Urban Mixology

Some places are just cool. Step through the door and you can feel it all come together: the right spot, friendly people, perfect music, delicious drinks. Good old-fashioned integrity. Gracing Hilltop since spring 2005, The Monsoon Room (1022 South J. St. 253.722.5075) serves some of the most original and refreshing cocktails this side of paradise. No corn syrup. No fake stuff. Just one hundred percent fresh-pressed organic juice and your tipple of choice. Each signature drink is the creation of owner Laura Malone, who clearly has a flair for concocting heavenly elixirs. Take a current favorite, The Afternoon Delight. According to the menu: “Dill requests a sunlit romp with lemon, a touch of sugar and Lillet Blanc.” What’s not to love? Great sounds nightly — sometimes live music, other nights DJs. Coming soon: a new menu of wholesome food to accompany the irresistible libations. It’s all right here: Community. Connection. Conversation. And plenty of cool. [Things change: unfortunately, the Monsoon Room closed in 2008.]

Photo by Corey Lund