During the last few years, we’ve seen several nightclub, bar and lounge grand openings in Hillcrest and surrounding neighborhoods.

From the opening of Bacchus House and Baja Betty’s, to major renovations at The Brass Rail, Urban Mo’s and The Flame, we’ve just about seen it all. We’ve even seen Club Montage close, reopen, close again, and (soon) reopen again.

While all of the happenings garnered attention and drew large crowds, none compared to the local and citywide spotlight put on Universal Hillcrest.

After nearly two years of teasing, Universal opened its doors to the public last weekend.

I am fairly easy to please so, for added feedback, I polled friends and asked for comments via MySpace. I heard all sorts of things. Two of the responses from MySpace friends who didn’t know the club had opened made me chuckle.

“It opened?” one asked. “I guess I didn’t get the invite.” I suggested he visit Universal’s Web site and sign up for its e-mail list so he would be sure to “get the invite.” He replied “Naw, I’m cool.” The other said, “Um. Is that a new club? I think I’m going there this Saturday, I got invited to a friend’s birthday party there.”

Those responses brought me back down to earth. The opening of Universal isn’t the only thing happening in the world now, and my friends’ comments made me think about all of the people who only talked about Universal for the past several months. Maybe we all need to find something better to do with our time?

Universal did turn out to be a fabulous place, though. I was only able to attend the opening weekend party on Sunday night but had a great time. The almost-finished club (there are still a few nuts and bolts that need securing) was packed and it is a beautiful facility. It was nice to see a business of Universal’s quality arrive in Hillcrest. Because I have frequented several establishments in Downtown and in other cities, though, I certainly wasn’t awestruck. I have seen clubs similar to Universal many times. Beautiful as it is, nothing at Universal particularly stood out, except for the fact that it is in Hillcrest.

A friend of mine visited Universal on Saturday and Sunday and said, “This isn’t Vegas, Downtown San Diego, or L.A. – it’s odd seeing hot-ass straight people with drunk-ass homos.”

Others had more positive comments. Another friend of mine, who went to the opening weekend Saturday night party, said that it was everything he expected. “Universal is an unbelievable space, leaving all other gay clubs in the dust!” he said. “Rich’s, Bacchus House, The Flame and Numbers need to step it up – I don’t think I could return to those places after going to Universal.”

Comments ran the gamut – I also heard people say that Universal is cool, hip, fabulous, beautiful, amazing, just OK, so-so, wonderful, to die for, the best thing Hillcrest has ever seen, lame, perfect, boring and incredible. I really couldn’t seem to find any consensus. What else should I have expected? No club impresses everyone, and some people don’t like some scenes – people either love a place or they hate it.

Did I like Universal? Absolutely! I think it is a beautiful space that transformed a not-so beautiful part of Hillcrest. It has a good vibe, great staff, tasty drinks, a fun dance floor and a cute outdoor patio area. Will Universal hurt business at the other clubs in Hillcrest? I don’t think so. Universal is just one stop on the map. I can’t imagine anyone would give up going to all other clubs and solely visit Universal. Richs, The Flame, Bacchus House and others (Universal included) all have a unique quality that makes them fun. Universal is a fabulous addition to the nightlife options we already have. Welcome to Hillcrest, Universal!

And yes, the space at 2028 Hancock St. (formerly Club Montage) will be reopening, we’re told! The three story mega-club will soon reopen under a new name, with the same management, and promises to be better than ever. Amazing acts, including Bob Sinclair, have already been booked. The grand opening party is scheduled for this weekend. Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself at www.clubmontage.com.

Until next time, be safe and have fun out there!