Those looking for a reggae spot reminiscent of a Sean Paul video can look elsewhere; the Dub Club is less about glitz and more about gettin' down. Dress comfortably and get ready to dance like no one's watching.

The air at this laid-back Eastside dance party is thick with the aroma of incense, cocoa butter, herb—everything but pretension. The crowd varies from dreadlocked rastas in headwraps to local scenesters in casual tees and jeans, all swaying to the hard-thumping dancehall and dub or huddling in clouds of smoke on the spacious patio. There is plenty of room at the Echo, which is known for hosting live bands and other acts, but if you can snag a seat by the bar, you'll have the best view of the bump-and-grinders, most of whom are refreshingly approachable.—Enid Portuguez