- Photos:
-
The scene: Considering the place used to be uninspiring office space, the owners of PUSH and DeSanto have given this historic building a refreshing renovation. The brick patio creates anatmosphere that transports you. Push invokes that New York feel with a Miami vibe. You might think you aren't in St Petersburg anymore when you walk into Push.The entrance comes complete with a flowing waterfall accented in multi-colored lights and intimate bistro tables. Having dinner by the fountains adds a little bit of romance too! Upstairs, the hanging woodwork may make you feel like you were just swallowed by a whale. One step inside and you'll know exactly what we're talking about. Swank décor, elegant glassware, and rockin' music await you. DJ Lux, one of Push's resident DJs spins some of the best Mash ups around of your old school favorites. The night I visited, she (yes SHE!) mixed a little LL Cool J into some Aerosmith. Now that is what I call cool. It gets crowded on Friday and Saturdays so get there early, because you will be waiting outside if you don't. And the bouncers aren't easy, so expect to wait unless you follow my advice in the insider portion of this column, and get to know them.If you want to be seen, the upstairs roof deck is the place to be.
The rooftop bar has the shortest line. It's beautiful up there when the weather is great. VIP tables and beds scattered around make the perfect setting for a romantic evening. That said, there's not much of a dance scene though. So if grooving is what you want, head back downstairs to the main room. Crowd is a little more sophisticated here than some other clubs in the area, and it makes for a very nice change from the typical bar crowd. Expect to see designer shoes, purses, and some rather pretty people. Salt-N- Pepa said it right...
The drinks: The drinks are STRONG, so if you order a double, it's in a HUGE glass. Opt for the small cool square ones they have. As for a recommendation I have just one: Pomegranate Mojito. Enough said. If you drink nothing else, drink this. Even if you don’t like mojitos, drink one. Fidel might give up the communist regime if he new Cuba tasted this good. The secret to all their infusion based cocktails is a local attorney who made his flavors for friends only. After attending one of his soirees, the Push owners convinced him to bottle it, and now the benefit is passed on to you, the consumer. Margaritas also come in all the flavors of the mojitos. Go see Storm at the upstairs bar or Lucy for VIP table service. Both are quick and make a strong drink.
Insider tips: Valet Parking is available at night, and if you can, call ahead to get a table for Push on the weekends. They usually book by Tuesday. Bottle minimums are reasonable here and are well worth it. Also, Push is serving a late night menu until 2 am with yummy bar snacks to go, you can’t beat that. Get a wristband for upstairs too. How do you do that? Start going a lot. Make sure they know you. That wristband keeps you from waiting in line to get to the roof.
The Bottom Line: Break out those stilettos ladies, because the food is good and the music is hot…
Please log in to comment