NEW BARS: Element

Head towards the Chase Tower and you'll find Element.

The club is located on Austin Avenue, directly across from McAllen's tallest building. Once inside, you'll feel like you're in Manhattan or at least Las Vegas.

The owners have assembled one of the area's slickest nightspots. There's a bar and booths to sit in upstairs, and there's a dance floor and table service area further down. It's a decent sized dance floor too, all surrounded by upscale trimmings.

These bartenders are some of the most skilled in the Valley. They tackle a 100 drink menu with comfort and style, quickly assembling any number of drinks.

Element
1110 Austin Ave.
(956) 618-4411

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Opened: June

www.myspace.com/elementinmcallen

Style: Night club

Musical style: Depends on the night.

Formerly: A series of night clubs and failed bars. Austin Street Inn, Onyx, Velvet and Scala.

Ages: 21 and up

Cover: Free for ladies before 11 p.m. Otherwise it's usually between $5 and $7.

Martinis: Element offers more than 100 martinis, with flavors ranging from cucumber to mango to espresso. These specialty drinks cost $9. On Saturday the club offers two for one martinis.

Dress code: Yes. Come dress to impress.

Recipe: Yacht Club - young trouble makers + 100 martinis

One year outlook: We're worried about Element. That building seems cursed, and we're not sure this club's eloquent atmosphere and variety of martinis can change that.

Typical patron: Dressed nice, ready to dance and maybe meet somebody.