Spanglish Nights

Is September giving you the back-to-college blues? Then it’s time to hit Club Rio in Fullerton, where the Saturday night partying goes on and on.

Colorful balloons float among beer-ad garlands while the excited voice of DJ Ernie from Spanish-language pop station 97.5-FM Superestrella announces the wonders planned for the evening.

When Club Rio opened last year, DJ Henry of 103.1-FM Groove Radio stuck to English-language deep house and techno music. But when Ernie took over in May, he added a little spice by combining both Latin and mainstream U.S. music. Sharing similar beats and rhythms, the two mix graciously on the dance floor.

Rock en espanol now ranks high among many non-Spanish speakers. Rio partyers Christina Hodan and Rachel Gonzalas, both 24 and from Anaheim, said they were attracted by Groove Radio music but enjoy the change. “The crowd is different but better. And the music’s good,” Gonzalas said.

A steady stream of college-age partyers pours in throughout the evening. Predominantly Latino, the bunch dances casually to bass-thumping deep house beats until they hear familiar tunes, such as “Tren al sur” by Los Prisioneros. Then the hooting begins.

Eager to impress, most sport their finest night-life duds. When you’re a starving student, this means anything from the Gap, Millers Outpost or Kmart.

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No one even thinks of wearing tank tops or white T-shirts, which are banned. Forget the jeans too. Prospective party-goers violating the code are told, “See ya, and I wouldn’t wanna be ya,” by the promoters, Night Element.

Two full bars are near the dance floor, and another is in the middle of the club. Bottled domestic beer is $3.25, imported a dollar extra. Cocktails, including shots of tequila and margaritas, are $3.75 to $6.50. Best of all, a waitress roams the building with watermelon, raspberry (most popular) and butterscotch test tube shots.

In case you don’t have dancing on your mind, three pool tables are available, as well as video games and a dartboard.

The line out front is usually short, and there’s plenty of parking but no valet service.

BE THERE

Club Rio, 1401 S. Lemon St., Fullerton. (714) 525-9700. Doors open at 9 p.m. and close at 2 a.m. $10 cover charge, 21 and over. TJ Rock on Wednesdays (18 and over).