October Nightlife: Rio Grande Valley, TX

Welcome to Nightlife Insider, a new monthly feature where PlanetOut.com readers submit their Top 5 picks of cool things happening in their neck of the woods.  See bottom for details on how you can become an Nightlife Insider!

Below are Shannon's October picks for Rio Grande Valley, TX

by Shannon Simpson
gay.com Buckeye1972

EVENTS

Splash "White Party"

1st -4th ~ Global Groove & The Upper Deck bring you THE biggest pride event on South Padre Island, October 1st -4th. Where else can you can you catch Britney AND Madonna on the same weekend with a few thousand other hot guys ringing out the last days of summer in South Texas? Britney (performed by Derrick Barry) is back by popular demand at Mooncusser's on Friday the 2nd and Madonna (performed by Chris America) takes stage at Louie's on Saturday the 3rd. I've been told Saturday is the big night but this looks like two big nights. Get your reservations at the largest gay resort in South Texas - The Upper Deck, who we owe this bi-annual event to, get your shop on for some crazy whites and see you at the island the first weekend of October!
http://www.upperdeckhotel.com/sitepages/pid35.php and http://splashsouthpadre.com

Art Walk

First Friday of each month should be reserved for Art Walk (North Main St, McAllen), or at least Roosevelt's & Espana. Art Walk closes North Main down through Pecan St. and hosts live bands in the park, vendors, and a myriad of artists to wet the palette of anyone looking for an original piece of work - art or man. Dress is casual but look nice if you're going for a drink or 2 at Espana which features a candlelit patio, Nuevo Mediterranean cuisine and live bands. Roosevelt's is a little more subdued with its sandlot patio, several draughts on tap and tavern feel inside. Art Walk has something for everyone and who isn't into checking out, er, uh, the Art at the Walk! No cover but bring your walking shoes. Times are 6-10pm First Friday's of the month.
http://mcallenartwalk.com/

LET'S GO OUT!

Club 33

Call it trendy, industrial or upscale - it all leads to McAllen's newest alternative hotspot, Club 33 (located at 3300 N. McColl Road, McAllen), Club 33 boasts an elevated bass-response dance floor in the center of the first floor, a second floor terrace, 6 bars, something close to twenty 70-inch flat screens TV's, plenty of seating on both floors and a VIP area. The clientele is across the spectrum but seems to lean toward those looking to dress up a little for a night on the town. Wait-staff is friendly, the bar allows you to run tabs and cash out at the end of the night, lines go fairly fast and parking is safe, well-lit and plentiful in the McAllen District. 33 is hopping on Friday's but be there by 11:30 or you might be standing in a line to get in; if you get there between 9-10pm Wednesday thru Saturday there are drink specials to be had. Club 33 is a good time, with excellent lighting, awesome DJ's, good light shows and a clean/new environment we hope turns a trend in nightlife for the RGV. Step up, dress up and spin it right round - 33 is the newest place in town!
http://www.club33mcallen.com/home.htm
http://www.myspace.com/club33mcallen

SHOPPING

House Wine

House Wine (1117 W. Business 83, McAllen) is an innovative, eclectic and freakishly cool place to spend an evening by yourself (yes, singles go here), with friends, date or partner - anyone and everyone. You'll feel like you warped to NYC, but the loft of House Wine is in the heart of McAllen. House offers wines by the case, by the bottle and by the glass all while you walk the loft and shop their eclectic and hand-picked, unique furnishings. If you're 'just not that into wine', you'll still love the environment, the furnishings and the crowd House Wines attracts brings a wit and sexy you can't find in clubs. Order a cheese, melon or berry plate and if you're looking to get the training wheels off try a Pinot Grigio - for the sophisticate I recommend a spicy red from Argentina. After you have glass in hand, find a seat but be gentle because you may just want to buy it; everything in House is for sale, so bring your plastic. Dress the part, flash that smile and ready yourself for an evening of something different and new you've been waiting for.
http://www.housewinemcallen.com/home.html

DINING

Dinner - The Patio on Guerra

Flickers of candle light on the walls, live music, fresh linens on the tables, and wait-service fit for a king are all words I use to describe The Patio (102 S 17th St, McAllen). Whether you're looking for that perfect filet, fresh lobster, large prawn shrimp or that perfectly char-grilled juicy chicken breast (my favorite) you're going to find the best food in town here. The restaurant is straight-owned but you'll find family-a-plenty in the dining room, at the bar or gathering outside on the patio. A top-pick for that night out of the ordinary, celebration or date you're looking to impress. Dress nice, look nice and bring your plastic because food and service of this quality is worth it. Order some vino, enjoy your company and look for one of the owners to stop by your table.
http://www.patioonguerra.com/Welcome.html

Looking for new places to go on our RGV Top 5?
If you have a recommendation, I'd like to hear from you - Please send me an email on gay.com

If you think you got what it takes to play nightlife correspondent, send an email with "Nightlife Correspondent" in the subject line to letterstotheeditor@gay.com and we'll take it from there. Help make nightlife fun for all!

Comments

[Orlando Hotels]

I see the Britney AND Madonna on the same weekend with a few thousand other hot guys ringing out the last days of summer in South Texas, I enjoyed Britney performed by Derrick Barr, its popular demand at Mooncusser's on Friday and the 2nd and Madonna performed by Chris America takes stage at Louie's on Saturday the 3rd. I've been told Saturday is the big night but this looks like two big nights. Actually I enjoyed this performed, helped LMT (Last Minute Travel) package, it package economy and comfortable I think.