Bar Review - Noir Lounge

On any given night in Castleberry Hill, groups of well-dressed young people strut down the sidewalks of the up-and-coming art-and-loft district, which is not only home to the übercool monthly “Art Stroll,” but also shaping up to be one of the city’s major nightlife destinations.

Noir Lounge, owned by Jason Wertz of the neighboring Wertz Contemporary Gallery, has become one of the neighborhood’s more upscale nightspots. The black façade of the 100-year-old building (a former meat-packing facility and livery stable) stays true to the film noir theme. Enveloping darkness continues inside, where one can slip into a sexy banquette and sip a martini as old movies play overhead on the exposed brick wall.

The food is reminiscent of pricey and generic room service, but the staff is exceedingly cordial and the bartender is always generous on the pour. There’s a DJ playing hip-hop and R&B most nights, but the live jazz attracts a more low-key clientele who just want to chill in a chic space minus the amateurs.

Noir Lounge, 264 Peters St. 404-223-2999. Mon.-Sat., 8 p.m.-until. www.noiratlanta.com.

Noir Lounge, Castleberry, Jason Wertz, gallery