The cavernous converted warehouse that is The Republic has a split personality. A mass of sweaty fans packs the place when an indie-rock band like Bright Eyes or Death Cab for Cutie plays. When a DJ spins tunes, the club fills with a diverse crowd of welldressed young professionals on the make. In this laid-back city, the Republic is one of the only clubs with a velvet rope, reserved lounges for partiers willing to part with $250 for bottle service, and an upstairs VIP section where connected customers and women with the right look mingle. Despite the fancy trappings, the bartenders are far from skilled, so order a beer or a highball instead of a fancy cocktail.