From Underwater Speakeasies to Cyberpunk Lounges: 12 SL Bar picks
Pictured - Mirabel Syn-Erotes, Otaku Bar (The Continental)
Second Life has hundreds of bars and lounges with a wide variety of styles, designs and entertainment offerings.
Having been to a great many of them, I’ve selected a collection of twelve standout destinations. These venues are not just places but experiences that encapsulate adventure and romance, making them perfect for an enchanting evening out, especially with Valentine's Day just around the corner. They also largely act as a gateway to more attractions in the surrounding area, which I talk about.
However, their appeal isn't confined to special occasions; these spots promise a delightful visit any day of the year.
For clarity, I’ve listed these in alphabetical order instead of any order of preference.
A note on membership - except for Sanctum, which has open days, my picks are available for anyone to visit. However, a few (Valmoor, The Continental, Empire Omerta) group gate certain elements. I’ve indicated where this is the case.
After Taste Lounge
Many people are familiar with the insanely popular After Taste Spa.
But for me, the real highlight can be found upstairs. There, you’ll discover owner Ruby Riotz's masterfully designed lounge area.
This space is imbued with a sexy, modern ambience, enhanced by meticulously curated lighting. It features a cosy side room equipped with a pool table, providing an intimate setting for guests.
Pictured - Ruby Riotz
The lounge frequently hosts live DJ events, offering a vibrant social scene. Whether you want to spend quality time with friends or enjoy a romantic evening with a significant other, AfterTaste Lounge is a splendid choice.
The Arcade
The Arcade is the kind of venue where I've whiled away many late hours in RL. Having only opened last month, it’s a subterranean music-themed pub that echoes the ambience of ones I've encountered in cities in Europe and North America.
Pictured - Nura Nura (nura2001)
Built by MisterX Schechter and co-owned with Valentina, it exudes that same dimly lit, shadowy atmosphere characteristic of basement clubs and bars, right down to the graffiti-strewn WCs. The main area itself features a central bar, DJ booth and dance floor.
But it also boasts two secluded areas for those preferring solitude from the throngs, equipped with cosy, duo-friendly seating. Look also at the secret poker room (go and find it!) and the upstairs staff room, which has more of a lounge feel about it.
Arcade hosts club nights twice a week, details of which are accessible through the group or its website.
The Babylon Miami - Le Chateau
Once a Motel on the mainland, Le Chateau has since grown into an expansive multi-region estate.
This grandiose space spans from the charm of the French countryside to the nostalgia of a 1980s office tower and mall.
The original Motel still exists, and its second-floor houses The Babylon Miami. Despite its modest size, this bar is bursting with character. It encapsulates owner Victoire’s passion for the 1980s through decor and ambience, including iconic giant wall posters - signed by various Hollywood stars raving about their Le Chateau visit.
Beyond the bar, Le Chateau boasts a plethora of attractions, such as the bar within the boat club and an opulent country club (separate membership required), enriching the overall experience.
Le Chateau Country Club Review
Blue Note at Valmoor
Blue Note offers an escape into an enchanting underwater speakeasy, a part of the excellent Valmoor complex.
This intimate venue, originally created by Megan Prumier, and Mako Voxel-Petlyakov is bathed in a serene dark blue hue, creating a mesmerising atmosphere.
It features couple-friendly seating, a modest dance floor, and a well-stocked bar, making it an idyllic spot for intimate gatherings.
Blue Note is renowned for its twice-monthly speakeasy nights, providing a unique entertainment experience. Follow Valmoor’s owners on Flickr for more information.
Note that Valmoor group gates its furniture; you must join the group (666L) to use adult animations or visit certain areas (the Blue Note is open to all).
The Continental - Members Lounge
The Continental is a hotel and club spread across nine levels within a more expansive cyber-punk-themed city. I was astonished the first time I saw it, and it only gets better thanks to owner and creator Thecla constantly adding to it.
The members' lounge, positioned at the hotel's heart, stands out for its stylish yet welcoming vibe, reminiscent of a private members' club. It's furnished with plush sofas and armchairs, inviting guests to unwind comfortably.
The lounge is staffed by unique characters, including Horus, an AI-powered reception bot, and a robotic rendition of Medusa (of Greek mythology fame), ensuring a memorable experience for visitors.
Pictured - Trinity Sinclair
However, the region has at least half a dozen other bars, clubs and lounges, including an increasingly popular rooftop bar.
A standout place for me though is the pretty unique Otaku Bar, with its very distinct giant mushroom cloud mural over the bar (main picture top of the page).
Distort captures the essence of a Manhattan bar within the cityscape of Kaiden and Pandora Tray’s Wandering New York.
