InCahoots, located in the Brooklyn neighborhood between Riverside/Five Points and Lavilla/Downtown, is located at 711 Edison Avenue. Previously the Third Dimension (3D) in the 1990s, InCahoots has been undergoing a revival of the gay nightlife scene and the growing crowds serve as a testament to its success.
InCahoots is not as large as the multi-room flagship club Metro, but the atmosphere, clientele and drink specials set it apart as a venue worthy of visiting. A small parking lot is available for possibly 20 vehicles, but a new fenced-in lot one block away is now available. Club staff direct visitors to the parking lot and remain for the remainder of the night to provide safety escorts.
The ID and coat check and cashier are the first areas reached when entering the club. The current night specials as well as upcoming events and drink specials are conspicuously posted for reference. The staff are friendly and like to comment on how cute an otherwise unappealing driver’s license picture may be.
After verifying age (18+ only), a large bar is situated to the right. The bar could easily accommodate 20 patrons and service tends to be the fastest at this bar. Also in the area is an ATM that incurs a $2.75 surcharge. From this bar, patrons can proceed to the left, right or forward.
Turning left from the main entrance is a sunken bar that is not open every day of the week, but definitely on Fridays when crowds are the largest. This room has a fully stocked bar, though is probably the smallest of all three. This room is especially appealing because it offers a more intimate atmosphere where friends and strangers alike can converse and not have their words drowned by the music from the dance floor. Attached to this room is a smaller bar area, one some refer to as the cave, because of its small size. It features a few comfortable seats for yet another conversation area.
Exiting right from the “cave” leads to the main bar and dance floor. This bar is usually staffed with two bartenders who tend to be easiest on the eyes. Service is fast, efficient and full of heavy pours, but sometimes service suffers on Friday because of the volume of customers. It is still my favorite bar and the bartenders try their best to ensure each customer enjoys their time at InCahoots even if customers are clamoring for their attention.
The dance floor transitions seamlessly to the main bar where the drag shows take place. The quality of the drag shows has steadily improved and may one day reach the caliber of Metro. Guest performers are frequent and the performances are entertaining.
In between performances, the dance music draws a healthy crowd. In most instances, the songs are familiar remixes that induce dancing with your partner, date or someone you just met that night. It is typical to have little room to dance, especially on Friday nights.
Leaving the dance floor and heading back towards the coat check area are additional seating (bar stools) and tables. Beyond that are two pool tables, a cigarette vending machine, a snack vending machine (chips) and sometimes a variety of food (barbecue, popcorn, bread) to help balance the alcohol. This signifies the establishment providing a responsible atmosphere as their focus is not only on alcohol sales.
Nightly Themes and Specials
Wednesday – Happy Hour All Night
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Music by DJ Eric, formerly of Metro
$1.50 well drinks
$1 drafts
No cover charge
Thursday: Urban Night
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Featuring hip-hop, R&B and house all night
Drag show at 11:30 pm with hostess Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington
Cover
18-20: $8
21+: $5
Happy Hour: 8-9 pm
$2 wells
$2.50 import drafts
$2 domestics
$1 domestic drafts
Friday: All You Can Drink Specials
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$20 well drinks
$10 drafts
Saturday: Urban Night
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First well or draft free with cover
$1 domestic drafts all night
Sunday
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2-for-1 drinks all night
$2 domestics
Customer Profile
Gender distribution: Approximately 80% male, 20% female or otherwise ambiguous LOL
Sociability: Possibly attributed to the laid-back atmosphere, men and women mingle and socialize with each other without feeling forced or fake
Dress code: Ranging from revealing to casual and cosmopolitan; all are welcome to come dressed to make them feel comfortable while enjoying a night out. Leather and chaps are seen, as are Abercrombie and Hollister. Even corporate attire is seen, such as an oxford, dress slacks and professionally shined shoes
What a First-Time Visitor Should Know
Pretentiousness is mostly absent from InCahoots. Signs of disinterest from new “pursuits” are generally handled tactfully and without drama. There are enough types of customers to make a new friend for the night. The bartenders are just as varied in their personalities, so it is easy to find one who will cater to you and make a concerted effort to remember your favorite drink or suggest a new one.
Why a First-Time Visitor Should Visit
This is Jacksonville’s gay Cheers.
