Some nights, we long simply for truly comfortable couches, the chatter of close friends and special-release Chimay.

Thank goodness for the Funky Buddha Lounge, which reminds us, nostalgically speaking, of the coffee house where we first came of age. Only it’s much cooler and with much better beverages. Yet it’s still dimly lit, offers great entertainment and is where all the cool kids hang out.

On a recent Friday night, different singers took turn serenading us with originally penned songs — and a Nicki Minaj song thrown in. Flannel shirts mingled next to kitten heels. Date night couples perched atop the few bar stools, leaning seductively back and forth as the tension of the night wore on. The knowledgeable staff kept our glasses replaced before they were even empty, offering up shot sample glasses of drafts, wanting us to love our beers as much as they do.

Instead of stale cigarette smoke, there are 40 different flavors of Hookah. And rather than just coffee drinks (though there are a number of tasty, freshly roasted specials), there’s one the best looking beer menus this side of the Broward line. Think specialty Belgium brew, unique seasonal brews and hard to find and hard to pronounce cold ones like Terrapin Hopsecutioner.

Where the line between beer and dessert gets shaded into grey with the Bison Organic Gingerbread Ale and the Cigar City Sugar Plum or the Due South Roasted Café Ole Porter. We’re talking more than 110 unique, delicious different craft beers. Ever hear of a Sweet Potato Casserole Ale, a Bonita Applebaum or a Lemon Meringue Berliner? Become a regular – then you’ll be bragging about the bodacious beers you sipped. And Funky Buddha brews its own beers (and sells its own tools to become a home brewer too.)

In addition to beer, there’s more than 40 different loose leaf teas, kava (and you thought kava was out) a full bar and wine. Something for everyone in a very democratic, all-are-welcome, all-tastes-represented vibe.

It’s the sort of place to come on a date (or to crash a friend’s date). To check out comedy or free Monday night jazz, to meet friends or to make friends — and trust me, you won’t get any weird looks while you geek out over your beer-tastic beverage. Like I said – all are welcome here.

The Funky Buddha: 2621 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; 561-368-4643; open Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday and Sunday 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.