Stir Things Up When The Sun Goes Down
“THE NIGHTS COME ALIVE WITH THE AREA’S HOTTEST CLUBS.”
– By Anthony Head
805 Magazine , October, 2005 – It’s been so hot of late that most of us wait anxiously for the sun to go down. But then we don’t really take advantage of nightime in the area. You could be forgiven for thinking there’s nothing to do after dinner. After all, while the Conejo Valley has always been a great place for Sunday mornings, until recently it’s been a lousy destination for Saturday nights.
In the last few years, though, the nightlife has grown up around here. Real places with real after-hours entertainment can be found. And while our slice of Southern California might not have all the glitz and glamour of Vegas or the Sunset Strip, nights finally have a life all their own. The question, “What do you want to do tonight?” actually has some exciting answers.
Well, we’ve done the leg work for you. We’ve found the hottest spots, imbibed the best cocktails, and found the most enthusiastic crowds. Whether you want to be a part of the velvet rope generation or just yearn to hear “Last call!” come from the bartender, we’ve got the nocturnal spot for you. So call the baby-sitter, TiVo Law & Order, and get thee to a nightclub. This is the 805—after dark.
Redefining the very nature of nightlife around the Conejo Valley. Brad Finefrock and his design and management team turned heads back in 2004 by opening the swank P6 Restaurant & Lounge in Westlake Village . This year. he upped the ante with Chapter 8 Steakhouse & Dance Lounge in Agoura Hills, hitting on the can’t – miss combination of unabashedly hip decor, thick, juicy steaks, and go-go dancers.
“I wanted to update the old world steakhouse with contemporary design,” says Finefrock. “I wanted it to be sexy, sophisticated, and modern.” Well, Chapter 8 is so modern it’s practically retro. The interior is done up entirely in red, black, and sparkle. Nearly everything with the exception of the crystal chandeliers seems to be made of leather.
The food is consistent with the mod-elegant atmosphere. Chef Eddy Shin, formerly of Los Angeles ‘ celebrated Nick & Stef’s. anchors the dinner side of the 8,000-square-foot facility with a spectacular menu of steaks and chops. After dinner, guests stroll through a red leather tunnel to emerge into the lounge. There are booths lined with upholstered walls, a circle bar poised between the indoor and outdoor areas, an elevated deejay stage-and. did we mention there are go-go dancers on the weekends?
Needless to say, Chapter 8 draws big crowds from all over Southern California . “We always knew we’d be able to attract locals, but at least 50 percent of our clientele comes from Hollywood , Santa Monica , and Malibu,” says Finefrock. With so many invading revelers, our advice is , book early for a weekend reservation.
Chapter 8 Steakhouse & Dance Lounge is located at 29020 Agoura Road in Agoura Hills; Call 818-889-2088 or visit www.chapter8lounge.com
