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+ Uncork a bottle of vino at Cork

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+ Chillax with a drink or belt it out at karaoke at The Corner Bar in Uptown

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+ Come early and stay late at Bar Louie

Bar Louie brings an urban atmosphere to the new(ish) West 7th development in Fort Worth. They specialize in handcrafted martinis but also serve a selection of craft beers, wine and other cocktails. Their menu takes upscale bar food to the next level with flatbread, a decent salad selection, or mac 'n cheese with fried chicken in it. The interior restaurant and bar areas are spacious, but the real ambiance is on their equally spacious rooftop patio. On weekends, Bar Louie makes sure to keep the patio from getting too elbow-to-elbow by enforcing a strict one-in, one-out policy once it fills up. This is really awesome when you're on the patio but really annoying when you have to wait in line, so plan accordingly.

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+ Have a cocktail and play basketball at Grapevine Bar

Grapevine Bar is an interesting little entity with all kinds of things to keep you busy while you overindulge. It's located right off Oak Lawn and has a rooftop deck with great views of the city. They also have a large patio with a basketball court and ping pong tables and TV's, pool and Sony Playstations inside. Located right off Oak Lawn, but not necessarily a GLBT establishment, Grapevine is the kind of place with such diverse patronage that no one is out of place. They also have happy hour every day (even Saturday) that's all day long Sunday through Tuesday.

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+ The Lion and Crown is Addison Circle’s newest old English pub

The Lion and Crown at Addison Circle is a traditional English style pub. Don't be fooled by reviews of bad service; the original concept was to create a pub just like in England, where everything (food included) is ordered at the bar. As Americans don't exactly understand or appreciate this way of doing things they have since added some wait staff to take your orders. The draft selection offers the usuals (Guinness, Bass, etc) as well as a few others (including Strongbow), the bottle selection is a healthy selection of imported favorites and the menu dons traditional pub food. The atmosphere hits the nail on the head with the English pub ambiance, with wood aplenty and some fantastic antique pieces, like old altar seats.

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+ At Paddy Red’s, everybody knows your name

Paddy Red's is Downtown Fort Worth's token Irish pub in a basement setting that's cozy and comfortable. While the staunch regulars give this watering hole a Cheers-esque quality, new comers won't get the stink eye upon entry; the more the merrier is the attitude here. In addition to the usual Irish pub selection on tap and over 100 bottles to choose from, Paddy Red's also has a healthy selection of whiskey, scotch and vodka. They also have pool tables, darts and shuffleboard to complement any night out. For as "bar-ie" as this bar is, they also have extremely nice restrooms. Don't come hungry, food does not grace their menu.

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+ Get your Texas on at Billy Bob’s

The self-proclaimed "World's Largest Honky Tonk," Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth is the number one way to get that real Texas experience. Most locals end up at Billy Bob's to catch a country show, but this is no ordinary venue. In addition to excellent music lineups on a regular basis, Billy Bob's is a playground for just about every Texas stereotype. They have both a mechanical bull and live bull riding shows, dance lessons and barbecue. And of course beer. Lots of beer. With the uber western ambiance, it's no wonder patrons randomly break out in the two-step. Seriously, it's just like movies.

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+ Dance without pretenses at The Slip Inn

The Slip Inn is Dallas' quintessential unpretentious, divey-but-not-dicey dance club and bar. Their claim to fame is cheap(ish) drinks and excellent rap and hip hop music. While the DJ's vary, the general consensus is that they all rock (and start playing at 10 pm). The Slip Inn is also known for a diverse and friendly crowd and provides a more casual atmosphere than most dance clubs. Despite the casual atmosphere, dressing up is still allowed. Located right off Greenville, The Slip Inn is the bumpin' place for weekend post partying, although showing up early is also encouraged as the tiny L-shaped establishment is, well, tiny and L-shaped.

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+ Club Dada: where cool music happens

Deep Ellum's Club Dada is one of the best venue's in Dallas to catch an indie show. They are one of the few music venues that has (mostly) held the fort down during Deep Ellum's transitional period. They have a pretty good selection of beers on tap that's always served with cool music and a cool atmosphere. It's safe to say the folks at Club Dada are cool people. This is a great place to check out some of DFW's best local talent or even an occasional poetry slam or old movie projected onto the wall. They also have an awesomely large patio with a stage.

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+ Dance the night away at Plush

As one of Dallas' premiere dance clubs, Plush is a three level Vegas-style nightclub in the heart of downtown. Plush always keeps it lush with special touches like a nitrogen cooling system for the dance floor, a 25 foot LED wall, impeccable decor and excellent cocktail service. Add to mix a lineup of talented DJ's and a world class sound system and you have a dance floor never quite. A strictly enforced dress code means everyone is dressed to impress (so leave your Timberlands at home). For an extra special night, or if you're just feelin' like a baller, order bottle service or rent a private room.

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+ Chat with cool kids at the Chat Room

The Chat Room on Magnolia is probably Fort Worth's coolest dive. The staff is friendly and the drinks are cheap and large (you'll often get your cocktail in a pint glass), and they are one of the few places in DFW/Texas/the world that offers a vegan White Russian. The dance floor is small but present so people can dance to the jukebox that has better taste in music than your favorite cool-kid. The inside is smoke-friendly with little effort to ventilate, so show up early enough to grab a picnic table outside if smoking ain't your thang. If you don't go for the cheap drinks or the jukebox, go for the pinball machine or the free internet (it does say "internet pub" on the sign, after all).

