Somar

Chill Uptown spot is neighborhood lounge and watering hole.. Bid adieu to the concept of the ultra-lounge, and welcome in the age of the micro-lounge, a place (like this Oakland bar) as relaxing and understated as the ultra-lounge is oversized and pretentious. The boxy space, located conveniently close to both the newly remodeled Fox Theater and the 19th Street BART station, is decorated for both fashion and function--modern Asian accents spruce up an otherwise simple room where the focus is on comfortable seating (in the form of couches, tables, arm chairs and bar seating) suitable for small groups holding business meetings, friends meeting for happy hour and couples cuddling. A full bar is offered but the specialty drinks are, in fact, special: the murky-colored Province combines Dewazakura Oka sake, blueberries and pomegranate juice; the signature Somar Fizz is refreshing and sweet with tequila, elderflower liqueur and a hint of basil and cucumber. Add to the equation free WiFi, smooth tunes and some of the most accommodating bartenders around, and it's clear that those cheesy mega-clubs could learn a lot from this versatile,comfortable, intimate place.

Save Money: Happy hour--featuring $4 draft beers and $6 specialty drinks--runs from 4:30pm to 8pm Tuesday through Friday and 6pm-9pm on Saturday.…