While lounges are still considered hidden treasures in Boston, they are becoming a swelling sensation. Most of the appeal is certainly the bar and the live or mixed music, but lounges are typically smaller and more intimately decorated with dark colors, comfy furniture (velvet and leather are faves) and deep lighting. Lounges are distinctly different from clubs in that their atmospheres are swank, not frenzied. If you’re looking to avoid masses of people gyrating on a large dance floor, you may better enjoy one of the city’s growing list of lounges.

 

Caprice
275 Tremont Street
617- 292-0080

This late-night hang is a revved-down nightclub, offering a diverse mix of music melded by a DJ. This atmosphere is classy, and although a dress code is absent, sloppy is out of the question.

Parking: Street

Cover: $7

MBTA Stop: Boylston

 

Cosmopolitan
54 Canal Street
617- 720-2889

Less than a year old, this cool spot has attracted the likes of Red Sox, Pats and Celts, as well as Puff Daddy and Bill Bellamy to its leather sofas. Famous for its high ceilings and even higher heels, Cosmo is known for its live jazz Thursdays, Monday wine dinners and Wednesday merengue. Sunday's, however, are reserved for pristine VIP's holding red cards. Talk about glam.

Parking: Street, nearby garage

Cover: None

MBTA Stop: Haymarket

 

Emily's
48 Winter Street
617- 423-3649

Tucked into Downtown Crossing, climb the stairs to this new club and you'll be greeted with a pleasant surprise. In what looks like a living room, you'll see a cozy dance floor and hear the mixes of a DJ. Weekend nights are the only dance nights in this little haunt.

Parking: Street, Garage

Cover: None

MBTA Stop: Park Street

 

Lava Bar
575 Commonwealth Avenue
617- 267-7707

This lounge aims to attract the post-Lansdowne fun-seekers. The red-velvet spot offers panoramic views of the city and entrancing melodies through which to cut a rug. The Lava Bar varies its theme nights to keep things unpredictable.

Parking: Street and Lot

Cover: Varies, approximately $8

MBTA Stop: Kenmore Square

 

The Modern
36 Lansdowne Street
617- 351-2581

Lansdowne's newest addition to the scene is all about attitude. You need a membership card to get into this oooh-la-la late-night getaway to take advantage of the raw bar, sushi, coffee and dessert offerings. Industry folks and the restaurant crowd are sensational enough to get in here. Good luck.

Parking: Street

Cover: None

MBTA Stop: Kenmore Square

 

Oskar's
107 South Street
617- 542-6756

Though Oskar's is open nightly as a club, Sunday's find it transformed into an upscale velvet lounge. With an Industrial Chic décor, AC ducts curve overhead as the flickering candles provide much of the lighting in this dark spot. 90's swing and soul is the music of choice here, but you won't hear a bit of it unless you arrive early – it’s usually crowded.

Parking: Street

Cover: None

MBTA Stop: South Station