The Enormous Room

After centuries of sit-up-straight rigidity, it is now possible for Bostonians to lie back, sip on high-octane martinis, nibble on North African goodies, and maybe steal a kiss or two. Upstairs from his Central Square restaurant, Central Kitchen, E-Room's chef-owner Gary Strack has opened the most seductive grotto this side of Marrakesh: rug-covered tiers shrouded in darkness, lots of intoxicating music, couches soft as quicksand, shadows that dance on the brick walls. The food is sublime, the drinks are mixed by award winners Joe McGuirk and Kristen Porter, and the music is spun by some of the city's hippest up-and-comers. Yes, finally, we stiff New Englanders can actually lounge.