Atlantis on the Lido Is Starting to Make Waves

The Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach is seeing more than its share of action lately, and it’s not all coming from the docked boats in adjacent Newport Bay.

Trendy locals are converging on the quaint village, not only to hang out at two new coffeehouses, but also to party at the nightclub Atlantis. Situated on the third floor of a nondescript building on the edge of the village, Atlantis is an attractive club that, since opening late last year, has barely explored its potential, let alone reached the legendary status its name seeks.

A doorman cards patrons, only letting those 21 and older enter the building and head up the elevator. The lift runs smoothly most of the time, but on busier evenings it seems to move slowly, so exercise patience.

Although tasteful attire is the code here, it’s simply a matter of taste. Spelled out are no sneakers, T-shirts or, on Fridays and Saturdays, casual shorts. Nor is anything resembling grunge welcomed, though acid-washed jeans apparently are OK. Owner James Raven prefers to let the flannel and combat boot crew hit the neighboring Warehouse restaurant, home of Visions nightclub. A dressier, more corporate-looking crowd is courted here, even if those people are less likely to party late on the weeknights.

Besides its panoramic view of the bay, Atlantis’ strength lies in its slick interior. There’s plenty of white Formica, mirrors and chrome. In line with lore, which says that the lost island sank into the ocean, Atlantis the nightclub creates an illusion of being under water: The ceiling is brushed to simulate a water surface, the walls are adorned with painted seaweed, fish, sunken Greek statues and pillars, and the panels around the bar feature mermaids and more fish. Plus, live fish can be found in four tanks around the club.

Finding live wires here depends on the night.

Call Thursdays the night of the reluctant dancers. At least the patrons who dared to venture out on the floor on a couple of recent Thursdays couldn’t be described as having the fever to groove, let alone much ability. Even the heavy bass thump of an Ace of Base tune didn’t help.

It’s no fault of deejay Dave Aude. Though his choice of vintage disco, new wave and current pop hits is typical, he delivers an enjoyable set to dance to. And the night’s special host, Robert (Bonzo) Painter, has proven his power at the Warehouse, BBGs, Louie Louie’s and Bacchus as a promoter every summer since 1991.

The weekends are a different story. The locals in white pumps and with pumped-up credit cards are here still, but the mood is decidedly more upbeat.

From the speakers blare blocks of flashbacks from the ‘70s and ‘80s, as well as popular dance tunes. On Fridays, deejays Priest (John Winters) and Steve Beltran alternate weekly. DJ Maxwell House is at the helm Saturday, the hottest night for Atlantis.

Beyond the small dance floor are two pool tables that have more pull than the deejays some evenings. If the tables seem weird at first, don’t assume it’s just the gray felt tops and faux marble legs--they’re actually shorter than standard-issue tables.

If you can’t cut through the crowd lined around the large bar, head to the very back where there’s a tiny corner bar.

Happy Hour starts late here--when the club opens at 9. On Thursdays, domestic beer, wine and wells are $1 until 10 p.m., then the price is $2 until 11. On Fridays, those drinks are $2 between 9 and 11 p.m.

At all other times, bottled brews are $3.50 for domestic, $4 for imports; nonalcoholic O’Douls beer is $3.50. Wells sell for $4.25 to $5.75; a glass of wine, $3.50 to $6; and sodas, $2.50.

With no kitchen, Raven thoughtfully allows local restaurants to deliver to the club--from sushi to pizza. Inquire at the bar.

Reggae comes to Atlantis Sundays, starting July 3, with the jammin’ sounds of Riddem Stout. And the Atlantis week will extend even more starting July 12 with pool tournaments every Tuesday.

* ATLANTIS

* 3388 Via Lido 3rd, Newport Beach.

* (714) 675-7265.

* Open Thursday through Saturday, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday (starting July 3) 6:30 p.m. to midnight.

* Cover: $5 on Thursdays; $5 on Fridays before 10 p.m., $10 after; $10 Saturdays and $4 Sundays.