Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is dedicated to a continued exploration of Cuban heritage, art, music, flavors and traditions. The open-air setting, tropical ambiance, vintage décor, upbeat Latin music and Concept Chef/Partner, Guillermo Pernot’s delectable menu of ‘Nuevo Cubano’ dishes and traditional favorites, make all of our restaurants a must-see, must-experience dining destination.
Tag Archives: bar
Full Hollywood Experience at the Andaz Hotel
In the land of expensive hotels and luxurious condominiums, it truly takes an amazing hotel to make any kind of impression. With views of the Hollywood Hills and Sunset Strip, it is no wonder that the Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood is making such a splash.
With modern rooms featuring panoramic views and flat screen televisions, the Andaz is the perfect place to stay when you are looking for that Hollywood experience. Along with amazing 
room accommodations and amenities, the Andaz also features a rooftop deck for late night cocktails and RH Restaurant & Bar for all your drinking and dining needs.
Though beautiful and elegant, the Andaz Hotel is receiving popular reviews ultimately due to its location. Snuggled up in the hustle and bustle of Sunset Boulevard, the location is ideal for hitting the nightclub scene or daytime shopping. Unlike massive hotels like the Beverly Hills Hotel and Four Seasons, the Andaz delivers a more personal experience that makes visitors feel as though they are staying in a boutique hotel.
With exceptional views and a perfect location, the Andaz is the place to stay if you are looking for an A-list experience along with the A-listers.
Belmont Hotel Reminiscent of “Mad Men” Days
Hotel Belmont can be summed up in one word: retro. This hip, authentic boutique hotel overlooks downtown Dallas on the edge of Oak Cliff, which gives it spectacular views that feels like this place is set far apart from the crowd. 
A completely re-done motor lodge circa 194o’s, it’s modern and fresh without trying too hard or coming off too posh. Rooms are spread out between four buildings that include garden rooms, two-story lofts and bungalows.
You might feel as if you stepped into an episode of “Mad Men” when you drive up, but the cuddly bathrobes, Kiehl’s bath products, and outdoor heated pool will remind you that it’s modern day. The brightly colored BarBelmont and Smoke restaurant will beckon you out of your cozy room, and you can’t beat same-day laundry service and dry cleaning that is available to the stressed out traveler.
A few must-see areas are the views at sunset from the outdoor terrace, the relaxing spa-like pool and the people watching at BarBelmont. The entire property is aesthetically conscious and retro, and the Belmont Hotel does it better than anyone else.
Hometown Bar-B-Que: authentic pit style BBQ at home in Brooklyn
Hometown Bar-B-Que specializes in classic American barbecue steeped in tradition and history yet done with a little Brooklyn flair.
Modern Mexican food comes to the East Village at The Black Ant
Black Ant, a modern Mexican restaurant, is slated to open in the East Village next month at 60 Second Ave. between Third and Fourth avenues.
The 2,800-square-foot location will have four different dining areas — a small lounge that seats 15 with an additional 15 seats at the bar, two dining rooms seating a total of 60 plus an open garden that will seat 40.
Black Ant also will feature a private dining room with 25 seats.
Owners Jorge Guzman and Mario Hernandez, the general manager and executive chief, respectively, are in talks to launch a Mexican restaurant in the West Village called Bacanora, which is named after a plant that grows in Mexico’s Sonora province. The duo also own Ofrenda in the West Village.
Eclectic music, food and drinks join forces at Baby’s All Right
Baby’s All Right, a bar, eatery, and music venue in the historic neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn New York.
Amazing drinks and unmatched views at the rooftop bar Jimmy in Soho
Soho’s James Hotel has unveiled its rooftop cocktail lounge, though the outdoor area is only open when the weather’s nice. Run by David Rabin, Larry Poston, and Johnny Swet of Hotel Griffou, the space holds 80 people, and will no doubt be filled once folks get wind of the amazing view. Drink prices average out at $17, with standouts including the Blair Witch Cocktail, a moonshine concoction complete with birch beer and fresh bay leaf.
After 9pm, customers should use the entrance at 15 Thompson St.
Cafeina: Wynwood’s lounge of choice for locals
Stroll down 23rd Street in the heart of Wynwood’s Arts District and an orange sign with the word Cafeina will undoubtedly stand out since it’s hanging in front of a non-descript building in the mostly warehouse-filled district.
Step in though and it’s anything but. Part lounge/restaurant/gallery, Cafeina is many things to many people. Sure it’s all three but as a lounge it is the type of place that the locals love and is a great discovery for those not in the know.
The action here happens both indoors, among dimly lit chandeliers and candlelight on comfy chairs, and outdoors where the dance floor shares space with lovely patio furniture and even hammock beds. The DJ here knows how to mix the perfect blend of club/dance music that sets the mood and matches the vibe.
Cafeina is located at 297 NW 23 St., Miami, FL 305-438-0792 www.cafeinamiami.com
The Park 112
The Park 112 is located on Harlem’s ‘Restaurant Row’. The décor fosters a relaxed social approach to the dining experience with its grand tufted leather banquettes, light bulb chandeliers as well as an illuminated communal table and private dining area. This Citybuzz pick also offers a self serve wine machine.
Pick Your Favorite Brew at Public House
If you could go to a bar where you can have any type of beer, which one would you choose? At Public House, it’s all about beer. Located in the heart of Chicago, this bar/restaurant has hundreds of different drafts of beer, a great food selection, and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. It is a great place to not only eat and drink but also socialize with other beer-lovers. Only after one visit will you want to come back for more.
Check Out Penthouse 808 For Great Views Of Manhattan And Great Food!
Penthouse 808 is an Asian Bistro/Lounge that opened in 2009 with a heavy focus on fresh food, sushi and a raw bar. They wanted to be one of the first “in” places in the growing neighborhood of Long Island City. People come over from midtown Manhattan and enjoy the amazing view of Manhattan from the rooftop.
Penthouse 808 brought in some of the best sushi chefs for the discriminating tastes of New Yorkers. It rivals some of the best sushi restaurants in Manhattan.
There is a more relaxed feeling at Penthouse 808. It sits atop the 63 room, luxury boutique Hotel Ravel – almost a vacation a minute or two away from midtown Manhattan. Visit penthouse808rooftop.com for more information.
A play on brunch at Tongue & Cheek
The restaurant’s name is certainly a play on words but the owners of Tongue & Cheek aren’t messing around when it comes to brunch. They’re taking it as seriously as any other meal of the day.
Chef Jamie DeRosa got the reigns in the kitchen where he’s concocted an all-inclusive menu for foodies with a sweet or savory tooth and those who want traditional as well as something with a bit of a twist.
The King Crab benedict with Tabasco hollandaise and baby arugula’s got some kick or the Cuban sandwich with pork cheeks and pickled cucumbers will wake up anyone hungover from a night of clubbing on South Beach. Or perhaps indulge in lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry jam, sticky buns with brown butter pecans or a basket of housemade donut holes in three varieties.
Wash it all down with what else…a bloody mary but not just the usual, here there’s a Barbecued Bloody Mary with Woodford Reserve and Belvedere Vodka and the True Blood, the traditional with Belvedere Vodka, horseradish and pickled vegetables. And if necessary, finish up with coffee which is free throughout brunch.
Brunch is on Sundays at Tongue & Cheek at 431 Washington Ave., Miami Beach is from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Click here to visit their website or call them at 305-704-2900.
Look Restaurant Reaches Across The Aisle For Fun Times!
Who says K Street has to be Conventional?
LOOK Restaurant Lounge reaches across the aisle to bridge the gap between Socially Liberal and Tastefully Conservative. Located in the heart of the K Street Corridor, LOOK Restaurant Lounge sets out to shatter traditional stereotypes by taking the “boring” out of business lunch and the “corporate” out of corporate reception.
Enjoy world cuisine through a variety of over 30 small plates from our Executive Chef in a warm, dynamic, open setting. Our 150 seat dining room is open for lunch, dinner, private events, corporate gatherings, and any social events. The Event Director and Executive Chef will work with you to customize the perfect event experience for up to 300 seated guests or 800 standing guests.
Guests are strongly encouraged to be Socially Liberal, yet fiscally conservative in the belief that Washington needs to cut spending. With this thinking, HAPPY HOUR at LOOK starts at noon. From 12pm to 7pm, LOOK offers Absolut kocktails, House wine by the glass and our full beer selection at $5! Visit lookatkstreet.com for more information.
Have Some Fun At The Drumbar!
Located in Chicago’s Gold Coast, Drumbar takes the ‘speakeasy’ to the next level, 200 feet up to be exact. Perched atop the Raffaello Hotel on Delaware Place, Drumbar is a multi seasonal destination with its speakeasy style inside lounge and outdoor garden terrace. Drumbar is a drinking establishment designed to deliver warmth, style, and an energetic spirit of old meets new. Click here for more information.
Head Out To The Dead Rabbit For An Old New York Evening
The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog embodies the conviviality of Old New York and the Irish-American tradition.
