Inside: Stir Lounge

Every week Examiner's nightlifer Natalie Hope McDonald will be taking you on an insider's tour of bars and nightclubs in Philadelphia, giving you tips on what to order, when to get there and what to see. Starting off the series is Stir (1705 Chancellor St., 215-732-2700), a new drinker's lounge launched by industry vets Stacey Vey and Holly Johnson.

The Basics: Just footsteps from Rittenhouse Square, Stir is tucked away on easy-to-miss Chancellor Street between 17th and 18th streets, and just around the corner from sophisticated drink and dining spots Rouge (205 S. 18th St., 215-732-6622) and Parc (227 S. 18th St., 215-545-2262). While the neighborhood is already very bar and bistro-friendly, Stir brigs a brand new vibe to the more traditional scene. Having taken over the former gay haunt The Post, Vey and Johnson redesigned the dreary (though much loved) space, turning it from a dive bar to sleek lounge for men and women of all persuasions.

The Look: Two bars dominate the intimate space. The front “round” bar takes up the whole room on all sides and offers plentiful seating with clear views of two flat-screen televisions where music videos, news, specials and sporting events are broadcast. In the back room, you’ll find a more intimate bar and banquet space (great for private parties) open in the later evenings. Private unisex bathrooms feature snowed-glass doors that cast mysterious shadows in the walkway. The dim lighting throughout the space is both laid-back and seductive. It’s the ideal place to meet for a date, drink with work friends or make an evening of it.

The Schedule: Depending on what time you visit the lounge (it’s open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Mon.-Sat., and noon to 2 a.m. on Sundays), you may end up chatting up friendly bartenders and regulars during happy hour where drink specials are plentiful (watch out for new fall beverage concoctions) or hit up performances and D.J. nights. This season’s schedule includes daily happy hour from 5 – 7 p.m. (with $2 off drinks), as well as: Monday night football with beer specials during the game. Tuesdays with Paris Hilton’s TV show My New BFF (10 p.m.). Wednesday Drag Shows with Lisa Lisa (9 p.m. with $5 cover). Ladies After-Work Happy Hour on Thursdays with a late-night dance party starting at 9 p.m. Lucky Lounge on Third Fridays and Brittany Lynn on First Fridays (both start at 9 p.m.). Girls Dance is on every first Saturday (9 p.m.). And Sundays start at noon with drink specials (and free snacks) during sports games and a girl’s tea dance every third Sunday.

Stir’s Best: The bartenders at Stir always remember your name and your drink. The staff is funny and friendly. That’s why they attract a diverse male and female clientele for a simple beer or more exotic martini. The location also can’t be beat for a pub or restaurant crawl. And the atmosphere is handsome and urbane.

Who Should Go: Gay guys and gals. Straight friends. Co-workers. Old friends. First dates. Party people. Professionals. Martini drinkers. People who aren’t hungry (no food served). People who aren’t trying to save money (special drinks start at $8). All ages (21 and up).