When it comes to local nightlife, we get bored easily.
Often times, as a business, it’s inevitable to lose that initial appeal once people decide your 15-minutes has faded. One minute you’re the place to be and the next you’re yesterday’s news.
Kaf’s Social Club, however, has managed to remain one of the premier night spots in the area. In the last decade, their popularity has surpassed owners’ expectations and kept their establishment a booming business venture.
But it’s also a give and take, owner Adrian Santos says. Over the years, in an effort to keep the clients happy – and the place looking fresh – owners revamped the overall look of the club several times, each time more impressive than the last. In late December, Kaf’s unveiled its newest (and by far most striking) look.

Location: Kaf’s is a landmark in local nightlife with its easily accessible Nolana locale. It still sits between 6th Street and Col. Rowe Boulevard and only a block shy of other nightspots. Lansky & Brat’s, Fast Eddie’s bar and billiards and Dolce are just a few feet away (in the same strip mall).

Atmosphere: If you haven’t been to the club in a while the next time you visit will be like your first time all over again. Kaf’s incorporated a contemporary Asian theme and solicited the ingenuity of Eli Olivarez, of McAllen’s own Ideo Art Design to accomplish that goal. Olivarez’s vision was to make each section of the club into its own space and three-dimensional realities. It maintains the Urban-lounge influence and industrial design but boasts an entirely different interior. Kaf’s is client-driven so the décor doesn’t compete with you, he said.
As soon as you enter and off to the left is the club’s elevated lounge area. Here, a row of crimson red suede couches line the wall, illuminated by rectangular wall-mounted lamps. These tables require a three-bottle minimum ($225) for reservation. Down the center of the club (where the cascading white curtains used to be) is a common area lined with ottoman-style stools beside a cut-out partition. A suggestion: this section is first-come-first-serve and fills up quick so get there as early as possible. The bar sits at the rear of the room, just beneath the jumbo flat screen, but doesn’t command the attention of some noisy clubs. It’s spacious and inviting enough to be able to snatch a drink without a terribly long wait. If that’s still not quick enough, be sure to try the second bar on the opposite end of the club.
One of the focal points of the club (aside from the circular DJ booth) is the water wall on the east side of the room. Though it’s a busy place, this type of decorative piece offers a very Zen-like ambiance. (Another bonus…there's now almost a dozen stalls in both bathrooms).

Price: A night at Kaf’s might set you back a few bills but will be well worth the dent in your pocketbook. Also, be prepared to pay a $5 cover charge and the bottle service charge, if applicable. Drinks aren’t all that pricey, bottled domestics, $3 and wells starting at $7. In the very near future Kaf’s will be opening its doors from Monday through Saturday. for happy hour, which starts at 5 p.m.

Social Factor: Kaf’s is still upscale and bouncers at the door will make sure it stays that way. Dress to impress because they will be watching, Santos says. Kaf’s is sophisticated, sleek and a place to turn things up a notch once the sun goes down. Once the weekend hits expect a huge turnout and a possible wait outside. For fans of rock, Thursdays are your night. It’s a slower night for the club but truly ideal for a small group to take a step outside of their comfort zone of smoky bars and dives. You won’t be disappointed.

The Verdict: Show up with confidence and be ready to strut your stuff. Kaf’s isn’t for the faint of heart and definitely not for those looking for an uneventful evening. The décor makes it a force to be reckoned with among Valley establishments. You’ll escape from mediocrity and get a taste of the good life.
——
Miriam Ramirez covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4468.

Jak’s Burgers ‘n More provides cheap eats in a laid-back atmosphere.
It features burgers, burritos, chicken, fish and shrimp and a variety of comfort foods like Frito pie, chili cheese fries and onion rings. The place reminds me of a mix between McDonald’s and Pollo Loco, but the food is less expensive and tastier. Over time I bet it will become a hangout for teens and a place for families in search of a meal on the run.
The restaurant doesn’t have an upscale décor. It features red, mustard and yellow walls, lined with historical pictures. There is a photo of the Weslaco skyline from 1936, another of the Model Drug Store in 1932, and a parade picture from 1929. The pictures are from the Weslaco Museum and they provide an interesting look at how the town has grown and changed.
People generally don’t go to a fast-food-like restaurant to enjoy historical photos so let’s talk a little about the food. Jak’s offers a step up from your average fast-food burger. I liked the cheeseburger ($1.49), which is large enough to be a meal by itself. It features lettuce, pickles and a large thin patty on an over-sized bun. My mom remarked that it was more bread than meat, but for the price one can’t complain. The same holds true for the chicken ($2.89) and fish ($2.89) burgers. Adding fries to the meal will cost $1.19 and a fountain drink will up the bill by another $.99. I would choose fries rather than onion rings ($1.39) as a side order. I found the onion rings to have more breading than onion, and to lack the greasy crispness I look for in the indulgence.
The chicken dinner with dark meat ($3.79) makes a great, slightly healthier choice. It features two pieces of chicken, a small salad, fries and a roll. The chicken was tasty, as were the fries and the salad added some vegetables to the meal.
I like Jak’s for a quick meal. It tastes better than most fast-food places and eating there won’t break the bank.
——
Paige Lauren Deiner covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4425.

HARLINGEN — It’s dinner and a show at Uchi Japanese Restaurant, the city’s latest eatery.

Chefs lit the scene with towers of flame and one used his spatula to flick cooked shrimp at the open mouths of cadets from the Marine Military Academy.

The North Ed Carey Drive location is the third Uchi for Owner Jong Mi Park. She also owns restaurants on South Padre Island and in Brownsville.

Uchi is a Teppenyaki steak house, which means the chefs cook at grills surrounded by restaurant-goers.
Along with the cooking come flames, twirling cooking utensils and a few jokes.

Guests can also choose from more than 70 different Maki sushi rolls or try the Nagiri sushi, which is usually made from rice and fish.

The menu also includes tempura fried fish and more familiar dishes such as beef and chicken teriyaki.