DarylK

Yes, Cleburger is correct: Metropolis eventually turned into Trilogy. I think it was Trilogy at the time of its closing (i.e. it did not turn again). I remember Mirage, but I struggle to recall if I have ever been there. I want to say "yes" but have no memory of the interior, so maybe it's only the name recognition that makes me think that. I left the flats at 3:00 or later more than once and I too never, ever, saw the police bulldozer described. It's possible I just missed it, or maybe it was exaggeration.

tradition7: Thank you for the reply. I searched on the term "FWD" within the forum but no results? Was it used in that format, or was FWD an acronym for a longer name that was used in the thread? Hopefully some others will join and resurrect this particular thread!

I realize this thread is over a year old (and I just stumbled across this forum - brand new member) but wanted to comment on KJP's post. The Flats' peak was also the peak of my partying/dancing days, hitting downtown at least 3 to 4 times per month with one friend or another. I agree with your list exactly, and for exactly the same reasons, but might add one more: Metropolis, I believe a few streets up from Coconuts and the Power House. The dark atmosphere, house music and occasional performance artist gave that place a unique feel of its own. I liked going to Coconuts and Noisemakers with friends; both were outstanding places to have fun and meet the ladies. Metropolis could be good on a [more casual] date or with friends, but Aquilon was bar none my favorite when taking a special lady out. Arrive early when the big band was playing and a jacket was required for guys, which gave it a classy touch, then as midnight approached the DJ took over and the music got progressively more and more industrial. If I recall at 2:00 AM they started serving breakfast, which was seriously awesome (and needed) by then! Now of course I am married with kids (and almost 50), but this topic just came up ago a few weeks back with my wife: why don't we have any classy(er) joints like Aquilon in this town any more? I met my wife in Europe so she was not in the U.S. back then and never saw the Flats at its peak, so I've tried describing it to her, but words cannot really do it justice. In any case, I'm pretty sure my dancing days are well behind me, but if I ever dared to try it again a joint like Aquilon would be the one I'd want to take the love of my life to! Peace!