Ping Pong a Go Go: SPiN LA

Paddles and petite balls go posh at The Standard downtown.

The date, whether it involves potential lovebirds or good friends, has evolved over the years. There may have been a couple or two who shared one malt with two straws way back when, but today an evening out typically involves a movie, a bar, a plate of nachos, or all of the above.

Those are all fine things, of course, but sometimes you want to show someone you're interested in that you've got mad skills with a small paddle and you're not afraid of winning. Enter Ping Pong, or table tennis, a semi-strenuous activity that's custom-made for a night out.

SPiN NYC, the Big Apple's swanky, table-laden Ping Pong club, understands this; it's made tons of headlines, and yep, some of 'em are probably because Susan Sarandon is a SPiN honcho but most are because people like to see retro pastimes gussied up and made cool again.

Now SPiN is debuting its permanent venue at The Standard downtown. The opening party is set for Dec. 11, and then the tables will open for boyfriends and girlfriends and friend-friends and spouses and anyone who is looking to mix up the whole dinner-and-a-movie night out.

Two things to say: Susan Sarandon is cool. Also? Ping Pong has always been the best, whether it is played at a high-stakes tournament level or in a suburban garage. Taking it to a hip hotel doesn't necessarily up its cachet. Rather, we see it as another feather in the sport's cap (or paddle in its belt, perhaps).

Memberships to SPiN LA are available, or you can book a table and try to remember all your moves over the course of a single night.

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