Minty fresh

^{Photo: MELISSA OSTROW}

After years of living in Boston, you develop certain talents. Among them is instant recall of any given nightspot's former incarnation, a useful skill that secures your status as a seasoned party-going professional. So now that you've sufficiently impressed your social circle with tales from the days when Royale was the Roxy, Cure was Aria, and Bijou was Buzz, don't forget to mention that you danced at Revolution Rock Bar before it became Julep (200 High Street, Boston, 617.261.4200). The newly opened lounge promises to be a significant upgrade from the former haunt: its interior has been totally renovated by HGTV personality Taniya Nayak, the same designer who turned Downtown Crossing's bland Vinalia into the more charming Petit Robert Central. And since Julep's management team is the same group behind nearby Blue Inc., chef Jason Santos pitched in to design a menu that boasts bites like shrimp cocktail with brandy aioli and grilled tuna tacos. Finally, while Revolution had a real Red Bull-and-vodka scene, you can now expect a craft cocktail program that includes, naturally, a signature mint julep served in a traditional silver cup (plus several yummy-sounding infusions, like vanilla-fig Grand Marnier). Of course, some things never change: while Julep will cater to an after-work corporate crowd, there's still a designated space for nighttime bumping and grinding. So we'll still be able to dance - just maybe not on top of the tables.