Ready or not, here it comes. The long-awaited Universal is due to open in a couple of weeks in the heart of Hillcrest, providing us with a taste of downtown nightlife that puts lounging, dancing and dining under one roof. Well, sort of.

The ambitious project, launched by EnDev Enterprises, actually links together multiple structures at the corner of Vermont and University that include a stylish bar lounge replete with a high-tech dance floor a garden patio, a contemporary restaurant named Dish and a New York-style pizzeria called Ciros. Stretching across the facades will be a sidewalk patio that trails east from the corner of University and Vermont to Ciro’s.

The exteriors of the buildings now reveal fresh coats of beige paint and light-colored brick accents, although the owners intend on planting ivy that will eventually give the outside walls a “lush look,” says manager Billy Nordmeier.

The big question within the GLBT community has been whether Universal and its peripheral eateries will be “gay.” Company spokespeople insist the demographic will be “metrosexual” as the name Universal implies. Though with nearly 15,000 square feet at its disposal, the space will serve as a viable venue for private GLBT events, such as a San Diego Pride fund-raiser scheduled for April.

The lounge, referred to as Universal, is designed to stimulate the senses with an interior color palette of hot pink, gold and black against a riot of funky patterns and textures. Gold-plated driftwood behind the main bar serves as a dramatic focal point, overseeing an airy layout strewn with banquettes and tables. And a dance floor toward the back of the room, rigged with versatile LED lighting, will usher in a steady roster of guest DJs set to spin everything from contemporary house music to tunes from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

“We’re not billing Universal as a nightclub because it’s more than just a dance box,” says Nordmeier, referring to an open area in the front where patrons can opt for “tableside mixology.” The concept, he adds, “is a step up from bottle service,” providing nightlifers with the booze, mixers and instructions needed to blend cocktails within their parties.

Nordmeier also insists that bar drinks and menu items will be competitively priced to other nearby establishments such as Rich’s, Flicks, Lei Lounge and Bourbon Street.

As for parking in one of San Diego’s busiest and most commercially congested neighborhoods, Nordmeier says that the company was able to secure only 30 open parking spots in the garage underneath Ralph’s in the Uptown District, although additional spaces were acquired that will be used for valet service.

“A lot of our patrons are already in Hillcrest, in walking distance,” he adds. “And we’re encouraging customers who don’t live in the area to take cabs.”

For those forgoing the lounge glitz of Universal to eat at Dish, patrons can expect comfort food with gourmet twists. The dinner menu will initially roll out items such as crispy braised pork belly, Gruyere mac-and-cheese with bacon, organic king salmon with lentils, pan roasted bass with baby artichokes, along with a simple finish of milk and warm cookies listed among the dessert choices. Lunch and Sunday brunches will be introduced in summer.

The kitchens at both Dish and neighboring Ciro’s pizzeria will be headed up by Chef Antonio Friscia, known for combining his love of Italian food with newfangled, one-of-a-kind recipes. Friscia also reigns over the menus at Stingaree and Bar West, which are owned and operated by EnDev Enterprises as well.

For more information about opening dates, visit www.universalhillcrest.com.