The velvet rope: that symbol of everything that stands between you and getting your party on. Blame the original El Morocco for this sign of exclusivity. The popular bar, which started in the 30s, saw the likes of Jacqueline Onassis and the Vanderbilts, and banned Humphrey Bogart for life. With a guest list like that, no wonder they started roping off the plebes.

During the late 90s, the reputation of the place was not as upstanding- it operated as a topless bar. Since the property was sold to condo developers, the city has been lacking in the Latin flavor, which is why El Morocco has returned with a new location, ready to evoke the old school glam characteristic of the original. The new nightclub and theatre is decked out in the zebra motif of the older era- used to identify the El Morocco in newspaper pictures of celebs out on the town; new management have also added soft lit white palm trees and a leopard themed room with mahogany bar and separate stage and sound system. Live Latin entertainment plays Merengue, Salsa, and Reggaeton, and frequent guest djs spin a range of music, all of it dance inspiring. Whether the place will attract the same crowd of socialites and celebrity royalty , and thus put that infamous velvet rope to good use, remains to be seen. –C.S.