Review: Horizon Boutique Nightclub at Harry’s in St. Louis

Horizon Boutique Nightclub at Harry’s
2144 Market St., St. Louis, 314.421.6969, horizonatharrys.com

For sheer density of carefully primped creeps, boozed-up gym rats, would-be power players and overdressed gold-diggers frantically texting the night away, few nightspots rival Harry’s for people watching during peak outdoor social season. During the weekend blitz, the patio teems with hordes that descend on the institution to troll for digits, stand in line for shots, and avoid making eye contact with and/or tipping the ubiquitous bathroom attendants. Ever the consummate after-hours destination, Harry’s has recently taken steps to avoid showing its age. Enter Horizon Boutique Nightclub – a slick little newcomer primed to keep Harry’s late-night scene active year-round. It would be easy to dismiss Horizon as little more than another ready-made lounge. Like its big brother, the bar is hardly as exclusive as it portends to be. (Any self-proclaimed hot shot who can handle a $5 cover charge can count himself included in the social elite.) Plus, ahem, sure it’s visible, but the actual view of the downtown horizon is fairly mediocre. Nonetheless, the new little club has its charms. Take, for instance:

The Crowd Sure, maybe a few of the aforementioned regulars take themselves and their outfits seriously, but when it comes down to it, they’re the exception. Most people are there for the show. Train wrecks never get old. And Horizon (like Harry’s) has a way of drawing on one’s morbid fascination with “it’s so bad, it’s good” entertainment. Saturday night is no exception. An hour or so before midnight, the entrance starts to fill with random gaggles of 20-something ladies who strut their way onto the patio for a quick cigarette before ducking into the club to grab a cocktail. Before long, they’re on the dance floor and by 1:30 a.m., the small space (Capacity is 250 or so.) is nearly overflowing with fashionable types pushing their way to the center of the action.

The Space From the central spot behind Horizon’s new bar, the resident DJ holds reign over the dance floor – spinning great mixes of forgotten ’80s and ’90s tracks along with the standard top-40 hits. Formerly a dining room, the 3,000 square feet that now house the club is more classically dressed (Think fireplaces and chandeliers instead of strobe lights.) than the standard minimalist tones found in most upscale dance venues. Compared to its contemporaries, Horizon (unlike its rowdy clientele) is tastefully understated. Deep purple and gold lights stream across the dance floor that’s encircled by the massive suede-covered bar and a handful of tall booths that hug the windows. These seats are snatched up quickly, not only because they offer a respite from the dancing, but also thanks to their view of the platforms where various leather- and lace-clad go-go dancers strut to the music above the crowd. Flanking the DJ and a few steps up is a private section with a row of VIP tables that look down on all the action. Here, reserve parties enjoy personal bottle service and their own private bathroom (nice touch). Stick around long enough after midnight and you will bear witness to certain special effects such as liquid nitrogen jets that release cold fumes into the crowd.

The Booze isn’t bad. Get there before midnight, and you’ll enjoy the run of a fully stocked bar with all the high-end favorites you can imagine, including the ubiquitous lineup of flavored vodkas, which are ably mixed. There is a cocktail menu, but during high tide, if you can reach the bar at all, you’ll want to stick to the basics (domestic bottles and straight shots). For something more substantial (i.e. a well-crafted dry martini or an Old-Fashioned laced with rye), simply step outside to Harry’s main bar, where your money is still welcome and the bartenders are, as always, class acts.  

Ultimately, Horizon is an enjoyable add-on to a classic temple of upscale debauchery. Though imaginative, the club, under its own steam, would likely run aground (as most upstart lounges do) within a year or two. Luckily, it doesn’t have to.