he nightclub business is no joke in downtown Calgary. Especially when you're going against the grain. While many clubs in town seem to lack the propinquity, Tantra Nightclub and Lounge tries to make up for with new "buzz-dom." Owners have clearly aimed Tantra at people who like to party but don't have "crunk" in their vocabulary.

Tantra's interior crashes bold muted aesthetics with white woods, leather benches, and a crystal chandelier that manages to bring the small dance floor to life. It's still archetypal stuff, but it is an identity it can call its own while still having what you want in a club of larger proportions.

Depending on the night, the crowd will be a mix of the barely legal clubbing kids or twenty-something downtown urbanites. Yet, on other nights, Tantra seems to be mostly students, model-wannabes and area denizens – and they get along just fine. Both crowds fully appreciate the tequila shots poured down their throats,

By the glass, drinks are pretty standard (think bottle juice and vodka) but the good bottles are available should you choose to splurge. The clientele - some of them in cowboy hats, plaid shirts and boots - carry around bottles of Budweiser and Bud Light and lounge at high-back chairs.

Most of the business depends on regular customers. Through the course of the night, more often than not, new arrivals are greeted by the bartender or waitress, or walk over to say hello to someone they recognize.