Our ground-floor Taproom offers an informal setting for the enjoyment of craft beer, bottled punch, and whiskeys of the world, with lunch served daily.
Upstairs, our sumptuous Parlor focuses on small plates, communal punch, and 72 historically-accurate cocktails dreamed up by the nineteenth century’s most celebrated bartenders.
The Dead Rabbit is dedicated to advancing the art and practice of hospitality, as it was understood then and as it is understood now, for all residents of and visitors to this great metropolis. Visit deadrabbitnyc.com for more information.
Be On The Floor At The Cutting Room
The Cutting Room opened at 44 East 32nd Street in NYC in January of 2013, Compared to the old space, this “new” Cutting Room is bigger, with a better location and better food. The old one had a New York Rock ‘N Roll feel, and things have changed for the better. The Rock ‘N Roll feel is still here, but with a touch of a supper club ambiance.
There’s quality on every level, good food, good drinks, good entertainment, good sound. Check out the menu and the upcoming calander on the website at thecuttingroomnyc.com
Bub City- the most fun BBQ, country music and whiskey in Chicago!
Country Music and BBQ at Bub City…Paradise for BBQ fans!
Bub City brings in rising stars from Nashville, Austin, and other places, to play on the stage, in Chicago. You might see someone you could only see in Nashville.
It’s a casual atmosphere, where you can stop in for a beer, and some bar-b-que, and listen to some fine country music. Bub City is open late every night. On Tuesday they have Country Karaoke. You wont find a more lively, fun place in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Click here for more information.
Untitled
In the heart of River North, hidden behind large unmarked doors at 111 W. Kinzie, lies a restaurant and lounge like no other. Untitled invites you on a journey of discovery and surprise on many levels. Come experience intimate spaces and grand see-and-be seen rooms. Craft cocktails, beer and wine and bubbly from around the world complement Chef Joseph Heppe’s delicious yet approachable cuisine. Untitled pays homage to the vibrancy of supper club and speakeasy establishments of the Prohibition Era. The food, drink and entertainment you find at Untitled entices you to have a taste, tap your feet and wet your whistle.
Emporium Arcade Bar
This Wicker Park newcomer features 30 arcade games and pinball machines from the ’80s and ’90s, including Pacman, Donkey Kong, NBA Jam, Streetfighter and Smash TV. There is no cover charge, and tokens cost 25 cents for one play. Games line the walls of the space and there are adjacent shelves to hold your drink while you play.
The Publican
Featuring pork and fish/seafood preparations, the menu is best described by Kahan and Huston as “pristine product, simply prepared,” an approach to food Kahan has long espoused in all of his kitchens. The Publican boasts the simplest cuisine of all three properties, each dish stripped of adornment and containing only essential ingredients. The menu is presented in sections: Fish, Meat and Vegetables, each laid out from lightest to heaviest fare.
Pristinely fresh oysters, hand-selected for the restaurant from purveyors with whom the culinary team has formed partnerships over the past year, anchor the fish portion of the menu. From classic Belgian-style mussels to seafood stew to wood-roasted whole fish, the seafood is simple and straightforward yet eclectic in presentation.
Meat dishes center upon pork, all certified organic and sourced from Dyersville, Iowa. Anchored by a wide selection of housemade terrines and charcuteries, the menu changes daily to reflect the seasonal availability of products. Other hearty dishes, again, presented simply and stripped of adornment, include such seasonal items as black and white sausage, steak tartare, pork shoulder and pot-au-feu. Kahan and Huston plan to make the wood-roasted chicken a signature, “… with the best frites in town,” boasts Kahan.
A selection of vegetables rounds out the menu, including such seasonal items as daily aïoli, roasted broccoli, pine nuts and Italian buratta and cauliflower sformato with Marcona almond romesco.
Strong architectural lines dominate the space, which is large, airy and awash in earthy colors. Guests enter The Publican through a glass-enclosed vestibule, its 10-foot-high ceiling offering a glimpse of the restaurant’s 13.6-foot ceiling. Inside, the spacious interior is dominated by a large walnut communal table designed to recall 16th Century European banquets. Set up in racetrack fashion, the banquet table seats upwards of 100 people, side by side.
At the center of the banquet table stands eight English pub-style three-tiered cocktail tables where guests can stand, leaning comfortably on one level, with their beer and food resting on the other tiers. This interior space is large enough for guests who are waiting for tables or visiting the restaurant just for a beer and a bite. Against the east wall stand a series of four-top walnut banquette tables set up on platforms and privatized by table-height swinging doors.
The walls and ceiling are wrapped in a material reminiscent of antique pressed tin. Across the front of the space, 10-foot cafe-style doors open out onto the street. At the back of the restaurant, a partially open kitchen offers a view to the culinary action.
The Standard Pour
Inspired by 1920’s nouveau nostalgia & outfitted with the proper balance of comfort at your favorite greasy spoon & the timeless class of a silver one; The Cocktail Den & Cravings Kitchen combine to form an experience as refreshingly familiar as the concoctions it features.
Arriving on McKinney Avenue circa 2012 courtesy of the noteworthy La Reve Consultants, TSP bucks the trend of loud lounges and boisterous bars making it the ideal setting for conversation. Whether dining alongside old friends at our inviting brick backed bar or enjoying drinks on the noticeable patio with new ones, frequenters of TSP can be certain they have found the premier place to be seen & heard in Dallas, Texas.
Nora
Nora Restaurant and Bar, opened in the summer of 2012, is the third restaurant by restaurateur and chef Matt Pikar. Matt began his culinary career in Washington, D.C. in 2001 when he opened Afghan Grill. His clientele included many senators, congressmen and diplomats.
After rave reviews and success in D.C., Matt moved to Texas in 2007 and opened the well regarded Afghan Grill in North Dallas. Determined to make Afghan food better known, he decided to open a new venture closer to Dallas proper.
Nora’s namesake, Nora Pikar was just three months old when construction of the restaurant began. She and her older sister Stella were along every step of the way from construction to decoration and opening. The goal of Nora Restaurant and Bar is to introduce Greenville Avenue to a type of food it has yet to experience. With our friendly service and atmosphere, we strive to be an exotic spot that feels like home.
Chillax with a drink or belt it out at karaoke at The Corner Bar in Uptown
The Corner Bar is a comfortable little Uptown establishment inside an old building from the 1930’s on McKinney and Monticello. The pressed tin ceiling (painted, of course) and exposed brick really brings out the old-time, vintage feel of the place and really hones in on that “neighborhood pub” ambiance. While they have a full kitchen with pizza and other bar food offerings, most patrons frequent The Corner Bar for cheap drinks and Wednesday night Karaoke (which won a “Best of” in 2010). They also have a few pool tables, with free pool on Sundays, and a good number of large TV’s considering the small size of the place.
Thomas Farley on Top Hops Beer Shop
Lower east side NYC. Just a few blocks from NY food and beer institutions, New Beer, Whole Foods Bowery, and Katz’s Deli. This is a new place that has it all…multiple growler fill taps, 100’s of bottles (kept in growler units without lights to preserve the integrity of the beer), artisanal foods available while you enjoy a tasty draft at the bar…1/2 bar, 1/2 growler fill station..is the this the new model for craft beer distribution spots? Not sure but this is a well worth checking out location…Craft is appreciated and celebrated, mid sized spot, with a sleek and comfortable arching bar, friendly, gracious and knowledgeable owner adds to the experience…go check it out..places like this are the future and deserve to be supported.
Game watchin’ and gourmet noshin’ at Duffy’s Tavern
When it comes to Miami sports bars, Duffy’s Tavern located on the cusp of the Coral Gables/South Miami neighborhoods, is an institution where just about any University of Miami sports fan has spent some time, no doubt downing many drafts while watching the ‘Canes and the Miami Dolphins in action.
This locals hangout, filled with memorabilia from those football team’s glory days, is the ideal spot to soak in and experience old Miami. The jukebox here is legendary as are the autographed photos that adorn the walls
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There’s nothing fancy at Duffy’s, it’s the typical wooden bar, table and chairs and the friendly bartenders and loyal patrons who love to reminisce about good times they’ve spent here. It’s the type of place that gets recommended when you say “I want to avoid the tourist traps and go where the locals hang.”
Duffy’s Tavern is located at 2108 SW 57 Ave. 305-264-6580, click here to visit their FB page.
Nikki Beach
Nikki Beach in Miami is the hidden jewel of South Beach, located at One Ocean Drive along the beautiful Atlantic Ocean amid swaying palms trees and warm sunny breezes. Nikki Beach Miami has established itself as the landmark nightclub and venue for ultimate private parties, large celebrations, and always lives up to its reputation as a South Beach Miami party playground for jet setters, celebrities, VIPs, guests and visitors alike.
