drinks in the single digits, and most hover around $13. Bottles range from $250 to $2,800 (yeah, that’s not a typo), making the signature martinis are a relative “bargain” at $14. The roped-off VIP tables may look comfy, but they’re off limits unless you’re willing to shell out $600-$1,500 for a reservation. For true ballers, two private rooms (complete with password-protected bathrooms) can be reserved for a flat two grand.
Fly certainly isn’t for everyone, but that’s kind of the point. As a means of boasting the club’s exclusivity, bouncers unapologetically screen potential patrons at the door. There’s no official cover, but single guys should be prepared to pay $20 on weekends. That is, if you’re lucky enough to get in.
If you’re not used to the scene, here are a couple helpful pointers:
1) Dress to impress. The dress code is chic business casual (no shorts, no sneakers, jeans are fine). Expect your wardrobe decisions to be inspected and latently judged at the door. Ah, the things we put ourselves through to dance in the company of beautiful young professionals.
2) Show up early. Doors open at 10, so if you’re not reserving a table try to get in by 11 on weekend nights. After that, you’re likely to find yourself at the end of an obnoxiously slow line.
3) Pre-party. Fifteen-dollar cocktails certainly take a toll on the old wallet.
4) Bring a posse of attractive women. This obviously isn’t always a possibility, but you’ll have a much better chance of getting in the door. As an added incentive, ladies are always free and the “dude cover” is set at a sliding scale based on the company you keep.
Haters may claim that Fly is trying too hard to keep up with the country’s more notorious club scenes, but you have to give credit where it’s due. At the very least, Fly offers Washingtonians an upscale alternative to the average night out that’s sufficiently hip. Washington’s nightlife may not be quite up to par with New York or LA just yet, but at least places like Fly Lounge keep it in the same ballpark.
http://dc.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/article/join-the-mile-high/492400/content
