Into the Night

Party culture in South Florida spreads in many directions. One more outpost for nightlife begins tonight in an area that most do not consider an evening fun zone. Just west of downtown you'll find Malaga (740 SW Eighth St., 858-4224), a restaurant and cocktail complex that has been remodeled, is under new management, and has an attitude geared toward an Anglo and Latin crowd. The restaurant/ nightclub combination that has become an institution in South Beach is the vehicle used to create this Little Havana hotspot, boasting different theme nights and entertainment throughout the week. All the fundamental elements -- and then some -- of an energized dining and entertainment establishment are present in the sprawling indoor/outdoor building: an eclectic menu, a cigar bar, an entertainment room with stage and bar, and an upstairs cocktail lounge; for those oh-so-private affairs, dining and cocktails are available for a small group in a wine cellar. The opening festivities start rolling at 9:00 p.m. Long-time Miami entertainers Arturo Fuente, Payo Jose, and Rick and Kiki will perform.

Thursday
Polly Esther's, "Disco Ladies Night." DJ Charlie spins out a night where Seventies rock meets Eighties new wave, and the ladies drink free all night. 841 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 535-5633.

Synergy, "Johnny Dread Unplugged." The dread man and his band bring forth the power of his "rootical" music into the Yoga and Healing Arts Center. The show is hippie-style, so come prepared to take your shoes off and sit on pillows. 435 Espanola Way, Miami Beach, 538-7073.

KGB, "Cafe con Leche." Latin-influenced DJ Meritt and weekly live performances keep the mixed crowd groovin' till the wee hours. 637 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 534-5420.

Friday
Zanzibar, "Latin Rock Night." The Latin masses join forces for some hot and heavy rock en espanol dispensed by DJ Gus. 615 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 861-0509.

Starfish, "Strictly Salsa." Cha-cha-cha to classic and contemporary salsa, or chill out in the plush garden with a mojito or stogie. 1427 West Ave., Miami Beach, 673-1717.

821, "Crash!" The hottest, fastest, coolest party with the best mix of music and people, with DJ Monty Q. 821 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach, 531-1188.

Button South, "Saigon Kick Returns." This haven of big hair first brought us the return of RATT, then Quiet Riot, and now local rockers Saigon Kick return to their old stomping grounds. Opening acts are the Underbellies and Mindflower. 100 Ansin Blvd., Hallandale, 954-454-3301.

Saturday
Twist. The bar for boys, always brimming with excess and overindulgence, hosted by dancemaster DJ Mika. 1057 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 538-9478.

Victor's Cafe, "Havana Nights." Dream of Ricky Ricardo with a thirteen-piece big band, dominoes, and daiquiris in the Babalo Cabaret. 2340 SW 32nd Ave., 445-1313.

Onyx, "Zo's Summer Groove After Party." Alonzo Mourning organized the Summer Groove concert and charity basketball game, so naturally the after party is at the club he owns. Musicians from the concert and players from the b-ball game will be present; Eric Benet will perform live. 245 22nd St., Miami Beach, 604-0684.

Bee Hive, "Hot Wax." No, it's not anything kinky. At least that's not the specific intent. At a minimum, though, DJ Chilly will be in the back lounge on the hi-fi, pumping out the funk, hip-hop, and acid jazz. 630 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach, 538-7484.

Chrome. The newest spot on the Beach for boys. In the old Kremlin and Third Rail locations, the novelty isn't close to wearing off of this late night haunt. 727 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach, 604-9944.

Sunday
Groove Jet, "The Church." Alternative in every sense of the word, with DJs Danny Bled, Charles Arnold, Carlos Menendez, and Fence the Fish Boy pumping up gothic, British invasion, retro, industrial dance, and trip-hop tunes. 323 23rd St., Miami Beach, 532-2002.

Liquid, "X-Tra Large." Men, men, and more men -- on a night where nothing else much matters. Jack Benggio and Marvella host this men's-xtravaganza with guest DJ. 1439 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 532-9154.

Monday
Club St. Croix, "Salsa Caribe." Take a musical trip through the Caribbean with rhythms to get everybody dancing. 3015 Grand Ave (CocoWalk), Coconut Grove, 446-4999.

Liquid, "Fat Black Pussycat." The funky night that will not die. Seventies-minded club kids, drag queens, Euro-not-so-trash, perky little vixens, home boys, celebrities, and pro athletes collide in a hot funkocentric mix. 1439 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 532-9154.

Tuesday
Lost Weekend. Air hockey, Space Invaders, Pac Man, and other cheesy-but-fun games take a back seat to a too-cool pool tournament with a $100 grand prize. 218 Espanola Way, Miami Beach, 672-1707.

The Grind, "Open-Mike Night." Nicholas the Storyteller narrates a night of poetry and music as locals open their hearts and mouths for some down-to-earth pleasures. 12573 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami, 899-9979.

Wednesday
The Living Room at the Strand, "Midweek Model Mixer." Get over the hump and midweek slump at this model and fashion industry grip and grin. 671 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 532-2340.

Stella Blue. Bilingual singer/songwriter Pilar and her band delight one and all with their quirky and always entertaining brand of original tunes about love, life, and hamburgers. 1661 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach, 532-4788.

-- By Larry Boytano

Send information regarding special "one-nighters" to "Into the Night." Fax material to 571-7678 or call 571-7572.