The Hamilton
Strange and amazing, unlikely and enviable, the life of Alexander Hamilton could be a blueprint for the evolution of Washington, DC. This is a man who started off an orphan and ended up a lawyer, banker and founding father before dying famously in a duel with the Vice President of the United States. First built to house the federal government, DC is now a city where polish and sophistication have been charmed by a bohemian spirit yielding a new, thriving, artistic underground. Located just two blocks from the White House, the District’s newest destination for envelope-pushing, visionary music and talent defies convention, much like Hamilton himself. Visit thehamiltondc.com for more information.
The Abbey’s very “un” South Beach
The door stays open, no velvet ropes or long lines here, The Abbey Brewing Co. is one of the most “un” South Beach spots on the beach. It’s a dark bar with no pretense, just a place to hang, talk and drink.
Unlike all the Irish pubs and other fancy prew pub spots around Miami, The Abbey has been doing hand-crafted beers since 1995, way before it became the trend. They’re proud of their award-winning brews here and boast about them on their website. There are plenty of bottled beers as well as tons of drafts. Stained glass, dark wood, dart boards and funky art make this place a beer/pub lover’s paradise. Some pub grub and quality cigars go great with the beer selection and complete the experience.
The Abbey, 1115 16 St., 305-538-8110. Click here to visit their website.
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).
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.
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?”
Take Me Out To A Ball Game at Nellie’s Sports Bar
Nellie’s Sports Bar is Washington, DC’s first gay sports bar featuring an expansive rooftop deck which is as much of an attraction as the flat-screen TVs. Nellie’s is considered THE go-to place for LGBTQ sports fans.
True to its theme, the sports bar sticks to showing games on its plasma TVs and displaying tennis rackets, oars, and trophies as decorations. No worries, the athletically challenged customers will not be left out of the fun, since Nellie’s provides board games galore.
Don’t forget to check their website for fun activities like Drag Bingo and brunch! Visit nelliessportsbar.com for more information.
Shhh…. The insider tip is that the earlier you get to Nellie’s the cheaper the drinks will be from Monday through Friday!
Living Room
The Living Room is located at 1055 Broadway in Denver (between 10th & 11th, next to Arby’s), and opened in August of 2009, with a fabulous wine and beer list, and a menu of mouth-watering small dishes along with an Enomatic wine sampling system allowing customers the ability to taste 24 varying wines by the ounce simply with the swipe of a card and a touch of a button.
Along with exceptional, friendly service The Living Room offers a warm, seductive yet
casual ambiance in this comfortable and stylish setting complete with high backed booths, hanging retro bubble chairs, low lights, great sounds, gathering bar, urban patio and just the right touch of downtown aire, all in a unpretentious setting that takes the intimidation out of wine tasting.
The Abbey
The Abbey’s most recent 4,000 square-foot expansion (the fifth in 12 years), included the addition of a brand new bar and lounge, now dubbed the Effen Smooth Bar, bringing its total size to approximately 16,000 square feet. Both AOL CityGuide and Zagat Survey rank The Abbey as THE hot spot in L.A. Such popularity and critical acclaim are a testament to Cooley’s drive and entrepreneurial spirit.
The Wrecking Bar Brew Pub
As a 20th-century Victorian-style home, a Methodist Protestant church, a dance school and most recently as the Wrecking Bar architectural antiques store, the journey to bring you an ever-changing selection of specialty beers brewed on site and craft pub food has been defined by fond memories made by notable Atlanta families. On June 19, 2011, Bob and Kristine Sandage began a new legacy, as the basement of the charismatic Victor H. Kriegshaber House was christened as the Wrecking Bar Brewpub!
Vowing to boldly go where no other brewpub has gone before, the Sandages warmly open their doors, inviting the neighborhood to enjoy this artisanal gathering spot for the community that took the support of a community to build.
The brew pub is located at 292 Moreland Ave. NE
Atlanta GA. Click here for more information.
Prohibition
Prohibition is probably the closest Atlanta comes to the current style and substance of “speakeasies” in other big cities. Located below Stout Irish Pub in the funhouse labyrinth of Andrews Square, the atmosphere is clubby and classy. There’s oak paneling, a burnished honey-colored onyx bar top, a glowing hand-painted drop ceiling, and vintage ’20s decorations. Leather sofas and a fireplace create cozy seating nooks. But the bar is where the action is.
Owner/ bartender Steve De Haan calls his cocktails “prescriptions,” offering them up with a steady stream of barkeep banter. De Haan compounds drinks with giddy precision, using historical recipes and old-school techniques, top-shelf liquors, fresh-squeezed juices and garnishes, while chipping ice off a 300-pound block. Smoking is not only permitted, but celebrated, with a house humidor room filled with fine cigars. A concise food menu includes snacks such as lamb lollipops.
How do you find the secret number? That’s a really good question. But during a recent visit, several friendly bystanders were eager to share. Visit prohibitionatl.com for more information.
Prohibtion is located at 56 East Andrews Drive in Andrews Square.
Fifty Ultra Lounge: Viceroy Hotel’s hot spot
One of Downtown Miami’s hottest hotels is surprisingly enough, a fabulous nightclub spot. The Fifty Ultra Lounge at Viceroy Miami is stiff competition for those clubs on the other side of the Causeway (meaning South Beach).
Appropriately named for its location, the view alone is unmatched by any other club because it sits on the building’s rooftop meaning unobstructed water and skyline views as far as the eye can see. The pool, which serves as the centerpiece here, is no slouch either, adding that perfect Miami touch.
FIFTY promises to bring you a “One-of-a-kind rooftop lounge with a fresh new look on Miami’s Nightlife scene.” There’s always something happening on this rooftop with Happy Hour, guest DJ’s, special Ladies’ Night events and Sunday afternoon pool parties. Celebrities are frequently spotted here so keep your eyes peeled.
Viceroy Miami is located at 485 Brickell Avenue, 305-503-4417 www.viceroymiami.com
Rock it Out at Tattoo Bar
As one of the most unique bars in DC, Tattoo Bar is small, but intimately claustrophobic and extremely edgy.
With a hip, rock-n-roll theme, the Tattoo Bar is an interesting amalgamation of a bar and a nightclub sporting a mix of rock and roll and some house music.
Like stepping into a tattoo parlor, Tattoo Bar gives off a badass and sexily forbidden vibe. Decked out with black leather banquettes, dark light fixtures, tribal tattoo patterns, the “ghost rider,” and pictures of heavily inked individuals, this bar is definitely one of a kind. Visit tattoobardc.com for more information.
Nosh on unique eats and craft beers at The Local
A new incarnation has arrived in Downtown Coral Gables and it’s called The Local Craft Food & Drink, an idea whose time was overdue in the area. At least that’s what the two young owners thought and so they tapped an experienced and equally young chef and created this place.
The menu is a blend of many components, some of which incorporate well known ingredients from the owners Hispanic backgrounds. For example, their unique take on some classic barfood, instead of chicken wings, they’re serving buffalo-style sweetbreads instead with blue cheese and a unique apple, chayote and celery slaw. Chayote? That’s all Hispanic. Those sound perfect too paired with one of their many craft brews. It’s bar food taken up a notch. They’re even serving charcuterie prepared on premises and as many fresh local South Florida ingredients as possible.
Photos by Sebastian Rusk / SocialBuzzTV.com
The Local Craft Food & Drink is located at 150 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables 305-648-5687 www.facebook.com/thelocal150
Grand Central’s Downtown Miami’s newest nightspot
Grand Central is hitting the Downtown Miami scene with a bang, becoming the newest venue in the area to provide live music and a rollicking good time. Providing a place where music lovers can enjoy original bands and performers is first and foremost to the folks running Grand Central.
The line-up is non-stop and features DJ’s playing a blend of hip hop, Latin, and dance tunes. Amber Rose, model and ex girlfriend of hip hop artist Kanye West hosts a party here for her new beau Wiz Khalifa and bands like The Battles and Caramelos de Cianuro join other newcomers on the scene.
It’s a great deal too with minimal cover charges drink specials almost every night.
Grand Central is located at 697 N. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 305-377-2277 www.grandcentralmiami.com
Bar plus arcade equals Barcadia
The Barcadia off Knox/Henderson is the place to indulge in both adult libations and your inner child. For the adult in you, Barcadia has a decent draught selection as well as an extensive selection of bottled imports. They also have some killer weekly specials and Sunday Brunch, complete with Mimosas and Bloody Marys.
For the kid in you, the Barcadia has over a dozen vintage arcade games, Skee Ball, and Jenga made out of giant pieces on the patio that make a loud crashing noise whenever someone loses.
The menu consists of typical greasy bar fare with a few twists thrown in for good measure, such as fried PB&J, fried deviled eggs and a falafel sandwich. For those watching their waistline the menu has six, yes, six, salad choices. Not too shabby for a menu that’s clearly geared towards soaking up alcohol.
Dolores but you can call me Lolita: Good eats, hip scene
It’s about more than just the food at Dolores but you can call me Lolita in the heart of Miami’s thriving Brickell area. This is a compound that encompasses the restaurant, lounge, private room and even the Japanese favorite Sushi Maki next door. They go for the warm glow of candlelight in the restaurant where the wall border close to the ceiling brims with quirky and inspiring sayings.
