DIGITALCITY.COM
In New York City, Diva Lounge would still be noteworthy: it's hugely popular, for one thing, and quite visually appealing. It attracts an affluent, attractive clientele, including a healthy segment of local celebrities (Geraldo Rivera counts as a celebrity, right?) and athletes (Martin Brodeur, Michael Strahan). All that would be worthy of note in New York. But this is Jersey ...so listen up. Yeah, Diva is maybe a little expensive for a Jersey club (if still way below what a New York club at this level of stylishness would charge for one of those martinis). But it is surprisingly comfortable for a club of its hipness (those velvet couches are actually soft, and the copper-topped coffee tables are placed in positions that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but ergonomically efficient). And, perhaps most blessedly of all, the security (while very much present) is out of your face and pretty much devoid of the Roid Rage demeanor that has long defined Jersey bar/club bouncers and security. The dance floor is basically always live, with different types of music every night of the week, and the gourmet tapas (again, not cheap, but satisfying) work well as a post- workout refill. Call in advance and reserve a table by the dance floor: it's yours for two hours, you have your own waitress and the $20 minimum goes by quickly enough that you won't even notice it. You'll be too busy noticing everything and everyone else. --D.J. Roth

VIRTUALCLUBS.NET
A great upscale NYC Style Lounge in North Jersey. This is truly an "area first" when it comes to NYC style lounges in NJ. Diva Lounge offers one of the most extensive lists of wines & cocktails that we have seen in the Tri-State Area. The lounge is divided into 3 sections. The first area is filled with contemporary style velvet sofas, tables, and a large projection screen. The second area is more of a typical lounge bar, and finally there is the dance floor. The lounge offers a variety of activities depending on the night of your choice. For those of us looking for good music with an upscale atmosphere, Diva Lounge will become one of the top choices on the weekend list. The lounge had good mix of energy, a good looking crowd, great drinks & music, all the right elements for having a great time. --George M.

STEPPIN OUT MAGAZINE
With New Years Eve around the corner and the tragedy of 9/11 slightly behind us, I decided to revisit my favorite NJ night spot... Diva Lounge. I'd heard that they had made some changes to the notoriously chic lounge, and as always, I must say.. Diva Lounge never fails to impress me with their sense of savvy... always ready to roll with the times... Diva has added a few more welcomed additions to their already cutting edge venue. For example... did you know that they have expanded their kitchen and brought on a new chef, creating a totally amazing dinner menu? I was completely 'wowed', when Chef Louis DeLima appeared at our table (chef hat & all) to personally set fire to my Jumbo Coconut Shrimp in Raspberry Vodka Puree, creating an entertaining flambe. Now, I was always under the impression that Diva did appetizers only... but their dinner menu is outstanding (who would expect anything less!), offering a deliciously diverse selection of hearty neuvo eclectic cuisine. My personal favorite was the tender Roasted Duckling with seasoned couscous over a dried fruit honey dijon glaze... my companion was in awe of her Seared Chilean Sea Bass over a black bean & cilantro puree. The table next to us was 'oohing & aahing' over their Sea Of Seafood, a spectacular medley of freshly steamed clams, scungilli, shrimp & salmon in a garlic herbed Bouillabaisse sauce over linguini and their New Zealand Baby Rack of Lamp in a mint demi glaze & garlic smashed potatoes.But ..save room for dessert..try the refreshing fresh fruit sorbet du jour (we had cantaloupe) or the sinful Apples In Decadence (a mouthwatering mixture of warm apples, sherry wine butter, cinnamon & walnuts). Forgive me, never having been a food critic, I was seduced by the fact that this incredible food exists in a 'club', which compelled me to grab the owner and congratulate her on another outstanding enhancement to the venue. Her response was appreciative, simple & direct.."In light of the Sept. 11th tragedy, many of our patrons have opted to stay close to home for their dining & entertainment pleasures..we simply made the decision to offer 'one stop shopping', so to speak..come in for an after work cocktail, enjoy a relaxing dinner..chill on a sofa and as the night progresses you can dance off the calories..the response has been great..more and more people are appreciating the comfort of our unconventional seating accommodations & our diverse atmosphere". She also informed me that "not only does Chef Louis kick ass in the kitchen, he's also a veteran DJ and occasionally kicks ass in the DJ Booth!:". Not your typical chef or your typical lounge! What else does Diva have in store?..AFFORDABLE New Years Eve packages..$125 inc. 3 course prix fixe dinner & 3 hour premium open bar, $50 inc. admission + 3 hour premium open bar & $25 admission just to party. Bachelorette & group after work party packages ($25 inc. booze & appetizers). Theme nights...Wednesdays live jazz 8-10pm, then hip hop/R&B after party, Thursdays 'Pandora's Box' with DJ Roveen (energetic house), Friday is The True Evolution of Nightlife with DJDK (house, tribal, trance, vocals & re-mix), Saturday is "Ultralounge", their weekly theme event featuring tarot readers, belly dance Aishe (after work lessons will be avail. every Fri. beginning 1/4/02) & hookahs as they transform the dance floor space into a Moroccan theme lounge with carpets, pillows, ottomans & tents. DJ Gerb spins chill house until midnight, then goes off and people are dancing everywhere! Cover is always $5 @9pm & $10 @10pm. Diva Lounge is located at 369 Bloomfield Ave in Montclair..like the ad says...THINK SOHO..THINK SOUTH BEACH...THINK DIVA LOUNGE!!