THE MOST CONSPICUOUS thing about popular nightspot Apres Diem is its location in a strip mall. After all, a strip mall doesn't seem like the appropriate setting for a hip coffee house, lounge and restaurant. But we take our enjoyable nightspots where we can get them. And the inviting atmosphere, diverse menu and overall ambiance at Apres Diem make it a deserving hot spot.

THE SCENE: There's a long bar where you can order wine, imported beers and mixed drinks, and a plush lounge to kick back with an espresso drink. The beauty of Apres Diem is that it's so easy to do both. The dining room has a nice, warm feeling — or you can eat outside.

Becky Stein/SPECIAL (ENLARGE)
Hanging out with friends or trying to grab a bite? Apres Diem is a nightspot with music, food and a laid-back atmosphere.
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And the eclectic crowd does it all. The scene can be flirty, but there are also plenty of couples on dates and tables of friends having a drink or a bite — before or after a movie at the adjacent Midtown Arts Cinema.

THE TUNES: The music tends to be an appealing mix of down-tempo songs that are recognizable but not overplayed. For example, a recent Saturday night had a DJ spinning the Postal Service, Bjork and Tricky. The music's volume stays low enough to keep things conversational and reinforce that you're in a lounge, not a club. Live jazz plays on Wednesdays.

THE PRICE: Some notable foodstuffs include salmon mignonette ($17.95), Argentinean beef tenderloin ($18.95) and roasted free range chicken ($16.95). The full menu includes tasty snacks like baba ghanouj ($5.95) and brie & baguette ($7.95). Drinks include wine by the glass ($4-$8), imported beers ($4) and coffee drinks such as cappuccino ($2.50) and a double latte ($3).

THE HOURS: 11:30 a.m.-midnight Mondays-Thursdays; 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Fridays; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m.-midnight Sundays.

— Jamie C. Kennedy