For people who don’t have room at home to comfortably socialize, entertain, or host events, the need to have a third place to relax and celebrate with friends is important. With that in mind, Amanda Blancarte has recently opened Third Place Lounge on Broadway Boulevard in the former Grad School restaurant location. A local bartender with family ties to the Westside, Blancarte is looking to create a gathering spot that’s not exclusively alcohol-focused, but more socially focused instead. You’ll notice the difference right when you walk in. The space doesn’t look like a bar, instead it offers a kind of soft, bohemian décor, with a set of swings for guests to sit on, upcycled couches, handmade pillows, and throw rugs scattered throughout the space. It reads more like “drinks at home” rather than “drinks out,” and that is intentional. No matter your approach to alcohol—whether you are sober, sober curious, or would just prefer to have the occasional fully leaded drink out—this place takes the pressure to drink or not off everyone that comes through the door. Serving a variety of both traditional cocktails and zero-proof drinks, along with a handful of beers, Third Place Lounge is the perfect spot to start or end your next evening out.