Allow me to explain my 2 star rating.
8-1/2 lounge and Piranha nightclub are essentially two rather different clubs annexed together. I do not come to this nightlife amalgamation for 8-1/2. I come for its sister club.
As I've said before in other reviews, I detest the watered down hip-hop that passes for Top 40 music nowadays. I like even less the crowd that such an atmosphere attracts. And this is the crap that 8-1/2 plays all the time.
The decor isn't bad. I like the draperies over the couches. They have a pool table and a Pacman machine.
I'd describe the people who hang out on the 8-1/2 side as "gay douchebag lite."
I hate the damned bartenders, though. They are notorious for their inability to set consistent drink prices. I've bought well vodka sodas for $5, $8, and $7 over the course of a single night, ALL FROM THE SAME BARTENDER. They also charged me $3 for a soft drink. Criminal.
Piranha, on the other hand, plays dance/trance/house, has great gogo dancers, and a happenin' dance floor. Be cool, like me. Don't stay in 8-1/2.