Apache Cafe

There's an underground allure at this sultry Midtown sanctum just a few blocks from hectic Crescent Avenue. The lights are dim, the furniture worn, the wall art slightly spiritual, and the vibe intellectually free. During the day, Bob Marley wails in the background, while college students and Bohemian-chic couples sip coffee or Corona at cafe-style tables. Jazz and hip-hop lovers file in after 10pm for Apache's nocturnal fun. The crowd spills into the cozy back nook, where cushy seating keeps things intimate.

Apache scores big for dropping a new scene in trend-weary Midtown. Experimental jazz jams, spoken word performances, open mics and local hip-hop and funk acts light up the stage when the sun goes down. The Tex-Mex menu of fresh tacos, burritos and quesadillas pulls adventurous Midtown professionals and Tech kids for lunch and dinner.