THE TEAM behind the new Empire nightclub, located in spot formerly occupied by the Vault, is working to interject a Vegas-style environment into San Jose’s nightclub scene. Empire’s opening earlier this month featured DJ Greg Lopez, who currently has a residency in Las Vegas spinning at the Palms and TAO. Lopez is also scheduled to spin for Empire’s Halloween party this Friday, “Treats for Freakz,” while San Jose DJ Josh Hyland spins on Friday.
The club will feature a rotating cast of mostly house DJs, and Lopez will serve as the venue’s scout, bringing in talent from all over the West Coast, says Empire’s manager Nick Santos. “When they come here, they get something different that San Jose has to offer,” Santos says. “They get different areas of excitement with the upscale scenery.”
The venue used to be a bank and is highly detailed with crown molding throughout the inside and outside. Three chandeliers hang alongside a large stained-glass mural set in the center of the high ceiling. Colored lights and large speakers are set up throughout, making it bright and loud at any given area inside. White couches are placed so people can lounge, but there’s also a dance floor with plenty of space for people to dance and move around. In addition to late-night parties, Santos says Empire is also available for companies to hold private parties and mixers.
Club Empire
81 W. Santa Clara Street, San Jose
Open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 9pm to 2am
