Hot date?

Beyond the velvet rope

J Restaurant & Lounge
1119 S. Olive St., Downtown

Dinner reservations get you past the restless queue and the cover charge for this lounge/club; once inside, go directly to the outdoor patio, which boasts views of the growing Downtown skyline. The fire pit would be the focal point if it weren't dwarfed by the sprawling real estate on which it stands. No matter: There are plenty of heating lamps to cozy up to as you nosh on a menu of pizza, pasta, osso buco–style short ribs and the requisite seared ahi. That's right—contrary to J's general populace, the menu skews more Italian than Asian fusion.