Withthe apocalyptic announcement of a T.G.I. Friday's to-be in UnionSquare, our favorite organic produce/skater/political zealot-filledspot in the city is seeming more and more like the un-missed strip mallsof our youth. But before the Mudslide mania begins, promoterMichael Gogel and his latest project, the subterranean Union Square Lounge, hope torevive the lost art of nightlife in Union Square. Connected to scene-ymainstay Coffee Shop, USL is underground in more ways than one. It'sbeen the laid-back hang for those in the know since 2001, but is nowopen to all you unwashed masses. We're guessing that Gogel, formerly ofLotus and Merkato 55, will attract a mostly pretty people crowd, butdon't expect trouble at the door whether you're making it a sweatpantsor no pants night. Lined with cushy velour couches, the space boasts a handsome wall made entirely of carved wood and afireplace embedded at eye level. Leather ottomans complete the lounge-yfeel, but can be pushed aside for when the hand-picked DJs turn you into a rumpshaker. With turntables thathave already seen the likes of model Jamie Burke and Beatrice Inn'sTodd Smolar, the music will run the gamut from Elvis to the Ting Tingsto DJ Jazzy Jeff. The entire Coffee Shop menu is on offer, even after lastcall, making USL your go-to spot to pregame before perusing the aislesat the just-opened, 24-hour Best Buy (sigh).

Union Square Lounge
30 E.16th St.
(212) 645-1802

Photo: Yelp.com