Everyone looks better by low lamp light, am I right? That’s one of the reasons I fell for the new intimate lounge with a Deco bar in the basement of an old Moose Lodge. Just off Franklin Street in Michigan City, you enter down some stairs and half expect to have to knock on a door and give a secret password.

The Nightingale is open only for special events for now; the owner, Michael O’Connor, hopes to have it open regularly soon. For now, follow Nightingale’s Facebook page or website to find out about sporadic upcoming concerts, typically jazz or blues, some of which have a small cover charge. We saw an impressive jazz quartet from Chicago. The volume was just right for the small space; we could continue talking a bit while also enjoying the music.

Bartenders turn out ice-cold, perfect renditions of classic cocktails with an emphasis on gin and whiskey. We loved the Sidebar, French 75, and the Old Fashioned. Enjoy them at the bar or seated at a small round table lit with cordless lamps. There’s no food for now, save for the occasional catered dinner.

A four-lane bowling alley, original to the Moose Lodge, is attached to the space. Our friends, who have their own bowling shoes (of course they do), bowled a few games before the show. All in all, a fun spot to spend a cold evening. (Seeking a cozy spot for dinner in winter? I suggest a seat by the fireplace at Brewery Lodge in Michigan City.)

The Nightingale, 1108 Franklin St, Michigan City, 219-809-1965