Aura Resturant & Lounge

Came here with a group of friends for Memorial Day weekend and what a complete waste of time. Maybe I’m too used to how things work in NYC with good music and all. The spot is located in a small shopping center, and there’s about 10 bouncers at the door ready to check you. The bouncers seem friendly and there isn’t much of a dress code — women never really have a code, but I was able to get in with flat sandals, and as for the men, they were able to come in with shorts and decent sneakers. My cousin ordered a Long Island iced tea. For a baby cup that was $ 11, I would at they very least expect it to be strong, but sadly it seemed the bartender was heavy on the Sprite. The atmosphere was decent. the VIP sections were good. The crowd was heavy on beautiful tall women, but the men? Where were y’all? The dj was not my favorite. Although he played some top 40 and a hint of reggae, it most mostly southern trap. For a spot that closes at 2, and for it to be a holiday weekend, I thought this place was gonna be poppin. This place felt like a forced middle school dance. no one was really dancing together. I could’ve stayed at home, played music and got more action than that. We were out of there by 12:45.

This review is strictly on the THUrSDAY NIGHT paint sessions/​happy hour. Happy hour starts at 6pm. The bartender was supper nice and helpful. She didn’t have a drink menu but she is knowledgeable enough to make whatever you want. I ordered a Bahama Mama, it didn’t disappoint at all. I also ordered food with my friends. We tried the steamed shrimp which is seasoned in olé bay. The portion size was kinda small but for $ 7, it’s ok. It also came with fries. We also got mozzarella sticks… They were so good, we had three orders throughout the night. What I liked was even though this was a «paint night», the staff was still there popping In and out to make sure everyone was good and having a nice time. The club is a nice space, clean, roomy. I really enjoyed myself, I plan on visiting more Happy Hours in the future… And also the club itself one of these Saturday nights.
I asked the owner about VIP sections. It’s $ 300 for 5 people, comes with two bottles… One bottle of wine, one bottle of alcohol such as ciroc, Hennessy, jack Daniels, patron, bellair rosè, etc. Not too bad. I follow them on IG, so I know it’s a popping little spot. Worth checking out one of these days, for sure.

This is now called «Aura». Nice club, good music… Drinks are expensive. Went on a Saturday, was told by a promotor I was going to have VIP. When I showed up, name wasn’t even on the list.

I like the atmosphere in element the thing is the dance floor is tiny and if you dont buy an vip booth you really are in an awkward spot. There is not enough room in this place its tables are awkwardly placed making it hard to mingle around. The ladies that were there seemed to be very classy and sexy. This is one of the only spots that i seen with that so that will keep me coming back.

Nice Lil spot. Medium sized lounge area and same for the dance floor. Saturday night was a good crowd. No waiting in line with a $ 15 cover. A real upgrade from the club that used to be here. Maybe ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ ratio. But really ⁷⁰⁄₃₀ women to men if we’re talking availability. Women were polite. Men were respectful. DJ is just Okay. Drinks are not strong if that is what u require. The theme was predominantly reggae but they played some top 40, some east coast anthems, and probably some local stuff too. Only a 3 for a non-​mixing DJ but get a 3 because he did play good songs for the most part. Didn’t eat but the food looked tasty

Saturday night is ladies night and everyone is free before 11. There are no long lines, however. So feel free to get here at 10:45 and get in quickly. Inside, there is ample seating but all the tables, save two, were «reserved.» There’s also booth seating (roped off), and couple of VIP areas. Not surprisingly, the dance floor is considerably small. I got cranberry and vodka and lets just say I felt no buzz, bing, or boop, it was… totally weak and watered down.
The «clientele» is a little young, I’d estimate to be 25 and under, on average. Maybe it’s different on Friday nights? When I went, a fight broke out on the dance floor and the lights were turned on. The DJ proceeded to play «Stomp» and I’m not really sure why. That was our cue to leave.
All in all, IMO, if you are say in your late 20s and up, this spot may not work for you. If you are younger, and need somewhere free to go before 11, have a ball.

Going on a Saturday night, Element was playing reggae music and I loved it. It took a little while for the lounge to fill however once 11 pm came around, the place was jumping. Moderately priced drinks and cover. The décor was nice having that upscale club vibe and the music was loud, very very loud. My ears were ringing when I left. The dance floor is adequate but dancing didn’t really get started until around 1am. I was surely on the dance floor before that. I did enjoy myself and think the next time I go, I’ll make sure to bring more people so we can get the party started early.

**This is a review of Element Lounge not Restaurant. I have not eaten anything from this establishment** I went on a Friday and there was definitely a crowd and the aura of «party» was in the air! There are 2 bars with reasonably priced (and strong) drinks with pool tables and enough seating so those with the too-​tight-​shoes on can take a break. My only criticism is that it is not a club. It is a restaurant in a strip mall in which they move the tables so there is room to dance. Now, that may sound a little harsh, but coming from the DC area I did not see the need to pay a $ 20 admission cover or rock my best «dress-​to-​impress» outfit. The plus side is that if you get there early enough and even in my leggings and boots there were people more under-​dressed than me. :)

Let me start by saying i believe in eating local. However, when the cook comes out the back and says, «can i just take that off your plate and you still take it home?» I have to say this is definitely not a place I can recommend for anything. In fact I encourage anyone to stick to the drinks and club. Caribbean take out or lunch. Heck no. If the cook is brazen enough to walk out and ask you that. What’s he do when you’re not looking? If there was a negative star they’d get it. Especially after I told them that I’m allergic to what’s on the plate and you need to make a new one.

Element is a new club in the building of the old MP Island Café in Virginia Beach. Walking in, I’m excited to smell Caribbean food! Element is nice. They really classed up the place and hopefully won’t fall into the same trap MP Islands. The crowd was mature and nicely dressed and I even saw a few local celebrities (Fam-​lay and Clipse). Nice place, good music, nice vibe. I’ll definitely come back.