Rumors in West Hempstead

It happens every year on Long Island come autumn: new nightclubs tend to arrive and blossom as the leaves and temperatures start to fall.

It’s a typical time to for clubs to open; business at shoreline and East End establishments slows down or completely stops until next spring as the nightlife scene moves inland – and so far, the fall of 2012 has followed that axiom with the arrival of The Emporium in Patchogue (Sept. 9) and (the second incarnation of) Wall Street in Hauppauge (Sept. 13). And, as of Sept. 29, club-hoppers can add Rumors to that list of new spots.

Rumors, unlike the other two fresh stops, is located in Nassau County (514 Hempstead Tpke., West Hempstead, 516-481-9042). However, much like the aforementioned Wall Street, Long Islanders who know the club scene of the 1990s and 2000s will remember this space as the former home of such dance venues as “Oz,” “Tabu,” “Jamz” and “The Dorm.” Located in the Cherry Valley Shopping Center, the parking lot is recognized easily by the large, safety pin-like sign near the curb -- a landmark has been in place for decades, so anyone who visited this address during its previous incarnations should feel some real memory-jogging at work.

Once inside, the décor is at the core very similar to what has always been the room’s layout, with a sunken dance floor, mirrored walls, a large main bar and a smaller elevated bar. But now there are also a half-dozen flat screen TVs hoisted above the room, and there are boxes (ready to hold table service) that glow and change color.

Another memory many have of this place is the way the dance space would quickly fill, and once again that seems to be the norm, as during the grand opening party, the floor was bustling by midnight. Remixes of pop songs and mainstream dance tracks make up the sound, and the dress of men in attendance ranges from neat and casual to dress shirts, pants and dress shoes – the latter a somewhat remarkable sight as that sort of shiny, black footwear is a rare find in many other clubs these days – and that seems to be the intention of Rumors, to offer a classic, classy place to boogie and grab a cocktail. As for the ladies, fashion also varies, from comfortable-but-dressy eveningwear to slinky dresses matched with heels. Rumors indeed seems to be “tailored” toward the mature club crowd that now is a major part the Island scene (the average age is 25-55), so if you enjoy dressing up, this might be a place to consider.

Cover is $10; dress to impress. For more information, check out Rumors on Facebook at facebook.com/rumor.li.