Fuego Nightclub — Restaurant in Tacoma

So, I couldn't get a straight answer about this place. Finally, I went there. Here's how it works.

I went Saturday night. It cost $25.00 at the door, as there was a Halloween costume contest. Normally, it's $20. The doors opened at around 9:45, though Google said 9:30. They "weren't ready yet." We all froze in line.

Once you get in, the place is clean and nice. There are either 2 or 3 bars. The tenders were nice and friendly. You can pay $5.00 to check your coat/purse. The restroom is clean.

If you want to sit, you need to pay for that, extra. It's pricey. And I understand you should do that ahead of time, but no one confirmed. They have a number of groupings of leather upholstered couches for RSVP and a few tables, also for RSVP. They are package priced and come with drinks. Otherwise, you can stand. I was told there are unreserved tables, but I couldn't find one and I was one of the first in line.

The dance floor is mid-sized. People were dancing with drinks and spilling them all over it. It was packed.

The music is not what I was expecting. I was thinking "dance class salsa and bachata tunes." Nope. This is like Latin "house", if I had to describe it. It was not danceable for me. It was syncopated beats. Add to the noise, frequent air horns blasted by gorgeous, scantily-clad coctail waitresses. They use fog/bubble guns and air horns and sparklers and whistles (yes, gym teacher whistles) to bring joy/attention to certain VIP reserved groups. It's LOUD. The music was extraordinarily loud, and I go to music venues often. Zero conversation is possible here.

I was driving, so I ordered a diet coke. $9.62....before tip. Diet coke. Yup. I asked if there were free refills.

Almost all in attendance were 20-something couples. Everyone was dressed well. Those not in costumes were in semi-formal attire or dressed appropriately for a provocative music video with all of their assets showcased. Lots of skin.

No one was doing fancy salsa moves. Everyone was just mostly swaying to the monotonous cadence of the synthesized beat. It reminded me of The Sims.

I cut my losses and left after just over an hour. There was a long line of folks waiting to be allowed inside. I'm sure it was being kept below fire code. Besides the dance floor, there was plenty of space to wander around. There was security all over, and everything seemed up to code. With how poorly the Latino community is treated in this area, I'm sure they have to watch their P's and Q's.

Needless to add, I will not be returning. If I want to try out my Latin moves, I'll go on Fridays to Century...

This place has potential, but there's a lot that needs to be changed in order for it to really work. I called a couple weeks before to find out the best time to arrive , pricing and other general information. I was told over the phone that it was a 15 dollars cover but on Fridays it ladies night when I arrived with my husband on Friday it was 20 dollars not 15 as I was told. Security was very thorough, howeverthe atmosphere was a little bit off. The employees try to upsell you as soon as you get in the door. The music was extremely loud and I go dancing a lot. Almost every single table was VIP so you have to pay to sit down which I think is ridiculous. Even the bar top tables that were right next to the dance floor were VIP. The drinks were very expensive, it costs over 20 dollars for 1 drink and a bottle of water. The music was not very danceable. Unless you are an experienced Latin music dancer, I would not attempt it. At 11:30 we were literally the only two people on the dance floor. The dj did not Transition songs very smoothly and there is a definite overuse of air horns. Honestly, I'm rather disappointed to see that this is what Tacoma has to offer in the dancing scene. Looks like I'll be driving to Seattle for a reasonably priced good time with music I can...

My friends and I went here for the first time last night. I will say it is expensive. We got there a little after 930. It was 50 dollars if you wanted a table. The girl also said it's 450 for I think the VIP? But I could honestly barely hear. The music was extremely loud lol. There wasn't many people there until around 1130pm. That's when we started dancing. We really enjoyed the music, but the transitions were weird at times. The bathrooms were super clean but kind of small to get in and out. I would honestly go again. The drinks were spendy as well. They are double over here then what Silverstone is...but the staff is wonderful