This modern venue spans two levels, offering ample space for social gatherings. The ground floor features a DJ booth, signalling the regular club nights that are becoming a hallmark of Distort. The venue also boasts outdoor seating and cosy nooks, making it an ideal locale for pre-dinner dates and memorable nights with friends.
Picture by Trinity Sinclair, rights reserved
While exploring Wandering New York, don't miss the opportunity to go to the other two bars, each with its unique character, from the shabby chic Black Cat Inn to the elusive ‘Bar With No Name.’
A personal favourite, this is a hidden gem with exquisite design awaiting discovery.
Wandering New York on Facebook
Review - three standout bars at Wandering New York
The Jigoku Room - Kiyori
Pictured - Trinity Sinclair
The Jigoku Room transports guests to a Japanese-themed rock bar nestled within the Far Eastern cityscape of Kiyori.
This compact, two-level venue marries 1960s neon aesthetics with traditional Japanese elements, creating a vibrant, red-lit atmosphere. It features a bar, pool table, and various seating areas, offering a cosy yet energetic setting.
Nearby, the Seiryu Blues Lounge & Bar in Kiyori City provides a contrasting experience with its lounge vibe and modern dark blue theme.
Pacifica bar and lounge
Pacific mirrors the opulence of beach clubs in global cities like Dubai, offering a luxurious beach club and lounge experience.
Crafted by Saskia Sass Paccus, Pacifica boasts an array of amenities, including a restaurant, spa, beach area, pool, swim-up bar and a main bar. The venue is adorned with loungers, armchairs, and cabana-style setups, all contributing to its clean, modern, and ambient atmosphere.
The wider Pacifica beach community (which offers rentals) has several other amenities worth checking out, including a pleasant open area cinema and further expanses of beach - you don’t have to be a resident to use them.
Sunvana
Sunvana has the laid-back luxury of beach clubs in Ibiza or Cabo San Lucas, featuring picturesque rocky pathways, expansive pools, and multiple beach areas.
Pictured - Peuxswau
The main poolside bar is the centrepiece, surrounded by a feeling of relaxation and style. Sunvana is a haven for tranquillity and hosts lively DJ and club events, offering a versatile entertainment experience.
A highlight is the secluded island with beach loungers and a moored motorboat, providing idyllic settings for photography enthusiasts and a serene retreat for visitors.
Vitalis at the Empire Omerta
Owner Lux Voxel is dedicated to creating a diverse entertainment, dining, and drinking portfolio within the Empire Omerta hotel complex.
Vitalis, located within the main hotel, features a sophisticated bar and restaurant, inviting guests to enjoy immersive role-playing dining experiences. The Empire Omerta's eclectic decor, reminiscent of an antique shop, adds charm, suggesting Lux's penchant for curating unique and quirky items.
Vitalis also now has a weekly live guitar session featuring Joaquin Gustav every Tuesday at 1 pm SLT.
The separate entertainment area, including an upcoming sushi bar complete with geishas, adds to the Empire’s appeal, promising a rich, culturally immersive experience (note there is a 500L one-off group charge to join the group).
The Wellesley Club
Conceived by Riggs and Ree Rowley, this takes visitors to post-World War II London, blending historical authenticity with imaginative fantasy.
Pictiured - Winter Greystone
The meticulously designed setting includes a London-themed street, tube station, restaurant, tailor, and massage parlour, embodying a "shabby elegance" reminiscent of 1945.
The club features various lounges, bars, and a masonic temple, offering a dive into a bygone era infused with a shabby-chic and adult-themed aesthetic.
Sanctum
I’ve ended with Sanctum, as even though it’s a semi-private region, it’s pretty extraordinary.
It is owned and run by Maya Laval and curated by Megan Prumier of Valmoor fame, and spans both a larger and smaller island,
The smaller one houses what I’d describe as an ethically challenged tech billionaire's beachside mansion. If you’ve watched Ex Machina, you can imagine the character played by Oscar Isaac (‘Nathan Bateman’) living here in isolation with his female robot companions.
The larger island has diverse experiences, including a Japanese temple area and the main bar/club in an underground cave. Part of the cave is flooded, so sitting at the bar will mean being partially submerged in water. However, there are drier, couple friendly spots nearby.
Maya opens the sim once or twice a month for open days, the next being a lingerie-themed DJ night on Saturday, 17 Feb from 12-2 pm SLT. The place will also be open to visit during the whole day.
Maya is also thinking of opening the place more frequently, so join the group (search for ‘SANCTUM’) to learn more.
Sanctum SLURL (valid for open days and events)
