Oz   

Enter Oz and there is no mistaking: You are nowhere near Kansas anymore, Dorothy. With multiple floors (the entry-level dance floor is cavernous), absolutely booming music and frenetic lighting, this is dance central on Bourbon Street. The crowd, the music and the lights often spill out into the street. If you need a break from the bump and grind, there is a quieter bar upstairs that opens onto a large wraparound balcony, offering plenty of socializing space. The balcony also offers an excellent view of Bourbon. Oz stays crowded late, and the energy level never dips. Plus, there are different special events every night of the week, such as the Gay Gong Show, Men of Manwatch dancers, Drag Bingo, Dancer of the Week and a Calendar Boy Contest. The cover fluctuates depending on that night's entertainment, and is higher than most places on Bourbon, so check that out before you get in line. Oz is gay-friendly but hardly gay-exclusive. The man behind the curtain is all about the boogie, baby, which makes Oz a must for clubbing aficionados. -- Bill Loehfelm