Downtown's Belo is the kind of place that makes your eyes go googly. The interior designers had a heyday turning the massive underground space, formerly the notorious E Street Alley, into a costly,colorful, clash-happy flashback to the psychedelic sixties and seventies.
But other things add to the sense of discombobulation, like the teeming hordes packing in on Saturday nights, the loopy trance music spun by celebrity DJs, and the mile-high white go-goboots donned by the cocktail waitresses (I used to be one!). Belo definitely knows how cool it is.

Those with money to spend will have a ball at Belo, especially if they spring for bottle service in one of the private spaces, like the White Room, the Champagne Room, and the aptly named Psychedelic Room. However, those with less disposable income might prefer to pre-party elsewhere. Or at the very least, they should arrive early: cover starts at nine.

Belo's restaurant in the Orange Room is a underappreciated jewel. The best way to sample the chef's widely varied cuisine is by ordering one of the appetizer platters, Green, Red or Orange. The pumpkin ravioli is to-die-for, as is the lobster macaroni and cheese, the various skewers, and the caramelized banana spring rolls. Because there isn't much of a turnover, advance reservations are recommended