I've never been to a grand opening before. Well, once for a skateboard park, but nothing of adult interest, nothing of merit. So when the editors ask me to attend the grand opening of Tacoma's Gruv Lounge and Nightclub, I spring at the chance. A nightclub opening the Friday before Halloween? Should be interesting.

Interesting nothing. Gruv Lounge is downright awesome.

The club is located where the old Hell's Kitchen used to be. Having never visited the old spot, I ask around to find out how the decor has changed. Most people chuckle.

"Totally different," one patron tells me. "You actually want to go to the bathroom now."

The newly-built Gruv Lounge is expertly decorated: a chic bar, colorful-yet-unobtrusive lighting, a high-ceilinged dance floor adjacent to private karaoke rooms with comfortable seating. The mixed drinks are served in plastic cups that mimic real glass tumblers, showing the club's attention to even minor details.

One thing patrons are sure to find at Gruv Lounge is great music. Calvin Murphy, the club's manager, has been active in Tacoma's DJ scene for years.

On this night, Murphy's DJ conglomerate, Ocean Grooves, hosts their annual Halloween Bash to coincide with the opening of Gruv Lounge, bringing Los Angeles DJ Überzone and a trio of talented local DJs to Gruv's fresh stage. Happy clubbers, about half dressed in Halloween costumes, groove emphatically to the house beats. It's a young crowd (mostly 20- and 30-something's), and I take pleasure in watching the dancers incorporate their costumes in their movements. A pirate swings his sword; a burlesque dancer flashes her bum.

And how is the hook-up scene, you ask? Well, my starry-eyed readers, this stud muffin of a correspondent is approached by not one, but two ladies. Sure, one has pupils the size of dinner plates and the other starts talking to me by mistake, but the important thing is this: I am approached. This doesn't seem like an anomaly, either. All around me attractive, friendly people dance with, touch and whisper to partners they've just met.

Now, is this awesome atmosphere solely a product of Gruv's first night?  Will the club live up to its inaugural party every weekend? I guess only time will tell. But if Gruv Lounge remains just half as fun as the opening night, then, Tacoma, we've got ourselves a winner.

Gruv Lounge and Nightclub

4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily
Special Show: Donald Glaude,  DJ dAb, Omar
Saturday, Nov. 6, 9 p.m., $10
3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma,
gruvtacoma.com