New night spot designed for those 30 on up
Can’t make it to Vegas? Then make a stop at The Stage. Santa Ana Star Casino has raised the bar at its new nightspot. The Stage offers two levels of luxury that will please those who want to dance, as well as those who want to sit back, sip a signature cocktail and enjoy some good conversation.
Guests are expected to dress up and if you don’t meet the dress code, you don’t get in. The Stage is geared to a 30-and-older crowd for a reason. It was designed to be the opposite of a crowded college bar and is aimed to cater to a more mature clientele. “Nightlife for grown-ups” is what general manager John Cirrincione aimed for. During a recent sneak preview of the venue, Cirrincione said there was something missing from the greater Albuquerque market. He explained that he was looking to create a place where he and his wife could enjoy a fun night out and be around other people with the same desire in nightlife.
“I don’t want to be in an atmosphere where people are aggressive,” Cirrincione said. “I also want it to be a place for a woman who cares about what she wears and who she is with and she’s not fighting cigarette smoke.”
There is a stage for bands and a hardwood dance floor with a stellar light show. The 75,000 watts of sound also is impressive. Cirrincione plans to mix it up with DJs and hopes to bring in bands similar to those who appear at House of Blues and Austin City Limits.
A downstairs bar offers beers from local breweries, as well as a list of savory cocktails.
Bartender Alexandra Edwards suggests the “refreshing” Cucumber Martini and recommends the Irish Coffee Martini with an espresso-tequila base. Bartender Andre Norris suggests the Stella Citrus Sunset because of the drink’s “effervescence” that comes from the citrus soda added to this subtly sweet cocktail.
Illuminated tiles decorate a staircase that leads patrons to an upstairs area that has its own bar and lounging areas. Patrons can look down onto the dance floor and watch the action below or lift their heads to a number of flat screens to see the happenings throughout the venue.
The women’s restroom, adorned with granite countertops, even offers personal lockers where ladies can lock up their purses and other personal belongings.
The venue is nonsmoking, but those who want to take a smoke break can step out to a balcony that overlooks the casino floor. There are other amenities on the second level, including the Sky Level VIP room that can be rented for private parties.
And after a fun night, The Stage also has a plan in place to make sure patrons get home safely by offering rides for patrons and their vehicles. Patrons are only required to tip the drivers, Cirrincione said.