Salt is the alternative in my book to a place like Sandbar and the clubs in Old Town. Loud music and dim lighting like Old Town but not super crowded like Sandbar. Hence, a lounge...
You will pay the same--drinks are like $12 and up but they are really good and usually pretty strong.
The dj's on the weekends are pretty good. I was there last Saturday and he kept playing like 80s remixes, but out of the three times I've been to Salt this was the first time I wasn't totally happy with the music. The crowd was also a little bit older so maybe that's who he was catering to that night.
They have tables and couches that are open to first-come-first-service (way different than Old Town where you have to reserve a table) and a really nice bar area if you prefer or can't find a table.
You can dress up or dress casual. I've seen both and each option fits in just fine.
Parking is nice because it's free in the garage just 5 minutes from Salt or you can valet right outside the lounge.
Atmosphere is pretty cool. It is attached to the iPic but they do a great job of separating the two. The only time you know you're next to a movie theater is when you head to the bathroom which is in between the iPic and Salt.
The place has been pretty busy to packed each time I've gone but I've never had trouble finding a seat.
However, this is NOT a place to dance. They have a dance floor but no one uses it. If you want super loud music where it's hard to hear and you want to dance or party, head to Old Town. If you just want to chill in a cool place, head to Salt.