You might have seen the mystery building if you've had to sit in traffic on the merge from I-35 north onto 635. Beyond the bright red Trail Dust barn and the Spearmint Rhino, the plain white square with a big "B" on it looks a little boring. But what is it? A strip club? A building supply company?
Photos by JASON JANIK/Special Contributor
Grab a table (if you can find one) and enjoy the buffet offerings and beverages at Beamers.
No and no. It's Beamers, a new hotspot for the "grown and sexy." People from their mid-20s and up come here for a casual good time and wallet-friendly food and drinks.
Upon arrival, guests are checked in at the front by men in suits at the computer. Very hotel lobby-esque. When you see the ice sculpture glittering on the buffet line under the chandeliers, though, you might think you have stepped onto a cruise ship. The unassuming white building is doing a good job of keeping a fun secret.
The scene: On the inside, Beamers looks like a hybrid of a grand ballroom at a hotel and Grand Central Station. Even at 7 p.m. on a Thursday, it's stuffed with people bustling about, laughing and dancing. The floors are cement and the chandeliers are crystal – a blend of industrial and elegant. It's dimly lit, with spotlights on the bars, buffet and dance floor. The only light in the dining areas comes from the pillars that softly glow blue and red. They have "mood lighting" figured out.
The vibe: Easygoing. By the time I arrived at 7:30 p.m., there was not an empty table anywhere. I stood with my full plate in one hand and a fork-stabbed ham-steak in the other – neither comfortable nor ladylike. A couple who saw my struggle to eat while standing offered me a seat at their table. As some of my friends arrived, more people offered table space and chairs.
The music: On Thursdays the G-Spot band performs, mixing R&B, jazz and soul. The DJ spins hip-hop in between sets (think Usher and Beyoncé). There are also swing-dancing lessons at 8 p.m. On Friday, the DJ spins old-school hip-hop. On Saturdays, DJ Kayotik adds dance and R&B.
What people are wearing: Patio dresses or jeans with halter-tops for the ladies. Jeans and polos or dress shirts for guys. Be sure to wear some comfy shoes, because even if you don't dance, there's a lot of walking around to do here.
The smoke factor: Nada ... anywhere.
The drink: Vodka drinks and bottled beer are $2 on Thursday and Friday.
Parking: Valet is available, but there are plenty of self-parking spaces. Bonus – the lot is well-lit.
Seen and heard: After the "Cupid Shuffle," another line-dance-style song came on. Some were trying to learn by watching the feet of their neighbors, then violently crashed into the skilled dancers. It was like watching live dominoes.
The bottom line: On Thursdays and Fridays, you can eat like a king for $5, then burn off the calories from the third round of sweet potato pie by dancing your butt off on the enormous dance floor. Dinner and exercise under one roof ... genius.
The details: Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. 2443 Walnut Hill Lane. $5 on Thursday and Friday, $10-$20 on Saturday. 214-902-6490. beamersclub.com.