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The parties that caused countless missed work days; the DJs who made wall flowers into dancers, and the gear that helped them do it; the systems that impressed the pros and made the patrons hang out that much longer. And most of all, the clubs themselves, which streamline the technology, the culture, the logistics and the music into perfect packages.

The Nightclub & Bar Awards reflect the vibrancy and variety of this great industry. Winners were selected from among more than 235 entries in 14 categories — seven nightclub and seven bar — by a panel of judges including the nation’s top nightlife, spirits and mixology, beer, wine and hospitality journalists, writers and consultants. Judges ranked their favorite entries first, second and third for each category judged, and a calculation was used to identify the Finalists and, ultimately, the Winner in each category. While some awards are sponsored, the sponsoring brands had no hand in the judging process. They’re simply showing their support for the talent and enthusiasm found throughout this industry.

Bartender of the Year - H. Joseph Ehrmann, Elixir, San Francisco

Beer Bar of the Year - Willimantic Brewing Company, Willimantic, Conn.

Cocktail Lounge of the Year - The Drawing Room, Chicago

Wine Bar of the Year - Flûte Midtown, New York

Sports Bar of the Year - Jerome Bettis Grille 36, Pittsburgh

Hotel Bar of the Year - POV at the W Hotel, Washington, D.C.

Small Wonder Bar of the Year - Manifesto, Kansas City, Mo.

Mega Club of the Year - XS Nightclub, Las Vegas

Ultra Lounge of the Year - Blush Boutique Nightclub, Las Vegas

Ongoing Promotion of the Year - Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

New Club of the Year - XS Nightclub, Las Vegas

Single Promotion of the Year - Midsummer Night’s Dream at Palms Pool, Las Vegas

Resident DJ of the Year - Paul Oakenfold, Rain Nightclub, Las Vegas

Nightclub of the Year - TAO, Las Vegas

The Club World Awards honor the clubbing peaks of the previous year. Nominations are selected from a pool of online submissions by the Club World editorial staff. Winners are announced at the Club World Awards ceremony each March in Miami, Florida--and are determined by an industry-expert judge's panel (kept secret until after the envelopes are sealed). The winner of the People's Choice Awards - NightStalker Award, Best DJ Set, Best Banger, and Best Anthem - are selected by the club-going public via online voting.