Arq is a nice place to go and listen to groovy tunes and have a laid back, relaxed evening. The crowd are all really nice and it's great that this place hasn't fallen victim to the so called "drug craze" that has swept over our nation in recent times. If you have had enough of the intense vibes inside many of Sydney's clubs and desire a chilled out night, with great company- Arq is the bar for you!
I cant understand some of the past reviews for Arq. Lack of women and too many men? Shirtless gay boys prancing around? I think these people have forgotten or are oblivious that Arq is a gay club, no ifs or buts. There maybe a surge in straight patrons as of late, but its primary focus is still to the fierce and fabulous of the gay community.
Once you realise that everyone is here for a good time, whether it be socialising, dancing, or cruising, then you'll understand that the beauty of Arq is the honesty and openess of the crowd. There isn't the hang ups of social 'machoness' I often find in other clubs displayed by the guys. Girls come here because they know the guys who frequent Arq will either be gay and be a hoot and completely harmless, or straight and not an egotistical dickhead. I've always had a ball everytime I come here, and it doesnt hurt that the crowd is stunningly attractive.
Been to Arq several times now and although entry fee of 20 bucks is a bit expensive i always have lots of fun. expect a majority male gay crowd...few straight men and even fewer women. music upstairs is great (dance, trance) and where the majority of people hang, downstairs is more commercial music with drunkos. bar staff are great- haven't tried their drinks but free water is available.
Good place although expensive. Strange because the night we went (Saturday) there were so many men in there. They need to try and even the crowd out a bit.
A bit pricey if you get there after midnight but it's a fabulous club. Excellent layout, lighting and music. The crowd is slightly pretentious but it's a great place to go with a group of friends to dance the night away. It's not worth getting there before about 2am usually - unless you like an empty dancefloor.
ARQ as a venue has really gone downhill in 2005. Certainly nothing like it was in its heyday. The proliferation of ugly drunk straight women on Saturdays really put people off, as well as patchy music which no longer took you "on a journey".
Recent attampts to re-gay the place have not been too good. "Saturgay" is filled with people in daggy t-shirts and jeans, no shirtless "hotties". Drinks are still good, bar staff very friendly, value pretty good. But sadly Arq is more like Noah's Ark nowadays.