Nightlife Central: Scotts Grille Thursday Night Dance Party

Nightlife Central
Partying For The Socially Challenged

Scotts Grille
Thursday Night Dance Party
212 Locust Street
Downtown Harrisburg, PA
234-7599

Full price-drinks and a two-dollar cover … on a Thursday? Why ever would I go to Scotts Grille in downtown Harrisburg? Because, after two years of experimentation and tweaking the program, Scotts Grille has built the most successful Thursday dance party west of Philadelphia.

The transformation from upscale restaurant to nightclub is imperceptible. Sometime after 8 p.m., the Scotts Grille staff begins to strategically rearrange tables and chairs on the second floor (mezzanine level), clearing room for what will become a packed dance floor in just a matter of hours. DJ Maxx Armstrong rolls in with towers of audio gear, and lights, clearly illustrating his dedication and capability in pumping up the dance music.

The music starts off early, 9ish, with retro ’80s classics and builds to a contemporary mix of mainstream, Top-40, and a little R&B. The DJ knows what he’s doing, producing a non-stop segue-style party that keeps the crowd dancing and thirsty.

Forget I said anything about full-price drinks. Which would you rather have: cheap drinks, made from weak booze, that you have to wait an eternity for, or great drinks made from quality liquors, served lightening fast? We spent the evening at Scotts Grille, and the same top-notch service you get while dining, pours right over to the Thursday night dance party. Tip your server well and make a friend for life.

By midnight, Scotts Grille is packed. Standing on the far side of the mezzanine you can gaze across the entire joint. From the booth seating down to your left, through the second level, to the wrap-around bar down to your right, seating is sparse. But that’s not a problem. It’s “Standing room only” for sure, but if you sit down, it better be to rest.

Our recommendation: Get there early. The DJ is a professional, and knows how to read the crowd with precision. The music follows the tone of the audience, but sets the pace, so if you’re in a partying mood, and can’t wait for the weekend, Scotts Grille is undeniably the destination of choice in Central PA.