Sound-bar is popular for NU kids, judging from the number of birthday parties being held there the past couple of Saturdays. But what if you meet someone and can’t find a more intimate area to get to know one another? What if you and a few friends don’t want one club to be the only destination, but a stop along the Saturday night journey? Or maybe you just don’t want to wait in the line to actually get in. If you’re wearing something tailored and your shoes look good, go next door to Y.

Y is a smaller, more intimate lounge, managed by the owner of Sound-bar, so expect to see some similarities in decor inside. The line on a Saturday night was short, but we still waited 20 minutes to get in. Don’t ask the bouncer why he’s letting in other parties instead of you. The people in feather boas behind me learned a tough lesson when the bouncer bluntly told them he would let in anyone who visits often and spends money often. They left.

But if you’re patient and well-dressed in some nice blazer or a hot dress and some good shoes, the bouncer will let you inside the lounge. Once in, climb up the wide staircase up to the lounge, decorated with yellow accents and slow glowing lights. Two bars line up against the length of the lounge; those who didn’t reserve a table stake their standing space claim near there and try to avoid those moving from table to restrooms in the back. Even if you’re stuck without a reserved table, that doesn’t mean you can’t dance a little to the music. Who knows, maybe someone will invite you in to their table.

Y is located at 224 W. Ontario. Hours are Wednesday through Friday, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. Take CTA Brown line to the Chicago stop.

– Tina Trenkner