accessAtlanta

OPERA IS ALL that and a bag of nitrogen smoke. What was once eleven50 — a sweatbox of banging techno and rock beats, a venue at times heavy on guest DJs, other times thin on self-assurance — is an opulent kingdom now ready to grab nightlife by the martini.

DAVID GRAVES/Staff (ENLARGE)
The ornate detailing of the original venue has been highlighted in the downtown ATL club, where six VIP boxes loom on the second level. Nine bars scattered inside and on the patio make it easy to get a little nip.
MOST POPULAR STORIES Police: Jeffrey Donovan arrested, suspected of DUI Report: Abdul's return to 'American Idol' doubtful Beastie Boy Adam Yauch has 'very treatable' cancer Fallon's '7th Floor West' is a silly, soapy treat Chris Brown apologizes for Rihanna beating
EMAIL THIS PRINT THIS MOST POPULAR
RELATED LINKS: • Photos: No pretense, just a party at Opera • More nightlife news

The cavernous, open space housed a grand opera in the '20s. Eleven50 owners, who took over the joint about six years ago, wanted to bring back some historical luster, so two months and $2.5 million later, Baroque never looked so sexy.

THE HIGH NOTE

When you first enter Opera, gaze upward. If the eight breathtaking chandeliers over the expanded dance floor don't impress you, maybe the all-new hardwood flooring will. Or the retractable DJ booth, where DJ Kevin Dispain kicks out rock classics, R&B and pop with high techno and house sensibilities.

The ornate detailing of the original opera house has been highlighted with rich reds, golds and greens. There are six VIP opera boxes (each with a flat-screen TV) looming from the second level, and several walls have been knocked out for better flow. Nine bars scattered inside and on the patio make sure the walk isn't long for a little nip.

SPACE, EVERYWHERE

Other than the dance floor under the cool bursts of nitrogen smoke, the patio is the place to be. Think Miami chic. There's garden with a water fountain and a pool with a waterfall. In between are six cabanas and DJ Sky spinning grooves. It's the perfect place to chill, mingle or cuddle.

Another hideaway is the indoor rear gallery, an olive-green space where local artists will have a chance to showcase their pieces.

BODIES & BOOZE

The crowd here is festive with party folks clad in silk dresses, creased slacks and jeans — even

tiaras and boas — having a good time. These 20- and 30-somethings don't take themselves too seriously.

But Opera could use some help in the cocktail department. The Long Island Iced Teas, at 10 bucks a pop, come from tired pre-mix bottles. I asked someone else about his mixed drink. The response? "It sucks." Cocktails here don't justify the steep prices.

SOUND IT OUT

Stellar sound systems rocking Pet Shop Boys next to Diddy, Michael Jackson, and Dead or Alive is a credit to the mix masters appealling to the diverse clientele.

THE 411: $10-$40. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Space available for rental. Area parking lots, $7-$15. Cosmopolitan attire, no caps or tennis shoes. Dressed-up jeans are OK. 1150 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-872-1150, www.operaatlanta.com.