Then there’s the menu which is brimming with delicious selections like the appetizer called Maybe, the Best Serrano Ham Croquettes you ever tasted or the Caesar salad was created in Tijuana Parmesan cheese and croutons. Those wacky names doesn’t mean they don’t take food seriously here, entrees include pappardelle with a Kobe beef bolognese or baja fish tacos of tempura fish filets served with a chipotle-guava cabbage slaw.
Eat or party or do both at the restaurant or lounge, the atmosphere’s great at both.
Three Levels of Choices at Midtown Lounge
At the young and upbeat Midtown, you have the choices of dancing and grinding at the first level, enjoying the bar and the pool table at the relaxed second level Loft, or basking in sophistication at the rooftop Penthouse.
At this unpretentious nightclub in Dupont, the venue’s décor is sleek and modern with pristine VIP tables, mirror walls, and two stripper poles on stage to the more daring, adventurous patrons (sorry, ladies only). With the great DJs, beautiful bartenders, and diverse crowd, Midtown can get just a little claustrophobic on weekends. Visit midtown-dc.com for more information.
Insider Tip: After-clubbing munchies? Empanadas authenticas are right next door!
The DRB: Small place, lots of brews
With a non-descript look and a cool red sign The Democratic Republic of Beer, or as it’s better known and as its namesake sign states, DRB, is a small, intimate bar with a huge menu of brewskies and it’s the perfect haunt for insomniacs with a closing time of 5 a.m.
Sure, there’s a food menu here but serious beer aficionados aren’t coming here for the eats, it’s all about sampling a cold one, or a few perhaps after all, there are 500 beers here from more than 60 nations. Belgium, England, Germany and the U.S. lead the pack with huge selections (there are more than three dozen in each category). They do monthly beer tours here, focusing on a specific country and so far have included Russia, Ethiopia, Costa Rica and Thailand.
The Democratic Republic of Beer is located at 255 NE 14 St., Miami, FL
New York City Meets Los Angeles: The Hudson
No, we aren’t in New York City. The Hudson has arrived to Los Angeles, and with reason.
Reason being that this bar is the perfect place for after work drinks, a Saturday night out or a quick way to say you’ve done something outdoorsy (as long as you sit at the table closest to the tree that literally makes its way into the bar and through the roof.
The Hudson is what you would call geek chic. It’s chic enough for a night out with your girls but geek enough to find a cute computer programmer in the corner to buy you a drink and then hop into the photo booth with later.
And if you happen to get a little hungry after those round of beers all those “geeks” bought you, a basket of fries from the Hudson always does the trick.
Hopleaf hops no matter the time of day/night
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Even when every seat is taken in Hopleaf, it’s considered a slow night. But when patrons pack inside for the extensive beer list and gourmet restaurant menu, things really get hopping at Hopleaf. Despite the busy bar, the atmosphere is decidedly laid back both on the first and top floors.
When waiting for a table, grab a beer and maybe even a book on the history of beers and liquors. Hopleaf’s small library is appropriate for this tavern, considering it opened 18 years ago, just before the craft beer market exploded. Today, it offers more than 250 beer options.
The tavern opens at 3pm every day of the week, 365 days a year.
Electric Pickle: Wynwood’s underground party
Event though it’s upstairs in it’s home building, the Electric Pickle/Bolero Room is the underground party everyone wants to be at in the Wynwood area.
Wednesday to Saturday nights, the party’s on here. DJ’s A-Train, Mr. Brown and Sire Esq. are joined by special guests on Wednesday nights as they play a mix of hip-hop, funk, soul, classics and reggae. Stop Drop ‘N Roll Thursdays DJ Gran Torino and guests play rockabilly, swing, twang, blues and dance jazz. There’s no cover this night and drink are half price.
For Disco Machine Fridays it’s deep house soul, heavy funk boogie and classic dance floor faves and also featuring live acts and DJ’s and on Saturdays live acts, international DJ’s and half-priced drinks are part of Get Some Saturdays.
Electric Pickle is located at 2826 N. Miami Ave., Miami, FL
Sunset Lounge at the Mondrian: Easy, breezy and chic
No matter how crowded South Beach gets, there’s always a cool poolside lounge to hang at that makes being in Miami well…tres cool. The Sunset Lounge at the Mondrian South Beach is one of those places. It’s elegant with the classy touches that people visiting Miami Beach have come to expect.
As always too, it’s a multiple-space experience here so everyone can find a great spot of their own. For an outdoor experience there’s plush red velvet seating with matching red and white designed carpet and a killer view of Biscayne Bay with Downtown Miami’s skyline as a back drop. Inside is the Lobby Bar and Lounge, a feast for the eyes in a different sense with a black winding spiral staircase and silent bell light fixtures designed by Marcel Wanders. The specialty cocktails, made with exotic and local ingredients as well as the live Latin and Spanish guitar players complete the experience.
The Mondrian South Beach is located at 1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Tavern on the Scene: Laurel Tavern
If you happen to be in the San Fernando Valley on a Saturday night looking for something to do, visit Laurel Tavern in Studio City where there are a fine selection of beers on tap as well as a fine selection of pretty faces everywhere.
Though the Valley isn’t particularly known for their happening nightlife, Laurel Tavern is an exception to the rule. This rustic “pub” is the perfect place to grab after-work drinks with friends or kick back with a beer and bucket of fries any day of the week. Though they have an outdoor patio in front, finding a table inside seems to be all the rage, making it exceptionally hard to find a place to sit after a certain hour.
The after-work crowd tends to pile in around 6pm or 7pm when the kitchen is still open and serving dishes such as Grilled Artichoke, Chorizo Sliders and Pork Belly Skewers.
The only downside to finding a table, chair and someone to share a beer with: you have to pay for everything at the bar.
Also, don’t be surprised if you run into a celebrity or two at a table in the back.
Ontourage: The Club Not the Show
Sexy, hip and in your face, Ontourage splashed on the Chi-town scene in a big way with its super techy sound from the future. The only club in the US to use JBL “Custom Shop Dance 3” audio system – guests beware. This is serious stuff: 10,000 square feet of sensory satisfaction.
With two dance floors, four bars and seven VIP areas, this multi-million dollar club and its fancy sound and Inlaid Color Kinetics System should keep the chicest of club snobs happy.
House and hip hop fans: unite to the sound while VIP folks – sip your Perignon and be merry.
Finnegan’s on the River: Downtown Miami hot spot
Downtown Miami’s got a river running through it and bars are now lining the area making it a place to see and be seen with a killer view to boot. Finnegan’s on the River packs them in on any given night after all, it’s great for a mid-week happy hour, Friday night end-of-the-week outing and Saturday night hot spot.
In typical Miami fashion, Sunday is a huge day at Finnegan’s when boaters are invited to park and join in on the pool party. The drink specials alone (c’mon, $3 and $5 cocktails are unheard of around here) are incentive enough to party at Finnegan’s.
Happy Hour is Monday to Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays it’s the perfect spot to watch a late afternoon college game and stay to party the night away.
Finnegan’s on the River is located at 401 SW 3 Avenue, Miami, FL
Globe Cafe & Bar: Stellar jazz in downtown Gables
Coral Gables may be known for its restaurants, monthly Gallery Walk and upscale Mediterranean inspired architecture but it’s got a great nightlife too. For a quieter experience than South Beach or the Design District try the subdued, elegant Globe Cafe & Bar.
Great jazz artists hit the stage on Saturday nights, in this quaint spot to perform some top-rate, traditional and fusion Latin jazz. Legendary trumpet player Ira Sullivan has graced the stage as have trombonist John Fedchock, vocalist Valeria Proano, guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg and saxophonist Gary Campbell. And these are just a few of the rotating talents that make a night at the Globe Cafe a great night out for jazz lovers.
The Globe Cafe & Bar is located at 377 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL
Sugarcane Raw Bar & Grill: Small bites, big flavor
The concept at Sugarcane Raw Bar & Grill is to entice diners with a combination of flavors in a wide variety of small plates, known around Europe (particularly Spain) as “tapas.” They have robata, hot and raw bar kitchens.
Their eclectic menu is contstantly changing so it’s a unique and different experience everytime. Some of their most ambitious items include bacon wrapped dates with linguica and manchego, thin-crust flatbread with cured tuna, tobiko and sour cream and Kobe beef sliders with tonkatsu and quail egg. Their hand picked market greens with with crumbled goat cheese and cherry bing vinaigrette is a great starter, free range bulled barbecue chicken on brioche bread served with zucchini pickles and pommes frites (very fancy and tasty fries) is a great entree sandwich and the homemade el ray chocolate chip ice cream sandwich is a tasty dessert.
Inside, the place is colorful, industrial and edgy with a West Indies flair through their paddle fans, watercolor stained walls, a tall green hedge surrounding the outdoor patio and a killer bar with colorfully displayed wine bottles and alcohol.
