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Most Exclusive Nightclubs In Orange County

Women arrive to enter a nightclub during
(credit: VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images)

The exclusive sensational vibrations of stepping into summer are here and the time is right for clubbing in OC. Orange County offers some of the most elite, exclusive, edgy nightclubs. From the most upscale venues, to secret gems, to trending hot spots, there is an eclectic range of options for finding access in obtaining the seemingly unobtainable treasures. Tips on access for getting inside the clubs include being a loyal consistent customer, looking online for special ways to get on the guest list, networking and bringing your friends as a group, dressing with your best look for the vibe of a specific club, carrying a realistically confident but polite attitude, considering the potential advantages of cash on hand and arriving just ahead of time as the club is still needing your presence in filling it. Here are five of the most exclusive nightclubs for your celebratory enjoyment in this hot, elite Orange County scene.

sutra
(credit: Sutra)

Sutra
Triangle Square
1870 Harbor Blvd., Suite A-200
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 722-7103
www.sutraoc.com

In its second decade, Sutra's special events and VIP opportunities make it a happening spot. LMFAO, Snoop Dogg, Paul Oakenfold and so many more have come to the Sutra nightclub. The parking is free and is well lighted. And despite the relatively small dance floor and impressively large prices, many find themselves coming back again and again for the musical, tactile and visual experience of this classic club.

velvet lounge
(credit: Vic C./Yelp)

Velvet Lounge
416 W. 4th St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 232-8727
www.velvetoc.com

The Velvet Lounge is known for being a fun, upscale venue with an elite atmosphere of quality entertainment. At OC's newest gay venue, everyone is welcome. The Velvet Lounge is known for a friendly vibe. The "exclusive lower level" is referred to as the "Velvet Underground," so Lou Reed can fully enjoy a walk on the wild side here.

Ten Nightclub
(credit: Ten Nightclub)

Ten Nightclub
4647 MacArthur Blvd.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 660-1010
www.tenoc.com

The Ten Nightclub offers no pretense of being anything other than a pure nightclub with absolute ambition for sensory overload, openly and boldly declaring itself the "most exclusive nightclub" in the entire county. The flashing lights from the aerial LED, the ultra-modern sound system, the electronic pop hooks and the eye-candy don't suggest a place that is trying too hard, but it may suggest a venue that hopes your neurology will bring you onto the dance floor. This self-described "classy and decadent" club with a VIP section creates the sensation of a Vegas vibe and does not hesitate to charge for this experience. Ten Nightclub is one desire-inducing groove that is certainly impossible to forget.

Related: Best Places To Discover New Music In OC

Bravo Nightclub
(credit: Bravo Nightclub)

Bravo Nightclub
1490 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 533-2291
www.clubbravo.com

Bravo Nightclub focuses on customer satisfaction even more than just giving you a buzz. Free parking and great music including Spanish rock are hallmarks that are consistently well-received here. The price is much more reasonable than one would expect for the quality level. A welcoming atmosphere, a gothic/hipster vibe and a VIP/birthday section all combine to make this appealing nightclub one that embodies a significant degree of the best qualities of OC nightclubs as a whole.

The Wayfarer
(credit: The Wayfarer)

The Wayfarer
843 W. 19th St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 642-0600
www.wayfarercm.com

In this eclectic, genre-defying and friendly Costa Mesa nightclub, there is an exceptionally wide-ranging variety of options. Electro, house, rare groove and underground hip hop are all taken for a spin by professional DJs. The sound system brings sultry summer beats. This is a great way to get into a Silver Lake-type nightclub here in OC.

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Will Engel is a musician and music journalist with eight years of experience. A graduate of Wesleyan University, Will is a singer, keyboardist/pianist, and songwriter who released a well-received album and frequently performs around Southern California. He lives in the Los Angeles area. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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