Taverna Eros

Taverna Eros

8 E. Atlantic Ave.Delray Beach

561-272-8220

For partygoers, the tiny strip between Swinton and NE First Avenue on Atlantic Avenue is an oasis in an otherwise party-free desert that is Delray Beach after dark. Nestled within this oasis is a Mediterranean-style hideout. Taverna Eros is a hip little spot next to Sol Kitchen and Bull Bar — the only other signs of life around these parts. Life, though scarce in the still of the night of Delray Beach, bustles densely at Eros. The cool plaster-white walls seem to absorb the body heat of the 21-to-35-year-old crowd, making the sultry atmosphere almost sexy. (Read: It's muggy enough to work up a sweat without soaking through your undershirt.) The customers look good. Guys in Ed Hardy T's and girls in little Juicy Couture dresses pack in tightly enough to force the servers to walk on tables to get across the room. Everyone smiles earnestly and is surprisingly friendly; you won't find any beefs here. Most of the patrons swig cocktails served by courteous and sexy bartenders (who, incidentally, are too clear a reminder that I haven't been to the gym in ages), and they sway lightly to the grooves of resident disc jockey G Money's video mix. G Money — whom we won't call a VJ so as not to get him confused with one of those MTV talking heads — uses the latest in video-editing technology to digitally mix and scratch videos the way DJs mix and scratch vinyl on turntables. New Jack hip-hop vids play on several plasma screens, inciting "woos" and "yeas" when crowd favorites kick on. Eros is part dance floor, part talking corner. The food isn't bad, and the menu includes fine cuisine, like caviar spread on pita bread, saganaki (flaming cheese), and kebabs. Come early for the food; stay late for the party.