Nightclubs

Quad (20–22 Trinidad Terrace, tel. 876/754-7823, quadnightclub@gmail.com, US$12) is Kingston's longest-standing Uptown nightclub, with three levels. Christopher's Bar and Lounge is on the ground level, with Oxygen Nightclub on the second floor, and Voodoo Lounge on the top level. Patrons frequently go from one floor to the next throughout the night depending on the genre of music and vibe on each level.

Club Privilege (14–16 Trinidad Terrace, tel. 876/622-6532, vip@clubprivilegeja.com, www.clubprivilegeja.com, open Thurs., Fri., and Sun., admission US$12) is a slick club located above Treasure Hunt gaming lounge that prides itself on being the most exclusive venue in town. Bottles of champagne and Moet adorn two bars, with lounge furniture in the cordoned-off VIP area overlooking a large dance floor. Privilege is the only club in Jamaica that stocks Ace of Spades champagne, Black Hennessey, and Patrón tequilas. The club features U.S. alternative music on Alternative Thursdays (10 p.m.–4 a.m.), club night on Fridays featuring reggae and hip hop, and oldies on Retro Sundays (9 p.m.–2 a.m.). On the first Saturday of every month, Reboot features funky house with visiting DJs from all over the world. Drinks range from US$5 for a beer to US$785 for a bottle of Ace of Spades champagne.

The Building (69 Knutsford Blvd., tel. 876/906-1828 or 876/906-1829), formerly known as the Asylum nightclub, was renamed and transformed in 2009 from a New Kingston landmark nightclub into a ready-to-go rental venue with sound system, lighting, and bars. The venue features regular promotions like ladies' night on Tuesdays and Street Vybz Thursdays, hosted by Vybz Kartel. The continuity of such events cannot be guaranteed, so call ahead. The admission cost is based on the specific function, typically ranging from US$4 to US$12.

Limelight (Half Way Tree Entertainment Complex, 5–7 Hagley Park, tel. 876/908-0841) is a popular bar that hosts several promoters each week for independent parties which typically run from midnight to 5 a.m. Bounty Sundays is promoted by veteran dancehall master Bounty Killer, Hot Mondays is hosted by Fire Links, Boasy Tuesdays, a.k.a. Blazey Blazey, is hosted by dance master Blazey, and Expression Thursdays is hosted by the Dance Expressions troupe.

Fiction (Unit #6, Marketplace, 67 Constant Spring Road, tel. 876/631-8038, fictionloungeja@gmail.com, www.fictionloungeja.com, 6 p.m.–4 a.m. Mon.–Sat., cover typically US$12) is the newest Uptown nightclub in Kingston, with a popular ladies' night on Thursdays. Call or go online for actual event schedules. Fiction quickly became a magnet for Jamaica's young elite partygoers after opening in early 2009. It offers a varied bar menu and a wide selection of local and imported liquors, with a Johnny Walker whiskey bar, a cordoned off VIP section, and elegant styling that would be just as at home in the trendiest Miami or New York hot spot.