The town was all a-talk of the fab new bar/club 9d’s, so-called because of the nineties hits that it blasts every night. ”Have you been to 9d’s?” I had been asked multiple times. ”It’s so awesome – it’s the new Loft.” What?! I had to experience this place to see for myself how it compared to the infamous Loft. So I tried to go there two weekends ago around 1am…and there was a line. A line?! The only place in Athens that makes you wait in line is the movie theater when a new Harry Potter film comes out (and mediocre family restaurant chains like Olive Garden). Thwarted, I abandoned the cause…only to try again this weekend. This time we went at about 11pm. Again, there was a line, but I persevered.
Once we finally got in, I was pretty underwhelmed. The management slapped some posters of nineties icons on the walls…someone sure has an eye for design (sarcasm). Other than that, it’s just a big room with a bar and a DJ podium. I really was expecting more. Also, the way in which everyone screamed together at the start of certain favorites (“The Dip,” “I Like Big Butts,” and Britney Spears’ “Stronger” among others) was mechanical in a creepy way that made me suspect that they all shared one brain. And I won’t even elaborate on the psychological implications of a young adult dancing salaciously to the musical representation of his or her childhood.
And as for it being a suitable replacement for The Loft, I say nay! Firstly, 9d’s is too well-lit. If you’re going to be ending your bar crawl some place, and the choice is between 9d’s and The Loft, I would choose The Loft (warning: this website is pretty hilarious). Its dark dance floor is perfect for anonymity and reckless abandon. I mean, if the point is to grind like pepper (or whatever it is that you do to loud, bass-heavy tunes) in an inebriated state , wouldn’t you rather do it in relative darkness? Sometimes, ladies, you just don’t want to see who’s behind you. Did I go too far with that one? You know it’s true. Secondly, the dance floor at 9d’s is about as structurally secure as a trampoline. I’m just going to call it right now: the 9d’s floor will break before 2012. And I’m predicting several injuries (predicting deaths is just too morbid and potentially incriminating) will result from the incident. Thirdly, The Loft has that elevated dance floor, surrounded by a railing. At 9d’s (where the dance floor fades awkwardly into the casual bar area), you lose the “spectator sport” atmosphere that The Loft so atavistically conjures up by clearly separating the participators and observers (alternatively known as creepers).
So there you have it. My (un)expertise opinion. If you want a sleazy late-night experience in downtown Athens (and who doesn’t want one every once in a while?), go with the tried and true. There’s nothing wrong with 9d’s; but don’t go there with high expectations. And go before the floor breaks. In conclusion, both are cheap and easy, but The Loft is easier. And sometimes that’s just more fun.
I went once when it was unknown about and haven’t been in since because of that damn line. I’ve given up. I wouldn’t compare it to the loft but rather its sister 8es.
It’s all about listening to songs you haven’t heard in awhile yet still know all of the words.
thanks for linkin them big words to the dictionary.
I loved this. I am a touch partial to 9ds but I still love your take on it. And the way you know some people are gonna need a little help with your slang and superior vocabulary.