The Morseland of old was renowned as a hip place to hear tunes, grab a beer, and hang in the club’s warren of chill-out rooms. A favorite of local Loyola students, it catered to a young crowd hot to party.

In its latest incarnation, all that has changed. Morseland has been reborn as a more sophisticated supper club and bar, complete with a dinner menu, a full bar (boasting a signature selection of rums), a regulation pool table, a cabaret-style stage for live music, and a DJ booth. The look has changed, too. The interior is painted a deep mauve and black, with the velvet-curtained stage serving as the main room’s focal point. But while the ambiance is dark, moody and atmospheric, the staff is friendly and welcoming.

With this shift in focus, Morseland appeals to a more diverse crowd, from neighborhood regulars to professionals to students. It also offers a wider array of attractions. First off, the food itself is worth a visit. Dinner starts with a complimentary variety of breads offered up with a selection of spreads, including whole roasted garlic and infused olive oil warmed over a candle at your table. Appetizers include some great pub grub standards (fried mozzarella, chicken wings, shrimp and artichoke bake), and for light eaters, there’s a full selection of salads and sandwiches. Dinner entrees are hearty, and include a choice of two sides and a salad. There’s a slight Cajun accent to the menu, with catfish and etouffee, as well as a great handcut ribeye, tasty crab cakes, and jerked chicken.

Dinner is only half the appeal, though. Music fans will enjoy live jazz from 8-10 p.m. on Mondays and bands and DJs throughout the week. The DJ option is fun: The booth is circled by its own mini bar with stools, reminiscent of an old-school piano bar. Check Morseland's website for the music schedule.

Centerstage Reviewer: Kay Daly