I kept hearing about this promising lounge in downtown Newark, NJ with great music, vibrant red curtains, an attentive owner and a vibe that catapults your sensibilities into the West Village. I was skeptical because there have been so many restaurants and lounges touting themselves as “a bit of New York City flavor in New Jersey.” I mean, I fell for it a few times, but NJ lounges are like the boy that cried wolf. There are but so many times I can go to a NJ wanna-be-New-York-City-restaurant/lounge, be disappointed and keep believing in the fairy-tale. But, The Spot has made me a believer.

If you have not visited The Spot in a while, forget what you think you know. The slow service, questionable crowd and limited menu are a part of ancient history. The Spot has hired more waitresses and bartenders to ensure that there is adequate staff to service its customers. It has expanded the menu from semi-interesting finger-foods to include various traditional, southern entrees. And, not sudo-southern entrees — But lip-smacking, make ya wanna smack ya mamma, might give you a heart attack at 30, as good as it gets, soulfood . The culinary experience is heighted by DJ. Max Jerome spinning everything from 80’s hip-hop to today’s rap to R&B.

Basically, the owner of The Spot is smart enough to fill the very obvious night-life void. He has found something that is missing in both NY and NJ. He has filled the vacancy left by Mekka. Mekka (now closed) was nestled into NYC’s alphabet city. It was a tight little spot with fabulous food and an excellent DJ. When I visited Mekka, I felt like I was at a dinner party – food, friends, music and an intimate setting. Mekka embraced a simple concept and turned that concept into something that I miss to this day. Well, until now. For me, The Spot is a pilgrimage back to Mekka.

Service: A

Value: A-

Food: A-

Crowd: B

Date of Visit: Friday, October 2, 2009

Feel Good Friday-45 Commerce Street-Newark NJ www.atthespot.net