Tantra Lounge

HISTORIC DISTRICT. Weekends are particularly busy at this Asian-inspired lounge, whose interior gets a color lift with a sweep of suspended red paper lanterns. This cultural cue finds further expression in the tapas menu, which includes authentic dishes like Thai pork salad and ranges into crisp-fried calamari and mini-burgers. Along with the bar, there's an area devoted to seated socializing and a stage that hosts jazz instrumentalists and vocalists (Friday and Saturday). Typically, the activity doesn't kick in until after 10pm or so, but that shouldn't stop you from coming earlier to nibble and sip.