Artifice

It's all about the art at Artifice. The bar, located in the heart of the Arts District downtown, has a funky, urban vibe with, yep -- you guessed it, artwork for sale on the walls. The interior was also decorated by artists and you'll find playful touches like old televisions over the men's restroom urinal and comfortable furniture co-owner Brett Sperry designed himself. At every turn, there is something new to check out. With new artists rotating into the mix, you'll never get bored of the decor, no matter how many times you come back to visit.   The 3,400-square-foot venue features two lounge rooms and a performance area. The two lounge rooms have long booths for seating. The front room also has a private alcove with seating, so if you have a group of say, 10, you have a special VIP spot to hang with friends. There is a large bar in the center of the rooms and it feels more like a living room than a fabricated bar, which is part of Artifice's cool appeal. In the performance area, where you'll often catch live bands, chalkboard walls are decorated with oversized whimsical picture frames. This room is semi-private, with long curtains sectioning it off from the rest of the venue. It's perfect for a private party. The cocktails at Artifice are also fun and whimsical with names like The Warhol, Taming of the Shew and Nicky Free.