Risque mixes up format, offers discounts to appeal to valley residents

Risque at Paris Las Vegas is trying something a little risky for a local nightclub.

Gone is the thumping house music, replaced by '70s, '80s, '90s and current popular music. The club has turned the volume down and even waived cover charges for locals on Saturday nights, all in an effort to cater to its solid locals following.

Times are tough for everyone, says Risque manager Rocky Blos. It made sense to change a few things to appeal more to the Las Vegas crowd and, in the process, give guests a break on the cost of going out.

"Listen, times are hard right now. People are looking for a way to get out without having to spend a lot," Blos says. "You want to give people that option to go out cheap and have a good time."

Risque is small and the crowd skews about 70 percent local, Blos says, so the club needs to offer the kinds of things locals can't find at other nightclubs.

Management changed up the format a bit to offer a '70s night on Fridays, in partnership with a local radio station, and an '80s, '90s and now music night on Saturdays.

DJ Party spins '70s music, including rock and disco, on Fridays while the staff gets in on the act with costumes and wigs. Specials will change from week to week, but a recent promotion was 1970s-era prices for cocktails.

"It's really hard for us to compare to big clubs in town," Blos says. "We're 9 years old now, which is pretty old in comparison to other clubs. We're trying to cater more to the 28- to 50-year-old crowd, people who come here and don't want to listen to loud house music."

Cover is $20 for local men after midnight on Fridays. Admission is always free to local ladies and Harrah's guests.

DJ Kris Kut plays '80s, '90s and current music on Saturdays, which Blos calls "stress-free Saturdays."

"We don't want anyone to have to worry about anything," he says.

On Saturdays, there is no cover charge for locals or guests staying at Harrah's properties.

Bottle service starts at $175 per bottle for every four guests but bottle specials frequently are offered.

The dress code is upscale casual.

Risque is open from 10:30 p.m. to whenever, Blos says, Fridays and Saturdays at 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South. For more information, call 946-7000.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@ reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.