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Metro's Club of the Week The Cardinal Lounge 3197 Meridian Ave., San Jose; 408.269.7891; www.cardinalcoffeeshop.com Hours: Open seven days a week, noon-2am; 21-and-over. no cover charge Amenities: Small dance floor, jukebox, karaoke nights, live music nights, full service bar, satellite televisions By Jim Harrington THE CARDINAL LOUNGE recently closed its popular Ultra Lounge house-music nights on Thursdays in favor of cover bands, but that hasn't stopped people from visiting. For years, its 24-hour Cardinal Coffee Shop has served big stacks of pancakes and other diner fare for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night grubbing after the clubs close. Now, at an increasing rate, folks are also flocking to the adjacent Cardinal Lounge to sing karaoke, listen to live bands, watch sports on the two satellite TVs and get their drink on. The dimly lit small club, which is decorated with mirrored walls and plenty of neon beer signs, is famous for its spicy Bloody Mary. But you don't have to like the Mary to whet your whistle here. Happy Hour lasts from noon to 7pm and features a different drink special daily. Once everyone is happy, the club rolls out the cheap test-tube-style shooters filled with such sweet sensations as Cosmos or Purple Hooters at night. On Monday through Wednesday, karaoke draws a goodly amount of San Jose State kids who embarrass one another with hits from the '80s and '90s. Expect to hear at least one frat boy warbling Garth Brooks' "Friends in Low Places" on a regular basis. Send a letter to the editor about this story to letters@metronews.com. [ Silicon Valley | Metroactive Home | Archives ]