I can only speak for one Hoosier, and the answer is no. I don't care about ultra-lounges. They annoy me.

In theory, the ultra-lounge a great idea: swanky atmosphere, elegant drinks, and a chance to dress up and live the big city life. But in reality, the ultra-lounge isn't really geared toward the 'average Hoosier'(and by this, I mean, those who do go out for drinks, dancing, etc. Not the average of ALL Hoosiers). Which isn't to say that we're a Top 40 and tenderloin crowd, either. I think that the biggest issue is that the 'exclusive' atmosphere of the ultra-lounge is an anathema to our sense of Hoosier hospitality. Indy just isn't a place for long lines and bouncers with lists. We don't mind dress codes, and we can even deal with pricey drinks, but I think we want to feel welcome and part of the crowd. Even if it isn't really 'our crowd'. And, at least in my experience, our ultra-lounge scene isn't really providing that.

Damn is Seven really gone too? Yeah I care about them. I'd rather go to those places then OPTs, Landsharks, and all that s---.

Ultra-lounges fail in the midwest because they're created by people from the midwest to represent what they think lounges are like in LA, NYC and South Beach. More times than not all that they truly represent is straight cheese. Newsflash to local lounge owners - the coolest, hippest places in these major cities do not involve flash and glitz and especially not neon. Not every place needs a DJ and bottle service.

In my opinion, the real issue is this; of the small percentage of this working class, family built city of values in the heart of the bible belt, that actually DOES go out to party/mingle/drink, there is an even smaller segment of the 'Ruling Elite', be it actual or perceived. Based solely on demographics, the areas where these ultra-lounges are located are not environments where true, swanky, tastemakers actually frequent. They are, in essence, havens for the 'I'm-trying-too-hard-to-be-different-to-fit-in-with-the-crowd-that's-trying-too-hard-to-be-different', crowd.

Which, unfortunately, is oxymoronic, at best.

The real issue is when there ARE true ultra-lounges... they're not billed as 'super chic, sexy, ultra'lounges'.

They just... ARE.

Intimacy and exclusivity are what made spots like the old Velvet Room, Nicky Blaine's and D'vine Wine Bar's original location havens for the socialist elite and tastemaker's of this particular urban center, sprinkled in good measure with a diversity worthy of Jesse Jackson's stamp of approval all united by a love of genuinely nostalgic music, great ambiance, a few drinks, and the QUALITY of the company.

And therein lies the rub.

Because it is on such an obscure level, these microcosms of cosmopolitians and dry martini's exist in absolute bliss; until a handful of the general, 'hey-look-at-me-I'm-trendy' crowd finds out.

Then, it's all over.

It's happened time and again, in any given metroplitan market, large or small. And sadly; it's the nature of the beast.

Start small, niche crowd, maintain and establish your brand and,

'VIOLA!'

It's now the PLACE TO BE. And everyone wants a piece.

So the real travesty is not so much on the venue's, but the people in a given market, which is the recurring issue within American culture.

No one is happy with just being... themselves. They're miserable.

And misery loves company.

So, as long as this remains an rampantly unchecked issue in the American psyche...

Long Live The Ultra-Lounge.

Again. Just my opinion. I'm rambling. Sorry this became a 'social' commentary.

No pun intended.

and isn't it just more fun when you go to a bar with your friends to enjoy some cocktails and be able to talk!? i love music but sometimes it's just more enjoyable to be able to hang out with good people and converse.

I wonder what the average life span of an ultra-lounge is in a more metropolitan city like New York, LA, or Miami. I get the impression the clientele an ultralounge attracts is more into the flavor-of-the-week and will quickly move along to the latest/greatest thing opening rather than stay loyal to one venue. I have a feeling the hip spots in more cosmopolitan cities probably have about the same life span as similar places in Indy.

in reply to alpha...........'CELLO'!