Sugarcane Raw Bar & Grill is located at 3250 NE 1 Avenue, Miami, FL
Purdy Lounge: Surprisingly low-key on South Beach
A lounge is the last thing anyone going to party the weekend away on South Beach would put on their list of “must visit” hot spots, except when it comes to Purdy Lounge. This is a definite add-on.
Located a bit off the beaten path and marching to the beat of its own drummer, the mood at Purdy is the opposite of a high-energy, thumping nightclub. Here it’s all about board games, pool tables, lava lamps and best of all, reasonable drink prices. For patrons who still want a bit of that high-end SoBe atmosphere, they do have bottle service and a VIP area but for sure the “lounge” part of Purdy is where it’s at. Five deejays spin favorites that keep people singing along and dancing, it’s all about crowd pleasers here.
Reggae lovers should visit on Monday nights to hear live performances by Jean P. Jam, Thursdays ladies drink free 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. and in true SoBe style, there’s a party on Sunday nights too called Chocolate Sundays with drink specials and house deejays rotating each week.
Purdy Lounge is located at 1811 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Singing the Blues: House of Blues Hollywood
Though they may call it the House of Blues, you most likely won’t be singing them once you head on over. Since the House of Blues can be found in pretty much any large U.S. city, the 1994 opening of the Sunset Boulevard location had to be special.
Even from the outside, the House of Blues on Sunset is covered in tin and looks like an old rock ‘n’ roll house situated on the boulevard. Filled with different works of art and elements of architecture, the House of Blues has become a great place to throw events in Los Angeles as well as listen to lives music from some of the greatest bands and performers.
With multiple bars, levels and rooms to roam, the House of Blues is pretty impressive, until you snag yourself a membership to the Foundation Room, where all bets are off. With prayer rooms, city views and fireplaces, the Foundation Room brings drinking, dining and listening to live music up a notch.
A Dash of Moxie With Your Roxy: The Roxy Theatre
Since most famous music institutions in Los Angeles are located on Sunset Boulevard, it’s no wonder that the Roxy Theatre has become apart of that family. Ever since the days of live shows from Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen, the Roxy has become a must for up-and-coming musicians and those who feel like giving a little love back to the fans.
The Roxy itself is an intimate space with open dance floor and bar. Though most of the music performed at the Roxy is loud enough to blow out an eardrum, the Theatre has also become a place where comedy shows and performance art can take place.
Though the Roxy makes for the perfect night out in L.A., many visitors boast about ‘On The Rox’, an after-hours bar upstairs with DJ and all night debauchery. If you wish to make it out alive without getting bombarded by crowds, park across the street in the open lot, especially if you are visiting on the weekend.
No pretense at The Bar
Established in 1946 and a staple of the Coral Gables community, hangin’ out at The Bar (once known as the Hofbrau Haus) is almost a rite of passage for folks who like to party in “The City Beautiful.” But don’t be fooled by the fancy surroundings because this place is no pretense and all good times. The brews are cold, the grub is great and there’s a jukebox that won’t quit, it’s legendary.
There’s something going on nightly here and they know how to start the week off right with 2 for 1 specials on Mondays. Karaoke’s on Tuesday, DJ’s Boe and Icue take over Wednesday through Friday and Saturday there’s live music.
And if all that’s not enough, they keep patrons happy by offering a “Hangover Brunch” on Saturdays and Sundays, after all they want to keep everyone coming back for more so what better way than to feed ’em.
Park Grill: 4 Seasons of Fun
Millennium Park bustles with tourists and locals in the s
ummer gawking at art installations, music concerts and taking summer strolls while the winter hosts bundled up cuties of all ages circling the ice rink with their best moves. All seasons, this park swarms with action and the perfect place to tuck in to rest your feet in between park time is where else, but the Park Grill, found in the center of it all.
Lunchtime heats up with local business power lunches while happy hours revel in drink specials while dinners are posh yet classsic, top notch yet not over the top. In other words, Park Grill is always a safe bet and has been since it and the park’s debut in ’03.
Celebrate Good Times at W Hotel’s Ghostbar
Celebrating in Dallas has never been easier, thanks to the Ghostbar at the W Hotel. On any given weekend, several bachelor/bachelorettes can be seen parting ways with singlehood, birthday toasts are being made and the closing of a big business deal is capped off with good times at Ghostbar. From the chromed-out mirrored elevator where you ride all the way up to the top of the hotel, you can already hear the music pumping.
To make your evening more exclusive and comfortable, call ahead and make a reservation for Vodka bottle service. You won’t be disappointed with the first class service, VIP treatment and extra introductions that you wouldn’t be privy to otherwise. Step out on to the glass balcony when the weather permits; the view of downtown Dallas is as spectacular as it is vast. It’s the perfect spot to sip a cocktail, enjoy a little dancing, or share a romantic moment.
Waxy O’Connors: Limericks and ales are genuine here
The dark and heavy wood bar that commands Waxy O’Connor’s and is its centerpiece was placed at the heart of the bar and eatery to remind patrons they’re in an Irish pub and the 7,000-square-foot unit is authentic, it was built entirely in Ireland and shipped over to the United States.
The 20 brews and ales on tap and plenty more by the bottle are another dead giveaway that this is a place for drinking, eating, hanging with friends and especially catching just about any sporting event. They’ve got seventeen 50″ flat screen televisions so everyone can be watching their favorite sport or team at any given time.
Offering live music is another plus here. When the deejay’s not mixing up tunes, there’s someone playing it live at Waxy’s. The amazing view of Miami’s Downtown skyline and historic Miami River make for great waterfront drinking and gazing.
Waxy O’Connor’s is located at 690 SW 1st Court, Miami, FL
10 Pin Puts a New Spin on Bowling
When you think of bowling, often times the images that conjure are disgusting shoes, stale air and beer bellied men. Well say good bye, to that image when stepping in to 10 Pin who offers “bowling with a twist.” It’s a twist in deed; cocktails shaken, stirred or straight up – whatever your fancy. A wide array of colorful and tasty cocktails are met by a menu featuring typical faves- also with a twist. Instead of greasy bar food expect chips with fresh guacamole, hummus plates, upgraded cheeseburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, pizzas and of course, Chicago hot dogs.
As for the lanes you’ll be bowling on, they’re so colorful and cool they look more like a nightclub’s installation than bowling lanes! Serious players or those looking for serious fun, line the lanes for plenty of laughs, mingling and flirting. And with the nightclub-worthy stereo system you just may want to ditch your bowling shoes and break out your dancing shoes.
Insider’s Tip: 10 Pin is available for private parties and runs plenty of its own events (faves coincide with Chicago sporting events), so check their calendar for specials.
Bowling Gets Classy at Bowlmor Lanes
Bowling has received a makeover thanks to Bowlmor Lanes. The bowling lanes that look more like a chic nightclub will change your perceptions of the old sport, where you can just as easily sip a martini and chat up the high-scorers as you can get down and dirty and watch a game. 300 Dallas offers all the technology and amenities you wouldn’t expect from a night out at the bowl-o-rama: state-of-the-art lanes, extra-large video screens, restaurants, billiards tables and an arcade will make sure you don’t strike-out no matter how bad your game. And if you’re not the best bowler, no worries, you can hit the gutter ball without anyone knowing at the semi-private lanes.
Distrito Serves Modern & Creative Mexican
Distrito serves modern Mexican food in a fun and quirky environment – Pepto-Bismol pink walls and VW bugs as booths to be exact. Located in University City among three of Philadelphia’s major universities, Distrito is always packed with the young and young at heart that are ready to have a good time. And Chef Jose Garces (of Top Chef and Philadelphia restaurant fame) is ready all the time for the taco-loving crowds: Distrito is open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, lunch 5 days a week and dinner 7 nights a week.
The first floor bar and tequila lounge serves a fun cantina menu, full of all different types of tacos, enchiladas and especialidades, then when served alongside a house specialty margarita, you are good to go. For the heavier appetite or a night out with friends, it’s best to get a table and be prepared to share. All of the dishes are based on traditional Mexican ingredients but modernized – like the Fish Tacos with yellowtail, chipotle remoulade, avocado, red cabbage and lime juice, or the Skirt Steak Nachos with refried beans and queso mixto.
Tasting menus are also always available, with tequila pairings, which are not recommended for the faint of heart.
Red Bar: At center of Downtown’s red hot nightlife
Miami’s Brickell Avenue area was once known as a residential area with not much nightlife but things have certainly changed. The thriving nightspots have been popping up everywhere over the last few years and Red Bar is one that attracts plenty of attention for its eye-grabbing wall art, local beautiful people and great mingling and dancing.
Located in the heart of the district, this place has everything a great night out on the town requires. Dance the night away to the sounds of either a live band or a smokin’ hot deejay, different ones are featured each month. They’ve also got Ladies Night where ladies get to drink for free every Wednesday from 8-12. And to add a little culture to the mix, there’s also a gallery with new artworks featured monthly, along with a meet the artist opening reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Red Bar is located at 52 SW 10 Street, Miami, FL
Haru: Best Sushi in Town
Haru has taken center stage with its first modern Japanese location to open in Boston. The sushi restaurant is located below the Shops at Prudential Center, and is beautifully decorated with a Japanese garden, bamboo floors and wooden footbridge, along with alfresco dining. The menu here ranges from sushi, sashimi and creative salads to signature dishes like carpaccios, ceviches, tartares, filet mignon, grilled spicy shrimp and specialty rolls. Don’t miss the sake and cocktail bar for an after-work drink or late night people-watching. Haru also provides delivery and catering services, private rooms and lounges, and a vibrant bar scene. Click here for more information.
