Lounge 47

Lounge 47, a Long Island City neighborhood favorite, pleases everyone from the hard drinker to the health nut. $3 draughts draw the happy-hour crowd, while the menu offers such diverse options as burgers and vegan wheat-free strawberry shortcake. The decor is reminiscent of what you find in Williamsburg - mustard and olive-colored chairs and a backyard patio adorned with logoed parasols.

The bar food is sophisticated. There are samosas, onion pakoras, fish 'n' chips, cod puttanesca, Carolina pulled pork sandwiches, and a curry - chicken or vegetable - served with your choice of rice or fries. (How often do you get to order fries with your curry?) Today's special was Sicilian eggplant layered with ground beef and tomatoes, but I decided to order the "grown-up" macaroni and cheese. Although I usually prefer it browned, bubbly, and super-cheesy, I did enjoy Lounge 147's subtle, creamy version; tender elbows were sprinkled with breadcrumbs and rosemary, and the sauce was lightly cheddary with a hint of onion. According to the waitress, there was goat cheese in there too, but I couldn't detect it. I also ordered the fried calamari (I can never order just one thing), which were terrific: the ample portion was cornmeal-crusted and greaseless, and came with chipotle mayo and hot marinara sauce.

Then it was time for dessert, of course! While I sipped my French press coffee, I debated between the "cheesecake-tiramisu" (what is that?) and the fruit crumble. Finally I decided on that vegan, gluten-free strawberry shortcake. The waitress warned me that it might have a unique texture, and it was a slice of cake, not the usual strawberries and cream in a biscuit. Still, it was full of berries, and I don't know how they made the layer of icing, but it was convincing!

Lounge 47: 4710 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City, (718) 937-2044.