Aqua Lounge

You can hear this small south-side club before you see it. Set back on a small lot, the place doesn't seem big enough to be this loud, but what the hey. Club music, especially mainstream radio hits gussied up with house beats, is meant to be heard, with volumes so loud that your heart adjusts its rhythm to the bass. Despite its swank glowing blue bar and prominently displayed liquor selection, Aqua doesn't have the mixers required for many standard shots. Can they make kamikazes? No. Lemon Drops? No. Mix us something fruity? Gotcha. Although a non-St. Louisan might not notice the telltale signs, this is a primarily Bosnian hangout - just look for the espresso machine on the bar and the scores of attractive people who are just too pretty to be native Midwesterners. Bring cash, but don't bring your camera: They don't accept plastic, and they don't want you taking any pictures.