Have a Nice Day Cafe

1700 Penn Ave., Strip District, (412) 201-1200

Atmosphere: Of the many things to like about the Have a Nice Day Cafe, none are more enjoyable than the lack of disco music. Yes, the odd "I Will Survive" does creep into a rotation that includes everything from a "Grease" (is the word and you're the one that I want and I'm hopelessly devoted to you-ooh-ooh) medley to "Welcome to the Jungle" to "Complicated." But, for a club that visibly has the most fly mirror ball in the city hanging from its ceiling, Have a Nice Day doesn't overkill on disco.

Empty bottles on the dance floor, on the other hand, are a recurring nightmare. Perhaps not as scary as the 40-year-olds trying to re-create "Solid Gold" - the look and moves - but a nightmare nonetheless.

The safest place to mingle - unless invariably funny pick-up lines are a bother - is at the bar, which is long enough to keep waits to a bare minimum. Speaking of bare minimums, consider that a rule when it comes to attire; the dress code is all about comfort, and the results probably would make P. Diddy cringe. Again, though, that's a good thing; most college kids cannot afford to have dry-clean-onlys drenched in drink and stenched with smoke - one of which probably will happen after a night at Have a Nice Day.

Party People: Think "Dazed & Confused" or "That '70s Show!," and you've probably got a good idea as to whom to expect. If not, think "Guy Sitting Next to You in Class," because the locals who populate Have a Nice Day are fairly regular college kids who would rather cool out and party than party out where it's "cool." The Dudes drink bottled beer (blame them) and the Miss Pretties sip Jack 'n' Cokes, and all is good even if, sadly, all the selections of poison aren't well and good.

Eats: None.

Tunes: Mr. Music Man plays classic rock, modern rock that tries to sound classic, Top 40 pop, and typical greatest hits from the '70s and '80s. You won't stop till you get enough because Jacko the Whacko is as common as Eminem, but neither scores as much love as Madonna - and justifiably so. If you've danced to a song - even in front of your own mirror - you'll probably hear it played here. And quite often, you'll sing along, too, just like you do in the shower ... only louder.

Cover: OK, so one thing is more enjoyable than the lack of disco ... all this fun for $5 (max) or less (usually $3).