It happens all of the sudden at midnight. The crowd arrives. Good looking, tall guys in Echo Unlimited shirts grind women up against the walls. Ladies with short skirts and high heels roam the bar looking for fancy drinks. Most guys are on the prowl. Some ladies are, too. Everyone looks suave and ready for action.  By 12:30 a.m., Surreal has turned into one of the hottest weekday clubs we've ever attended.

[Surreal Ultra Lounge, 9:30 p.m., $10 cover on Thursdays, 728 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.722.5489]