The melting-pot lounge: Enormous Room
567 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. 617-491-5550.

The crowd: A wildly diverse group, from nerdy MIT grad students to hip-hop aficionados, gathers nightly.

The atmosphere: Moroccan pleasure palace meets Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's living room. Loungers spread out on carpeted platforms strewn with pillows. Dim lights and exposed brick practically invite patrons to reach out and touch someone.

Essential food: Grilled lamb skewer with pine nut and pomegranate molasses sauce.

Essential drink: The Manhattan made from whiskey infused with vanilla beans and mission figs.

Music: It varies from night to night, but primarily expect smooth funk, rare German electro, and just enough hip-hop to prompt lounging booties to bounce.