If the vibe in this place at 2:30am could be bottled...

Think candles, candles everywhere casting shadows on the lofty blood red walls. See animal skulls, horns and other unique artifacts upon shelves and hanging mysteriously about the venue's parameters. Listen to those sounds -the metallic melody of the tambourine, the grainy groove of the maracas, music, laughter, conversation; the sounds of joy!

Nestled between Serafina and Joe's Pub, Pangaea has arrived, quickly becoming the most popular kid on the block. Boasting a beautiful, almost erotic harem-like atmosphere, this no-nonsense newcomer houses a group of New York savvy patrons even more exquisite than the lounge itself. A meeting place for the fashion-forward, music mavens and social elite of various adult ages, the aura at this down-town hot spot is surprisingly friendly and very-much alive.

Large, cozy, rotund couches line the red brick walls creating intimate, yet open lounging spaces. Airy white cotton fabric sheets hang above the low wooden tables and benches evoking a sexy middle eastern feel, carried throughout the aesthetics of the space. The music is varied, including 80's, house, hip hop and international lounge beats. Though there is no dance floor the aisles are alive with groovers, movers and tambourine shakers.

With all the fantastic energy, gorgeous surroundings and handsome clientele at this place, a Saturday night in Pangaea can seem almost fantasyesque. The reality of this statement is that for many, a weekend eve at this hot spot is a fantasy, unless of course we consider the Rowdy Pangaea block party on Lafayette. Though there is no cost at the door to enter, if time is money, waiting to get into this lounge you might just get ripped off. A very tough door policy and guest list situation guard the entrance, inspiring an outer crowd which often seems more numerous than the one inside.

The real Pangaea party takes full affect around 1:30am, a time when there are perhaps too many dancers in the aisles and you almost wish they would close the guest list all together. The good-time continues into the morning, ending at 4:00am when the lights go on, and you almost can't believe it is all over. So you take one last look around you, slap down another Ten for that last drink and take a little of that Pangaea feel-so-good vibe home with you.

by Jodi Lin Wiener