Blush at Crimson Lounge
When Hotel Sax came on the Chi-town radar it was quite big news. Replacing the House of Blues Hotel was major pressure and they were up for the challenge. Instead of following in the colorful Moroccan footsteps of their predecessors, Hotel Sax stepped up a classy vibe with all white.
With the hotel of course, the need for an amazing lounge slash club was definitely needed and again, Hotel Sax delivered. Crimson Lounge pulls lines for entrance, lines of beautiful people waiting for beautiful cocktails.
Come on a night when DJ resident Samantha Ronson, ex of crazy Lindsay Lohan and expect to wait your pretty time to get in if you don’t arrive early.
Whiskey Blue Is the Place To Feel Like A Rock Star
There’s no better place to feel like a rock star than Whiskey Blue. Of course the weekends are maddening but the weekdays aren’t too shabby either. Wednesday typically attracts the business crowd but there’s nothing boring about making dollars.
As a hotel guest, it’s easy to access the rooftop party from within the hotel but it might be worth entering it from the street just to ride up in elevator with the couch and cross the bridge to excitement.
The bar is a stylish slither so it’s only natural to meet people. Small bites like the yummy tuna spring rolls and lamb sausage pizza from Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Market downstairs are available until 10pm. Move past the bar and the space opens up slightly. Wood-paneled walls and yacht-club inspired furnishings create a warm and intimate vibe and then, the DJ is barely noticeable all the way in the back. There’s also seating parallel to the bar, hence the slithering gap.
Now if a city view and fresh air is a must, take the right just past the bar, through a glass door and behold a clear view of the city. To really soak in the al fresco vibe, though, go to the other side and stay awhile. Cabanas divided by a mini-garden of sorts, well shrubbery and other trappings of nature, work for all seasons thanks to heat lamps.
Drinks are seasonal and pretty standard for most bars in the Gerber Group stable. The Bubblicious, made with bubblegum vodka, is super fun. Mojitos come in multiple flavors, including strawberry, blueberry, mangomint and ginger. And, there’s lots of whiskey too.
It’s a nonstop party at Whiskey Blue. No wonder the beautiful people can’t leave it alone.
Sons of Hermann Hall: An Old Texas Tradition Lives On
Light years from the pretentious vibe of Dallas, Sons of Hermann Hall is a historical, casual, and authentic must-see for lovers of a cold beer and great live acts. The volunteer staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the bar is stocked with a pleasing selection of bargain-priced cocktails, beer and wine.
One of the rare, genuine dance halls
left in the city, Sons of Hermann Hall was built in 1911 and is known for supporting local acts. You can promenade across the dance floor, play pool and shuffle board, or listen to your favorite old tunes on the jukebox. The small upstairs stage has housed acts from the Dixie Chicks to newcomers like Sarah Jaffe. Open mic nights give aspiring musicians a chance to get their feet wet, and the younger crowd has really taken a shine to the swing dance lessons that are offered on Wednesday nights from 8pm until midnight.
Another major draw is that Sons of Hermann Hall is family friendly, with no smoking allowed within 15 feet of the premises. So, strap on your dancing shoes, bring a few bucks for a beer, and even bring the kiddies….this is one dance hall that welcomes everyone to enjoy true Texas music.
It’s Comedy Central at Cobb’s Comedy Club
When it comes to comedy clubs, the question to ask isn’t 
“What?” or “Where?” it’s “Who?” In any case, Cobb’s Comedy Club has you covered. In its 25th year, the North Beach venue plays host to the finest funny men and women working today. From Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chappelle to Ellen DeGeneres and Margaret Cho, Cobb’s rotating cast of headliners are Leno and Letterman regulars, many with a comedy series of their own. Let’s put it this way: a celebrated stand-up doesn’t step foot out of SFO without first making an appearance on this stage.
If you’re hungry for more than laughter, the 400-seat venue offers a full dinner menu of classic American pub food, like crispy fried calamari, marinated chicken sandwiches, and of course, a Cobb’s chopped salad. Just remember to come thirsty: with a two-beverage minimum, they mean business. Sobreity is no laughing matter.
The Mint has the Music Industry IN
Outside, The Mint looks like just another hole-in-the-wall dive bar. 
The street is a random stretch of nothing, but this understatement of a venue showcases major talent. At The Mint, the show is often worth going out of the way for. Performers range from the music industry’s breaking talent to unknowns soon to be knowable. Past notables include Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Macy Gray, The Wallflowers, Jason Mraz and Ben Harper to breaking new artists like Matt Morris, new to Justin Timberlake’s label.
The Mint dates back to 1937, with a historical feel as authentic as its history. Its private back room party charm is retro with wooden walls that seep the old notes they have retained. Yet, the intoxication heightens listening to music in this dim room with golden lanterns and old leather banquets. Shows are primarily standing room, and packed.
Going in the Right Direction at East/West
In any direction you go, you will find that all the fun is happening at East/West lounge. Thanks to its new renovations, including swanky furniture and a tequila room, it’s hard not to want to venture over any free chance you get.
Once awarded “Best Gay Bar in Los Angeles,” East/West keeps to its reputation, offering a lounge feel with club perks such as insane drink menus and table service. With drinks consisting of The Naughty Peach and Lemon Love, you will probably feel as though you belong in a sweaty Miami nightclub. Though East/West prides itself on not being that typical nightclub, the line to get in certainly reminds you that are you in L.A.- and if you want to get in, you’ve got to wait.
In the land of the overpriced, East/West actually throws customers a bone every so often by offering 2-for-1 drink specials and happy hours. Not only does this lounge provide cheap drink opportunities, they also dedicate certain nights to certain performers. If you check their weekly events section online, you are sure to find music video nights and spinning DJs.
Overall, East/West truly hits the nail on the head by taking the perks from a club and throwing them into a lounge. By creating a cool and comfortable setting with drinks you would find in a nightclub, East/West seems to be going in the right direction.
M Bar and Fuse Lounge: The Atlanta Bar and Lounge Experience
M BAR offers its guests the definitive Atlanta bar and lounge experience. From after work to after hours, the quintessential nightspot fuses the appeal of a high-energy bar and an ultra exclusive lounge. M BAR and FUSE LOUNGE are two boutique concepts sharing one intimate space.
If a more intimate high-end experience is what you’re seeking, FUSE LOUNGE serves as a VIP getaway and provides an exclusive setting with first class service.
Melding the character of the historic Castleberry Hill Arts District, M BAR dazzles even the most seasoned nightlife connoisseur. Its contemporary setting merge with signature cocktails, savory eats and Atlanta’s hottest DJ’s to create a sensational guest experience. M BAR sets itself apart from Atlanta’s traditional bars and lounges. Our VIP room, FUSE LOUNGE, is a boutique-sized getaway for intimate experiences and casual conversation. Featuring its own private bar and banquettes, guest can enjoy more discreet quaint interaction.
By now we’re sure you’re wondering what the “M” in “M BAR” stands for. It’s our signature blend of Music, Martinis, Margaritas, Mojitos and Mimosas. M BAR is well equipped to fulfill any entertainment, social or cultural craving you may have. In addition to our ambiance and cocktails, any of our signature dishes will satisfy your palette. Featuring American classics mixed with modern favorites, the restaurant caters to guests seeking a casual meal or a social dining experience. Guests boast about our famous turkey sliders, 100% lump crab cakes and our most beloved Grandma’s Apple dessert. Your trip would definitely be in vein if you don’t cap off the night with at least one of Atlanta’s most sought after cocktails: Beso del Dia White Sangria, Super Head, Monkey Love Martini, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch Rum Punch, just to name a few.
FUSE LOUNGE
FUSE is the ultimate blend of intimate dining, cocktails and lounging. This boutique-style lounge, located in the rear of M BAR, is equipped to accommodate up to 80 people with 40 seated. FUSE was designed for the mature and crafted for the sexy. This space hosts a collage of design masterpieces; from our custom zebra wood walls to our walnut woodwork and floating granite bar. The feeling that radiates from this venue has been characterized as mature, romantic and mischievous, and customized for those teetering on the wild side. FUSE is the perfect venue for all occasions. Call to request a viewing with our events coordinator or join us for dinner and enjoy one or more of our delicious specialty cocktails. Ultimately, our impeccable service and attention to detail will undoubtedly make your experience a delicious memory, never to be forgotten.
Aja: Where Trendy South Meets East Cuisine
Aja is where Kim Zolciak and Kandi Burrus had their joint b-day bash on the Real Housewives of Atlanta, but if highfalutin, pseudo-celebs isn’t your thing, Aja Restaurant and Bar is a hit with all trendy Atlanta diners.
