When all the traffic and businesses in the National Hills shopping center are winding down on Fridays and Saturdays, Last Call nightclub is winding up.

Doors open at 9 p.m., and security guards check IDs closely to be sure no one under 21 tries to slide through. Women may slide past the cashier, however, because they get in free until 11 p.m. Music is provided by local bands.

At 11, everything switches up and the real clubbin' begins. Guys and gals both pay a minimal cover, and the band shuts down as DJ Richie Rich gets the party started.

When you enter, the music sounds muffled as you weave through the crowd in the packed front room. From there, you enter the party area, where the music no longer sounds muffled and Top 40 pop and hip-hop, in addition to techno and hits from the '80s blast through the sound system so loudly that you have to yell to communicate with the person standing next to you.

"Our music varies according to the time and the clientele," said Pat Burke, Last Call's assistant manager. "We try to tailor it to the crowd."

Wear something dressy-casual - no baggy clothes, hats, stocking caps, do-rags or athletic gear allowed.

"We tell everybody to dress to impress," Mr. Burke said.

Mirrors surround the stage and dance floor, which remain filled with dancers thanks to Richie Rich. The projection screen at the back of the stage switches between images of silhouettes of cartoon dancers and actual music videos.

The bar and tables and chairs outside the railing around the dance floor are convenient outlets to enjoy the atmosphere away from the dance area. Singles, couples and groups of friends laugh, drink, dance and hang out until the DJ signals the crowd that the night is drawing to an end by announcing the club's name, "Last Call!" alerting them of their last chance to get a drink before the bar closes.

The party is over at 2:30 a.m. on Friday nights and 2 a.m. on Saturdays. Unless there's a special event, Last Call is open only two nights a week, but it provides enough party to hold you until the weekend comes back around.

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GOING OUT

The Place: Last Call, 2701 Washington Road map)

Fashion Statement: "Dress to impress"

Drink of Choice: Beer

The Sound: Live bands; '80s and today's pop, hip-hop, and techno

It's a Fact: Last Call's location was once a seafood restaurant.

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