It’s not much from the outside: just a neon sign on a nondescript storefront in the former Downtown Tire and Auto building. Club 216’s entrance is actually around back facing South Street. You have to climb a rickety metal staircase — the kind you might find on scary carnival rides — and go through a mysterious unmarked black door on the second floor. And then voila! you’re in. That is, if you’re a member of this private dance club catering mostly to local gay males. Much of the appeal of Club 216 lies in its exclusiveness. Of course this is an illusion, too — anyone can become a member — but it’s fun to pretend. You need to apply for membership at least 24 hours before you plan to party, and you will be promptly disbarred for violence, drugs, weapons or gay-bashing.

The inside of the club is decorated in black and jewel tones and divided into two sections: the dance floor side, and what they call the “Bar 1” side. Mirrors surround the dance floor, and Bar 1 is graced with a huge jungle-themed mural. Three DJs share duties, playing a mix of house, techno and rave music. Drag shows and other special events are held a few times a month, and the club is the primary sponsor of Miss Gay Charlottesville. Once in a while they’ll have a live band, but the emphasis is really on DJ-driven dancing ’til the wee hours (they stay open until 4am on weekends). You don’t need to be gay to get in, but you’d better at least be gay-friendly. —Kim Mattingly