Housed in the former Emeril’s location in Buckhead, its two story frame is adorned with red and black Asian-inspired décor and wall art, of which a 10-foot brass Buddha – straight from Thailand – sits in the middle of the dining room as the main attraction. In the sleek open space, the second floor overlooks the downstairs lounge area where guests can people-gaze from up top.
You can’t have a modern Asian kitchen without the pan-Asian flavors of Dim Sum on the menu, which is just a sample of the 20 diverse cuisines including Chinese (Peking Duck), Thai (Thai Red Curry), Indian, Vietnamese and Japanese. Serving lunch and dinner, enjoy a sushi roll on your work break inside the private dining room, or sip signature Mai Tai’s during after hours while taking in the views of the beautiful Buckhead skyline on the sprawling outdoor lounge, where relaxing is the norm.
Described by its owner as a club-cum-restaurant – this hip establishment takes on a nightclub vibe in the late evening, as an in-house DJ spins your favorite mixes on Friday and Saturday nights.
Insider’s Tip: Offering new weekly specials every week ranging from ½ price bottles of wine on select nights and $5 sushi rolls during limited times, be sure to call ahead or check their website for exclusive discounts.
Tavern on Camac: Nightclub, Piano Bar and Restaurant in One
Philadelphia is known for pioneering on many fronts throughout
history, and not to be forgotten is the evolution of Philly’s Gayborhood and acceptance of gay rights in its community. The Tavern on Camac in Washington Square West is one of the premiere LGBT spots in the city and is proudly open 7 nights a week to anyone and everyone.
The Tavern on Camac (T.O.C.) is basically divided into three parts – the restaurant, the piano bar and the nightclub. The restaurant, called Terra, serves up new American cuisine with everything from arctic char to sliders and quesadillas. Ascend Lounge is the dance party upstairs, and the only thing you will be wishing is that the dance floor was a bit bigger to accommodate all the fabulous dancers.
Which leaves us with the Pièce de résistance – the piano bar. Whether you’re singing Britney Spears or the best of My Fair Lady, you’ll feel like you’re a part of the best choir ever to sing together. And whether it’s the stiff drinks talking or just the nostalgia from the piano riffs, you’ll be having a great time no matter what.
Sofitel Hotel is Synonymous with Luxury
Sofitel is a name synonymous in the hotel industry with prestige, luxu
ry and elegance. The Sofitel in Philadelphia is right off of ritzy Rittenhouse, and carries the company’s signature blend of French and American styles.
The Sofitel notoriously houses some of Philadelphia’s most high profile visitors, including politicians and famous musicians (have you heard of the New York Philharmonic? I thought so). It is no surprise that the cream of the crop is staying here because the service is impeccable, having won Travel & Leisure’s Best Hotels of 2010 award.
The basic run-down of amenities is quite more than basic. Sofitel is pet friendly, and by that we mean the front of house staff will learn Fido’s name before they learn yours, and the hotel’s charming brasserie Chez Colette has received accolades over its lifetime for its French cuisine and stylish 1920s atmosphere.
Party Central at Thrive Dallas
Thrive Dallas takes the standard nightclub atmosphere and turns it into an event. This establishment claims the Playboy Intimates Model Search, DJ’s Tek-Neek and Joe Vega, and a line of impressive twenty-something outside each week clamoring
to get inside. Thrive is an ideal location to throw a raging private party or have a fun girl/guy’s night out.
Connected to the Crown Plaza Hotel downtown, this club makes it easy to commit to a fun, safe weekend when adding a hotel room into your plans. The restaurant section serves up fine dining and provides the perfect opportunity to eat well before a long night of partying.
Though a nightclub connected to a hotel might not sound as rocking as a stand alone club, Thrive continues to draw large crowds week after week with its good tunes and array of drinks. Be prepared to wait in line from time to time and adhere to the strict dress code-it is always enforced. Thrive is doing just that, and adding to the nightlife that keeps Dallas dancing until dawn.
Japonais: Come Hungry & Dressed to Kill
Dig if you will, a picture: hot valet drivers busy themselves parking Ferraris and Jags; inside chic, heavy doors open to a beautiful hostess who awaits your arrival with a smile; a full 360 degrees around you (and below on the lower level in its bar and terrace) are gorgeous people, 
smiling, mingling and gushing over delectable sushi rolls and fusion plates. This is Japonais, Conde Nast’s pick for one of the “Top 66 Restaurants in the World.”
Having opened its doors in 2003, this place still lives in the past – only meaning that one would have assumed it opened just last month as the wait, long reservation list, and packed crowds every day of the week would elude to it being a hot new number. In 2005, Chicago Magazine named it “Best Restaurant” and soon after New York and Las Vegas claimed their own versions of the restaurant. Today, it still rocks to those beats.
From exotic cocktails (and a whole lot of sake and wine choices), signature sushi rolls and the to-die-for steaks, the menu reads part French and part Japanese, which in the culinary world, is a match made in heaven.
Island Rhythms Pulsate from Hoy Como Ayer
Once this place gets going, and since it’s Miami 
that means LATE, the island rhythms and heavy percussion that emanate from this tiny place in the heart of Calle Ocho in Little Havana are intoxicating. Hoy Como Ayer is a trip to the Cuban Havana of old with a blend of sounds from the present day hot Latin acts that have made a name for themselves in the Magic City.
Hoy Como Ayer (which means “Today Like Yesterday”) is consistently ranked by most local publications as the best place to catch Latin performers, because the best play here. Cuban-born singer Albita performs here regularly, the Latin-funk-fusion band DJ Le Spam, and the All Stars (they’re local faves and always pack the house), along with Luis Bofil and David Bisbal all grace the stage. It’s one giant jamfest here from Wednesday to Sunday and the drinks are, of course, the best, from refreshing Mojitos to the rum and cokes, better known in Miami as “Cuba Libre.”
Vegas-Style Club Atmosphere at Plush Dallas
Plush is exactly like it sounds: extravagant, easy on the eyes and glamorous. This Vegas-style nightclub scoops up the going-out crowd each week by featuring events like the All-White Party, hot spinners like DJ Sno White, excessive decor and a one of a kind two-story long video screen.
World-renowned DJs drop their beats every night at Plush, giving clubbers a reason to keep coming back for more. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Dallas and within walking distance of other pubs and bars, Plush is the epitome of club-style “dress to impress.” Plenty of hard bodies and hard liquor abound, and the music ranges from popular favorites to hardcore hip-hop. If this is your scene, Plush is more than just a dance club or bar to order a cocktail, it’s a place to show off and make your mark.
NYLO Dallas/Las Colinas a New Kid on the Block
If you are a regular Dallasite or someone just passing through, staying in Las Colinas is a gateway to fun nightlife and no pressure atmosphere. The NYLO Dallas/Las Colinas hotel offers some of the spark you expect in Dallas, but without all the drama. With little fuss over parking, safety, and convenience, guests can relax in “urban loft-style accommodations,” just nine miles from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
A heated outdoor swimming pool and happening bar/restaurant/club scene keeps the hotel a social hotspot. At The Loft restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you will find talented DJ’s, live music, and special events year-round. Known as one of the more “green” boutique hotels in the city, you can feel good about reducing your carbon footprint during your stay, while resting in an allergy-free and pet friendly abode. NYLO Dallas/Las Colinas may be a new kid on the block, but well worth making your new friend.
Have a Devilishly Good Time at Purgatory
Three levels, three different styles of music, three different bars to place your order. Purgatory in Dallas is massive in size and comprised of the naughtiest and nicest places of the afterlife all under one roof: Hell (lowest level), Purgatory, and Heaven (the top level). 
Hell produces a bumping hip-hop beat and showcases concrete bars and urban accents. The Purgatory level features a Ladies Lounge and martini bar where females can reconvene without their dates and engage in girl talk. The 37,000 watt cyber light system in Heaven is visually stimulating and moves to the beat of the popular Euro-techno music.
If you want to go the VIP route and lounge in style with your entourage, the Upper Heaven level can be reserved for bottle service, food service from adjoining Pandora restaurant, and private conversation. With so many levels and features to choose from, you’re sure to find one style that meshes with your mood of the night.
Luminous Aura in Dallas
When Avi Adri opened up Aura, he knew he
was crafting a nightclub that Dallas could really sink its teeth into. After a string of highly successful special events and an endless line of beautiful club-goers parading through the doors, Aura is now the celebrity hotspot in the city.
Who knows? You may catch a glimpse of Paris Hilton, Shaq, or one of the local reality TV stars that frequent the fully-stocked bar. The club features amazing light shows and DJ’s with international connections and fame. Along with that comes the music you can’t stop dancing to….at least until 2:00 a.m. when Aura shuts its doors. The next time you and your entourage get ready for a night on the town, Aura should be first on your list of the places to see and be seen.
