Midtown can present something of a conundrum for the little-further-out-of-school set. What's classier than a Christians Tailgate or Front Porch Pub but more low key than a Pub Fiction or Red Door?

Meet Double Cross Lounge. The new space, which opened soft Oct. 30 in the old Tasting Room at 114 Gray Street, serves spot-on martinis in frosted glassware with zero-degree vodka served on tap. (Don't worry, non-vodka drinkers have options, too. But why stray?)

We popped by last week for a taste, where we admittedly ruined our seven-times distilled, seven-times filtered, smooth-as-silk Slovakian vodka with olive juice for a chilling extra-dirty martini. Although purists might cringe, other to-die "martinis" include the Chilean Baby Pear, with pear nectar, lemon juice, bitters and a clove sugar rim and the Flaming Leah, which combines vodka with strawberries, mint, lime juice and champagne.

We won't fault you for getting fruity. The garnishes, laid out in an ice river atop the bar, are hard to resist. Luckily, there are 15 signature martinis on the menu. The happy-hour munchies are equally upscale, with Kobe beef hot dogs, roasted pepper hummus and cured salmon among the offerings.

The lounge, which serves drinks by Landmark Houston Hospitality's Anthony Montz (Hearsay, 51fifteen), holds just a little more than 100 people total — inside and on the patio. Basically, it's perfect for a not-too-crowded before or after-dinner drink, happy hour, or easy takeover with your own group.

The interior, by Jay Clues, also behind the design of Hearsay and 51fifteen, expands on the Double Cross brand aesthetic — think red banquettes, splashes of silver and lots of ice.