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+ Get your jazz and martini fix at The Balcony Club

The Balcony club, conveniently attached to the Lakewood Theater, is one of those small and dark jazz clubs with a speak easy vibe that's often only seen in the movies. They have live jazz every night of the week and regulars show up any night of the week to unwind and chillax. If you're looking to be rowdy and shoot Jager-bombs, this is not the perfect joint for your night out. If quality music and a laid back atmosphere is your cup of tea, this is the place to be. The Balcony Club is also known to make a really good martini. Hey, when in Rome...

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+ Art Love Magic brings magic to the art scene

Started by three artists looking for a better way to connect with other artists, Art Love Magic is an organization in the business of connecting; connecting emerging and established artists as well as connecting viewers with the artists and their process. They host one large gallery show a month, involving both an exhibit and an event in which attendees can watch artists at work across all media, including live music, performance and spoken word. They also host Art and Coffee on the first Friday of every month, a free event with live music and art at a local coffee shop. Check their calendar for event times and locations.

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+ The Amsterdam Bar couples a laid back atmosphere with an excellent beer selection

The Amsterdam Bar is nestled on the strip on Exposition across from Fair Park. In addition to a laid back, cozy atmosphere they also have a choice collection of craft and import beers on tap as well as a decent selection of spirits for the non-beer snobs. Artwork by local artists adorns the wall as well as a dart board, if you feel so inclined. They have a rotating door of live music on various nights, including live jazz every Monday. If the inside is feeling a little too cozy for you, check out the large patio out back. The Amsterdam Bar does not serve food aside from a few snacks, however, you can have food delivered or bring it to-go from nearby eateries.

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+ Bar hop on lower Greenville Avenue

Lower Greenville Avenue in Dallas is the prime spot for your typical pub crawl. Lined with clubs, bars and restaurants, it's situated perfectly for patrons to bar hop without having drive all over the place. Get your groove on at Zubar, try your Latin dance moves at Kismet, or fill up on cheap libations and a relaxed atmosphere at Ship's Lounge. Lower Greenville is also host to Dallas' famous St. Patty's Day parade, which is basically the only street party Dallas does right. As the night winds to an end, soak up the booze with a bite at late night Mexican eatery La Casita (known to locals as "Rena's" after the beloved owner/cook/waittress). Not a night owl? Show up earlier in the evening and check out Lower Greenville's eclectic shops and any one of their numerous restaurants.

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+ Get a crazy strong cocktail at The Loon

The Loon, located in the heart of Uptown, plays the role of Uptown's quintessential "dive bar." With an old pub-like feel, The Loon is definitely as "dive-ish" as Uptown gets. The Loon's only drink special is a scrimpy happy hour, however, their reputation of providing a heavy handed pour means every drink is always special. They have a pretty extensive menu of bar-food staples, pizza and Italian food. Nobody really knows how good the food is because nobody eats there. Or they are already too sauced to remember. Appearance of the menu at any table usually begs the question, "They serve food here?"

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+ Chill like an expat at the Londoner

The Londoner in Addison is DFW's go-to place for a UK style sesh. Even the outside of the building screams, "Pub!" The draft selection has UK favorites as well as a few local-ish choices for good measure and they even have a decent selection of Scotch. Their menu offers traditional English fare, including Chicken Tikki Masala, shepherd's pie and bangers and mash. The Londoner also shows all the European soccer matches (at least all the ones that have available coverage) that area expats congregate to like flies to... well you get it. Their patio is ample and dog friendly. Who wants a pint?

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+ Fancy beer meets fancy food at the Meddlesome Moth

The folks from the Flying Saucer bring Dallas its first official “gastro pub.” The Meddlesome Moth, located just west of downtown in the design district, provides a setting that brings foodies and beer snobs together. In addition to serving a variety of specialty beers, the menu serves up creative combinations of both meals and “share plates” (think elaborate tapas). Favorite share plates include the Five Spice Pork Belly, Shrimp and Grits (with jalapeno gravy), Hawaiin “Ahi” Tuna and the collard greens. The cayenne-lime fried hominy is great if you’re just looking for a nibble. The beer menu is a little slice of heaven for any craft beer snob. It contains all the staples plus a variety that changes seasonally. While beer suggestions change with every palette, for something truly different keep an eye out for any of the beers aged in whiskey/bourbon/brandy barrels (like Rahr’s Whiskey Warmer).

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+ Order your usual at The Usual

Have you ever wanted to try an Old Fashioned? The Usual off Magnolia offers up prohibition-era cocktails in a slick venue with uber mod design. Drinks to check out include the Jimador (a spicy tequila concoction), the Old Fashioned (naturally) and their Aviation (three words: creme de violette). Drink prices are a little high starting at $6, but everything is top shelf so it's actually a steal. The venue is also non-smoking, a breath of fresh air compared to most of Fort Worth's watering holes. You can even order food at neighboring Nonna Tata's and ask them to bring it to you at The Usual, a welcome relief from Nonna Tata's extraordinarily small space. Please bring a sober driver; those prohibitionists didn’t mess around.

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+ Eight Lounge is a Club with Staying Power

The undeniable fact about nightclubs, is that, well, they don't have a long shelf life. They stay hot for a few months, and sometimes burn out before making it to the year mark. Eight Lounge on Greenville Avenue has not only been alive since 2003, but is still just as popular as it ever was. Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest, with a line out front and a line at the bar. No worries though, the bar is designed to help patrons get their drinks quickly and easily. The dress is upscale causal with a trendy vibe, so if you are looking to avoid the Dallas "scene," Eight Lounge might not be what you are looking for. The DJ spins popular Top 40 music and an abundance of hip hop, so be prepared to shake, spin, and impress on the floor. The drinks are lower than west coast prices, but be sure to bring the credit card and plenty of bills for tipping the staff. Eight Lounge delivers exactly what you expect from a Dallas nightclub: flashy females, loud music, and flowing drinks all night long.