The first XO Friday at the Waldorf was one of those nights when the stars align to create drunken magic.

Miracle #1: Everything was reasonable. The line was long, but moving. We managed to weasel our way in through a connection, but we saw people behind us in line enter not long after. Cover was cheaper than standard, but nothing to write home about. However, highballs were only $4; a steal for Vancouver Friday nights. Any mild line waiting and cover paying was erased from memory after paying less than $20 for four vodka sodas.

Miracle #2: The people were easygoing, fun, and friendly… and not in a creepy I’m-going-to-grind-on-your-shit way. All convos were enjoyable and didn’t leave me longing for a shower. The three rooms at the Waldorf each heralded a different crowd, thus expanding your options for the night.

Miracle #3: The music was kind of random, but totally danceable. Again, each room was different. There were bands playing in one downstairs room; hip hop/top forty/other mainstream tunes playing in the other; and indie pop and rock with a few vintage hits spinning upstairs.

There was a little bit of something for everyone, yet it was strangely cohesive. I know it’s going to be super busy for the first couple weeks, but give it a go. There’s too much good going on to miss out.

By Meghan Roberts