Mosaic Wine et Lounge: Sexy chic with worldly beats

You’re in the mood to groove – to really move and be moved by the vibe of the music and the talent of the DJs churning out the beats.  This can be a tall order outside of internationally charged club-scene cities in the vein of Miami and New York.  But head over to Jones Street in the Glenwood South district and step into Mosaic Wine et Lounge, and you’ll encounter a destination that’s been answering this call successfully for the last four years.

Here, soulful House music meets sultry Latin meets rhythmic Afrobeat meets mesmerizing Trance.  Local, national, and international DJ talent is showcased along with a carefully scheduled nightly calendar themed with varieties of sound.

Mosaic is by no means a palatial dance hall.  In contrast, it's an intimate, layered space with lounging areas draped with rich, patterned tapestries and appointed with low slung, plump couches, illuminated by authentic Moroccan lanterns and soothing candlelight. From 6pm until 10pm, the setting feels somewhat cavernous and romantic. Once the music begins to pulse after 10pm, romantic is replaced with sexy, and the heightened energy takes on a new, seductive spin.

A weekend night at Mosaic qualifies as a scene. If a crowd isn’t your style, it’s a superb weeknight choice for a relaxing after-work drink with friends or a mid-week outing on the lush, covered terrace on a warm evening.

In addition to the red and white wines offered, the bar is particularly noted for its secret recipes of Red and Champagne Sangria ($8.50 and $10 respectively). Other items featured on the drink menu include bottled imported beer ($4.50-$6.50), a rotating selection of draft beers ($5-$6), and specialty cocktails such as the Mosaic Ice Tea featuring tequila, raspberry liqueur and pineapple ($7.50) along with suggestively named martinis like the Mosaic Tryst ($8.5) and the Key Lime Kiss ($9).

Much like its name denotes, Mosaic encompasses a collection of diverse offerings within its multicultural setting. It’s a highlight on the Raleigh nightlife map, and when it comes to a bonafide international dance party, this is most definitely the spot.

HelloRaleigh Tip: Wind down with a glass of vino on Wednesdays when the lounge hosts a complimentary wine tasting followed by a catered buffet ($5-$7).  Check out their website at www.mosaicwinelounge.com for a complete list of special events.

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