Aura   

407 Glenwood Ave
Raleigh, NC 27603
919-831-1111
www.raleighnitelife.com

Directions   Email   Send to Cell  

Don't be fooled by the subterranean location of Aura Lounge--behind its black doors lies an inner sanctum of groove. The decor here is sleek and contemporary, but on weekend nights it's barely visible since every square inch of the club is packed with twenty and thirtysomethings who look good enough to pass the velvet rope and have enough money to handle stiff bar tabs (cocktails easily cost more than $5 even though they come in plastic cups). If you want to save a little change, arrive before 11PM and you'll miss the cover charge. The dance floor stays packed as DJs pound out tunes until around 3AM. Since the dance floor is smack in middle of everything, maneuvering from one place to the other means literally rubbing elbows with everyone you pass, so if you're uneasy about your personal space this may not be the place for you. On the upside, Aura is smoke-free; if you need a cig, don't despair--the outdoor patio is a smoker's haven that's heated during the cold months.