Velvet Dog   

Transporting the sweaty vibe of Old River Road into the swankier Warehouse District, the aptly named Velvet Dog is part luxurious lounge, part feral beast. The "Velvet" half of its moniker refers to the soft, cuddly decor, which, similar to that of its next-door neighbor (and sister venue) Sushi Rock, is lushly illuminated in neon colors and gussied up with plenty of postmodern eye candy, from the three-story bar's omnipresent spiral pattern to tiki-and-bamboo-bedecked patio, which offers terrific views of the Warehouse District and the Cleveland skyline. On the "Dog" end of things is the fervor of the place, which at its best is a wild, animalistic dance party (featuring standard dancehall sounds -- a little bit techno, a little bit rock 'n' roll) and at its worst is just animalistic -- a meat market. Just goes to show, you can't take the Dog out of the Warehouse District.