Almost everything about Whiskey Junction, a private bar and club at 1212A Whiskey Road in Aiken, is pleasingly deceptive.

First there's the name. From its name, people who are unfamiliar with Aiken might suspect the club would be a dive replete with whiskey slinging, country music and bar brawls. Not so: The name simply reflects its location. Screwdrivers and other vodka-based drinks, plus beer, are popular, the variety of music ranges from a little country to radio hits, and the atmosphere is very positive, with the crowd ranging from college seniors to baby boomers.

Location is the second deception. "Whiskey Junction" is spelled out on a sign at the edge of the road, but the arrow points to Citgo Discount Beverage Outlet Kwik Shop No. 2. The club entrance is behind the store.

This unintentionally hidden spot boasts a spacious interior, complete with pool tables, video games, a bar and a large dance floor with a stage. Three college students were onstage on a recent karaoke night, performing an explosive rendition of the song Lady Marmalade to plenty of cheers and praise from the audience.

Whiskey Junction has three pool tables in the rear and three televisions at the bar up front. A touch-screen game stands at each end of the bar, which has several trophies from various sports teams the club has sponsored on a shelf behind it. A railroad crossing sign is suspended from a pole at the edge of the checkered dance floor, which is lined with tables and chairs. Crude, yet humorous quotes are painted here and there on the ceiling, and dartboards and alcohol-brand posters hang on the walls.

Manager Bobby Burch, who seamlessly mixes bartending and joking with customers, said the club will be 10 years old in May and celebrates each year's anniversary with a cookout and drink specials. Whiskey Junction also stages holiday and special event parties and will have a Lowcountry boil on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 1.

The club opens at 4 p.m. daily and its busiest nights are Thursday-Saturday. Thursdays feature $1 domestic beer and DJ Paul keeps the majority early-20s crowd jumping with the latest hip-hop, pop and rock until the club closes at 5 a.m.

Different live bands play on Fridays. On Saturdays, the club closes at 2 a.m. and DJ Paul and live bands alternate. Karaoke is offered three Sundays a month, and an acoustic duo performs other Sundays. Wednesday nights are for darts leagues.

Membership is required to enter the club. To join fill out a form and pay $5, the membership fee for a calendar year. The cover charge is $4 on nights when a live band performs and $2 on other nights. The dress code bans T-shirts and cutoff shorts.

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IF YOU GO

The Place: Whiskey Junction, 1212A Whiskey Road, Aiken (map)

Popular Drinks Screwdriver, Jagermeister, beer

Dress Code: No T-shirts or cutoff shorts

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