Nightshift: Flavor Fridays at Indigo

In. Dig? Go.
by Kalani Wilhelm / 10-29-2008
Give Mayor Mufi credit for revitalizing Chinatown, but Fridays at Indigo get the props and praises for rejuvenating the area’s night scene.

It may go with little fanfare or acknowledgement by some, but the First Friday staple isn’t downtown’s longest-running weekly party by accident.

As the core of the recent downtown nightlife makeover, Flavor Fridays cook up a well-balanced product that separates itself from the all too familiar carbon-copy experiences found in Waikiki, Aloha Tower or Ward Center.

While new, trendy, over-hyped ultra-lounges seem to be popping up everywhere these days, Indigo draws its share of the best fun seekers in Honolulu.

Three rooms, each with its own distinct vibe, help mesh the variety of personal styles, ethnicities and music tastes. Although on crowded nights conditions can be uncomfortable and muggy no matter which room you choose to hang in, people clearly will trade a little bit of perspiration for good times. Instead of caring about being seen, it’s more about the scene for the young professionals and party pros at this down-to-earth hot spot.

On the drinking front, expect elbow-to-elbow space at all three bars, so it’s wise to order and keep it moving. With the loud music and constant people traffic around you, your best bet for social stimulation will be in the all-too-narrow hallway that connects each room and the open-air patio area adjacent from the main entrance. Wherever you find yourself, you’re bound to find others, and lots of them, so don’t come if you have personal space issues.

Goldie, Mark Farina, Rhettmatic and Shortkut are just a few of the global rockstar DJs who have graced the turntable decks at Indigo, which scores big points with those passionate about their music. You won’t find the promoter or owner looking over the DJ’s shoulder trying to dictate song selection at this joint. The music is in good hands with credible groove theorists Sovern-T, Lava and Quiksilva in charge.

Halloween downtown is a unique experience in itself, and Indigo plans to let it all hang out with tricks and treats and signature beats. Call it the perfect alternative to the Waikiki madness and get straight to the party without all the parking problems and bumper to bumper traffic.


Indigo
Get Fresh: Flavor Fridays
1121 Nu’uanu Ave.

Getting In: $10, 21+, Bring ID
Dress Code: Ezekiel, Bamboo Sky, Sean John, Ed Hardy
Soundtrack: “Love Lockdown,” Kanye West, “Electric Avenue,” Eddy Grant, “Body on Me,” Ashanti
Sightings: Christy Turlington, Lanai Tabura, Killowattz Da Mongoose, Molly Watanabe
Signature Drinks: $5 Newcastle, $6 Crown and Coke, $6 Vodka Red Bull