Twist Ultra Lounge (Club Scene)

Although only open for the past two months, Twist Ultra Lounge and Dance is the up and coming downtown scene. The club is welcoming for all types of people. “Comfort is the key ingredient here,” states Josh Jones, owner of the establishment.

“We don’t really have a dress code here,” says Jones. “We want everyone to feel very welcome and comfortable.”

Twist is a very spacious and elegant club. And yet is very welcoming and warm. It is meant to draw in anyone who wants more than just another drinking spot. There is plenty of seating for everyone and a large dance floor for those who feel the music moving them.

Jones is actually a Rome native, but came to Syracuse to pursue his own version of the “American dream.” He has done that by opening several businesses including a local magazine, some real estate, and now Twist Ultra Lounge and Dance.

Jones felt that by opening Twist he was adding a “twist of uniqueness” missing from the Syracuse dance scene.

“I felt that Syracuse needed some rejuvenation in the club area,” says Jones. He chose the position of the club to be close to others around so that the patrons could have easy access to all possibilities of clubs in Syracuse.

The lounge is located at 252 West Genesee Street in downtown Syracuse. It is open Tuesday thru Sunday 4:00pm to 2:00am. The club is open to those 18 years and over.

“Twist is a very sheik, New York city style club,” explains Jones. He goes on to explain that even though the club is very metropolitan, it is also aimed to be comfortable to all who choose to come.

Twist has a variety of themes for the lounge as well. From a piano bar and cabaret to just being a dance club, Twist is always exciting. Even on cold and snowy nights, the club is hopping. Twist also has college night every Thursday. The cabaret nights are on Friday and Saturday.

Jones says he likes to put a lot of detail and planning into the theme nights. He feels that Twist is the club that it is because of the themes. He also explains that Twist has the only piano bar in Syracuse.

Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are dance parties. And during the week, the club has a very lounge atmosphere to it.

“We try to really mix it up well,” states Jones. He explains that the club is not just for drinking. It’s always a party at Twist.

Although the lounge doesn’t offer food, during some of the parties, Twist offers basic snacks and there are some finger foods available. Twist does offer a full bar with many exciting drink specials. This includes the $3 Long Island Ice Tea.

Even though Twist has a small staff, Jones brags about the fact the club is always busy and hopping with the local night life.

Jones brags about Twist by stating that there is a quality focus on everything. Nothing is too small to pay attention to the details.

Jones isn’t just part of the background of the club. He likes to get into the mix as well. He helps with some of the bartending and busing when necessary. “I’m very hands on,” Jones explains.

Although the website is still in progress for Twist, patrons can locate specials and theme announcements on Facebook.

“Twist is really evolving into a local hot spot. People are really enthusiastic about what we’re doing here,” exclaims Jones.

Twist also offers give a ways on the weekends. It gives away anything from movie tickets to CDs. Some of these offers have recently been the new Brittany Spears CD and movie tickets to Burlesque.

“I really like the club the way it is,” says Jones. “It’s really unique. I feel it’s a very classy joint. And it adds some much needed energy to the local scene.”

Once again, comfort is the key. Jones appreciates the quality of his club and makes sure that every patron feels welcome and wants to come back, again and again.

By Alisha Tondro, for Table Hopping – with Central New York Nightlife!

Published in January 2011 in Syracuse, NY

http://www.table-hopping.com/articles/Jan11clubscene2.html