There are plenty of bars and lounges in Dallas where you can also get a bite. But a handful of new nightspots have upped the ante, with a bit of a Dr. Jekyll-Mr. Hyde act. Upscale, full-service restaurants close the kitchen and transform into vibrant lounges where the grown and sexy congregate for hours of mixing, mingling and music. Here are five of the newer kids on the block.

On the menu: Park's menu is full of homey favorites with a twist, such as Swedish meatball yakitori and a vegetable pizza with yellow tomato sauce. Pork chops, fried chicken and BLTs add to the list of classics.

After hours: If you've enjoyed a late dinner on the patio, just sit tight and keep enjoying the view and the bustle of Henderson Avenue. If it gets a little chilly, you can move toward the sleek outdoor fireplace or find a booth or table inside. Specialty cocktails rule at Park, so help yourself to the cucumber-infused Spa Cooler or the Açai Martini.

Special features: Last month, Park unveiled its old-school bocce ball court, and on Sunday it will unveil a French-salon-inspired cocktail lounge called Bar Céline.

Details: Restaurant open Monday to Thursday from 5:30 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Bar open Sunday through Wednesday from 4 p.m. to midnight and Thursday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. 1921 Henderson Ave. 214-824-3343. parkhenderson.com.

On the menu: You wouldn't guess it from its flashy decor, but AMPM specializes in all manner of comfort food, some with a modern Asian update. Case in point: The pulled pork sliders are topped with kimchee, and buffalo wings are coated in a sriracha-soy sauce. But you'll also find a classic grilled cheese (with bacon, if you please), Caesar salad and fried chicken and waffles.

After hours: A venue with dozens of disco balls hanging from the ceiling has got to bring the party, right? AMPM hosts many themed events, featuring popular local DJs and special guests. A recent affair starred the Dallas Desire of the Lingerie Football League. Having launched earlier this year, AMPM has quickly built a reputation for bringing some high-wattage starpower to the club, too. There are frequent Cowboys-hosted parties, and the most notable affair was a benefit bash that included Kim and Kourtney Kardashian.

Special features: Follow the disco balls over to the standalone bar, where the after-hours party really gets going. The DJ – and therefore the dancing – are centered here, near floor-to-ceiling windows that let passers-by look on in envy. Friday's Wicked Masquerade Ball kicks off at 9 p.m. and features a sexy-costume contest, with a weekend trip to Vegas as the grand prize.

Details: Restaurant and lounge open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., though parties and special events keep the lounge open until 2 a.m. 300 N. Akard St. 214-969-5550. ampmdallas.com.

On the menu: Perfect for that pivotal second date, Bailey's puts as much care into their entrees as they did the restaurant's luxurious decor. Yes, that's a river running through the trees in the main dining room. If you're lucky enough to snag a booth right beside it, you'll enjoy its soothing sounds as you dig into your meal. The almond-crusted brie appetizer is the perfect prelude to whatever cut of beef you choose from the menu.

After hours: Don't let the formal steakhouse atmosphere deter you from stepping into Bailey's lounge. It has a more casual vibe, though the service and quality of bites and beverages are on par with the main eatery. When you first walk in, comfy chairs perched around coffee tables beckon you to sit and stare out the giant windows at a nearby fountain. Step further into the lounge to discover uber-cozy half-circle booths perfect for snuggling with a date and watching the evening's performer. Don't forget to savor one of many signature cocktails, such as the coffee-flavored Espressotini, or snacks from the bar menu.

Special features: Recently lauded as the city's best lounge singer, Aubree-Anna croons Friday night by the grand piano parked near the bar. The restaurant is considering bringing DJs to keep the lounge scene upbeat on future weekend nights.

Details: Restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m. Lounge is open Sunday and Monday from 4 to 11 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. 8160 Park Lane, Suite 130. 214-750-8100. baileysprimeplus.com.

On the menu: Geisha House's fashionably minimalist aesthetic makes it a perfect fit for its Uptown neighborhood, as does its over-the-top menu items. Tuna (also yellowtail or salmon) tartare comes flavored with Asian pear, scallions, habanero pepper, jalapeño ponzu sauce and topped with caviar. Not even ice-cold sashimi can provide respite from the peppery heat, as several of the specialty plates are laced with jalapeño or wasabi.

After hours: The "Tokyo tavern" called Roppongi Bar lights up at happy hour and beyond, with weekday food and drink specials from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Ladies night is Thursday. DJs man the decks on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Special features: Singles flock to Roppongi, and the rush begins at happy hour, when $3 pitchers of hot sake, $2.50 edamame and $4.50 California rolls make for a bargain night at the bar.

Details: Restaurant is open Monday through Wednesday from

11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Roppongi Bar is open Sunday through Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to midnight and Thursday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. 2600 Cedar Springs Ave. 469-248-0640. geishadallas.com.

On the menu: Yutaka is one of the coziest (read: smallest) sushi joints around, which makes it an ideal spot for a date. It also serves some of the best and freshest sushi, sashimi and rolls. Try the spicy shrimp roll with a nice sake.

After hours: Slip next door into the new Sharaku Sake Lounge, which, not surprisingly, stocks a lengthy list of sake, hot sake, sake-based cocktails and even sake flights. If you're not up for the strong stuff, stick with one of nine Asian beers, or a glass of wine. Sharaku also serves what it calls "finger dishes," snacks including edamame, flounder chips and Kumamoto oyster shooters.

Special features: If you're feeling adventurous, pair that glass of sake with a serving of shabu-shabu. Sort of like a fondue restaurant entrée, shabu-shabu involves cooking thin slices of pork, fish or ribeye in boiling-hot broth, dipping it in a savory sauce, then eating it. When all the meat is gone, whatever's left of the accompanying rice is thrown into the broth bowl and eaten as soup. That ought to impress your date.

Details: Restaurant open Monday through Thursday from 5:45 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5:45 to 11 p.m. Lounge open Tuesday through Thursday from 6 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Both closed Sunday. 2633 McKinney Ave., Suite 140. 214-969-5533. yutakasushibistro.com.Coming soon ...

The new residential-retail complex Ilume will welcome a restaurant-lounge into its fold on Nov. 5. Dish is the brainchild of Tim McEneny, whose ventures have included Obar, Lift Lounge and Dragonfly at Hotel Zaza. Dish will serve updated comfort food, including free-range roasted chicken, barbecue-braised short ribs and flat-iron steak and fries. And bonus – Fido can dine with you: Dish has created a natural, organic canine menu for pets to enjoy on the patio. After dinner service, the restaurant will become a lounge, where a DJ can spin tunes at a raised booth near the bar. 4123 Cedar Springs Blvd., Suite 110. 214-522-3474. dish-dallas.com.{TriRight}

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