There’s something refreshing about going to a night spot whose size doesn’t rival that of Wrigley Field. The smaller space at Katacomb Lounge, 1909 N. Lincoln Ave., allows for intimacy, ambience and a welcome change of pace from the often-intimidating, warehouse-like atmosphere of some Chicago clubs and bars.

Easy to miss – as it shares an entrance with a pizza eatery – the funky lounge seems to be more for people in the know, as it’s tucked away from most other Lincoln Park digs. But once patrons show up (usually around 2 a.m., when other bars shut down), they enter a dimly-lit crypt whose walls feature hieroglyphics that would make even Cleopatra blush.

The area might not be expansive, but count on waiting at the bar once the crowds accumulate in those wee hours of the night-turned-morning. The bartenders are sometimes slow, but their friendliness and willingness to concoct surprise drinks for the ever-indecisive customer make it worth the wait.

Once you’ve gotten your spirits (try a cosmo on the rocks), standing and drinking are the main options, as Katacomb has only a few couches and lacks a dance floor. But with DJs spinning pop, house, R & B and hip-hop, it’s not difficult to find some people getting down and groovy. The tunes might not be the type that’ll send feet thumping and bodies grinding, but that would insult Katacomb’s style – cool, subdued and chill.

Katacomb Lounge is open Wednesday to Friday 9 p.m.-4 a.m. and Saturday 9 p.m.-5 a.m. The cover charge is $5 for women and $10 for men.

– Archana Ram