For Swank and Steak, It’s Always Elway’s
Although it may have owed its early fanfare to the popularity of its namesake, retired Broncos quarterback and co-owner John Elway, this Cherry Creek steakhouse has endured on its own merits: a swanky white-cloth setting, a legendary local bar scene, and a solid (if spendy) repertoire of chops, luxury seafood, and other modern American classics.
In fact, its success has spread downtown, with an even fancier, leather-swathed and wine-walled outpost in the Ritz-Carlton—where the day begins with power breakfasts and ends with sightings of sports celebs hunkered down over ribeyes and crab legs.
2. Celebrate Oscars with Miss America March 7
Still looking for somewhere to watch the Oscars and remain as fashionable as your favorite starlets? Look no further than the Traverse Arts Project and The Radisson Warwick Hotel, who will host their 2nd Annual Red Carpet Party on the biggest night in Hollywood. Hosts include Robert “Sandy Beach” Hitchen, reigning Miss America Pageant winner Michelle Dupree and award winning composer Joseph Hallman.
The event will feature a viewing of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards live from Hollywood. The hotel’s elegant Gold and Silver VIP Levels include all-access with open wine, beer, and vodka bar, as well as gourmet food all night long. The hottest Oscar party isn’t in tinsel town this year, it’s at the Radisson Warwick Hotel.
Drink Your Way Through Dinner at Prosecco
Making a toast is oh-so-easy at Chicago’s chic River North Gallery district’s restaurant, Prosecco. After all, they have the largest selection of sparkling wines in the whole city. White linen tables, authentic seasonal Italian cuisine with homemade pastas, and plenty of romantic ambiance make this place a hotspot for dates– and for those looking for love.
At Prosecco it’s not just about making that initial toast with the sparkling wine, however. The mantra is that the sparkling wines of Italy stand alone, both the reds and the whites and need not/should not be limited only as a starter beverage, but rather enjoyed throughout the duration of the meal. For those unfamiliar with the pairing of sparkling wines for each course, leave it to the friendly staff to guide you to the bubbly of your preferences. And don’t forget about the elegant Italian food that’s made Prosecco one of the best new restaurants in Chicago.
The bar here is equally as fun as the ristorante. Painted to look like Caravaggio’s “Confessional of St. Paul,” it’s the drinks that will have people confessing, like the Mionetto Brut Prosecco with Chambord and 24 carat gold dust! The long, classic bar is one of the best in the city, making it perfect for those wishing to get buzzed on bubbly wine with a new, special someone.
When a quick trip to Veneto, Italia isn’t quite doable, Prosecco should suffice just fine. Cheers to that.
Cretia is Nightlife’s Sweet Spot
You might not immediately think of Cretia’s as a hopping nightlife spot if you’ve never been. Oh, you’ve heard they have an incredible (affordable!) brunch and killer desserts? But at night, it has live music, an expansive patio an
d bars packed with more action than a Bruce Willis movie. Open until 2:00 a.m. with free valet, Cretia’s has several different rooms inside the bar/restaurant, each decorated with a slightly gothic style. The atmosphere ranges from hipster romantic to raging party, depending on the night and the music.
The stocked Ruby Bar is reason enough to spend your evening here, but if you come early enough, treat yourself to the sinful desserts at the bakery. You’ll never go wrong with the White Sour Cream Cake and Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie. So the next time you feel like getting your groove on (and perhaps giving in to your sweet tooth), head down McKinney to find all your favorites in one spot.
Chicago Mob History 101 at the Green Mill Jazz Lounge
If there’s one place in Chicago that oozes its quintessential jazzy charm that dangerously flirts with a heavy history of mafia, then the Green Mill Jazz Lounge is your place. Not having changed much since its opening in 1907 (yes, 1907), the place is dark, smoky (even still, post no-smoking laws somehow) and sexy.
Back in the day the place had an outdoor dancing and drinking garden lit by lanterns, where people arrived by horse and buggy. The garden was complete with horse-hitching posts. It soon transpired to be a mobster hangout when some of Al Capone’s henchmen became part owners. So much drama went down here that Sinatra himself played a singer whose throat and tongue were once slit in this club over good ol’ mobster issues. Alas, Sinatra had to spend some quality time for “research” at the Green Mill as well.
It survived prohibition as a speakeasy and the decor of that era remains. Today, you can catch killer jazz there any night of the week, Mondays being a favorite for the Patricia Barber quartet. It’s all about the music and history here so don’t get too glammed up unless you’re trying to live vicariously through its history by transporting yourself in an immersion of jazz notes, strong cocktails and a big black booth that maybe Capone himself sat in: in which case, you just may be able to pull it off.
Enclave Encapsulates all the Beautiful People
Wondering where all the beautiful people are? Look no further, they’re at “Best of Citysearch Nightlife Winner,” Enclave. The who’s who of Chicago- and everywhere else- has been/performed here: Lady GaGa, Brody Jenner, Akon, Carmen Electra, Betsey Johnson, Holly Madison, and Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, to name
a few.
Here, it’s all about bottle service. They’ve got anything you want, as long as it’s upscale. Whether it’s magnums of champagne (the real stuff only) or the hot, new, trendy vodka (Grey Goose or Effen), it all comes with fresh flowers and carafes of juice.
House and hip hop beats penetrate with an array of different hot DJs on the weekends and plenty of events to keep the year rolling; from football parties for Northwestern to Lady GaGa mixing it up with the locals. The two-story, 15,000 square foot space has chic, shiny wood floors, beautiful sofas and intimate-inspiring sheer curtains.
With never-ending A-List events and a hot, young, Chicago crowd, Enclave is the place to be for some serious partying in Chi-town.
Chic France Meets Exotic Vietnam Nights at Le Colonial
For San Francisco’s diverse crowd, there’s nothing better than a nightclub that fuses culture as well as it mixes drinks. At Le Colonial in Union Square, romantic France meets 
exotic Vietnam. As evenings go in this city, rarely sticking to the conventional, you’ll fall in love even as you enter from an alley that sparkles with fairy lights and soft neon signs. Relax in the palm and glass-canopied veranda while you wait for your party, or head inside to the downstairs lounge and order yourself an Emerald Buddha: Ciroc Vodka, House Lemongrass sour, and Barritt’s ginger beer on the rocks.
Le Colonial presents local DJ’s on Friday nights and the very popular Lotus Party on Saturdays. Spinning remixes from every generation until 2am with a “for the classy and chic only” dress code, there are no excuse to be a wallflower.
Sunrise to Sunset at The Mondrian
The best part about staying in a Los Angeles hotel is mixing your down time in the room with the best restaurants and nightlife this glamorous town has to offer. The Mondrian is the go-to hotspot for hotel guests and non-guests alike.
Skybar at The Mondrian is constantly packed and never seems to lose its elegance or wow factor. Along with the great late night spots are even better places to eat. Asia de Cuba is one of the most popular restaurants right now and it’s the perfect spot to eat great food either on the patio or in a lavishly decorated dining room. The Mondrian is also infamous in the summer for hosting pool parties for people looking to catch some rays and celebrity sightings.
Due to its location on Sunset Boulevard, The Mondrian is the one-stop shop for all of your tanning, dining and nightlife needs.
Vetri’s Osteria is Italian at its Best
Marc Vetri’s name in Philadelphia is known across the city, whether you’re talking about his flagship and namesake restaurant, or the charming and rustic Osteria. Homemade pastas, thin crust pizzas, wood grilled meats and fish are always in season, making Osteria the perfect place to dine year-round – the ultimate perk being that the menu changes every three months.
Although the Italian menu may be a bit hard to read, the descriptions are universally delectable. Pizzas range from “le pizza tradizionale,” i.e. the Margherita, to Vongole Pizza, with cockles, cherrystone clams, mozzarella, parsley and anchovy pesto. Antipasti plates range from farm-fresh vegetables dressed with bright vinaigrette and local cheeses, to house-cured salumi. And pastas are endlessly creative, straying deliciously far from Momma’s spaghetti and meatballs.
This passionate food is served up along side a 100 bottle Italian wine list from every region of the country. It’s the perfect place to try Marc Vetri’s infamous Italian cuisine without worrying about a fully booked reservation list.
A Century of Music at This Great American Hall
The Great American Music Hall has been described many ways: opulent, warm, friendly, even sanctified. Whatever your adjectives, this place is just plain fun, from the smiles at the red velvet-draped front door to the energy of the crowd buzzing off the ceiling frescoes. Having hosted such diverse big names as Duke Ellington, Billy Joel, The Grateful Dead, and Van Morrison, this gracious Victorian hall has charmed San Francisco throughout the twentieth century.
This 5000 square foot concert hall has seen many changes since its opening in 1907. Constantly upgrading the sound system and restoring anything that begins to lose luster, the Great American Music Hall takes pride in providing you with the best intimate music experience. You can even book the venue for private wedding receptions, product launches, holiday parties, and bar mitzvahs.
When spending the evening here you have no choice but to leave the hustle of the city behind, grab a drink at the restored Victorian bar, and let go of your troubles on the oak dance floor. Why not enjoy one hundred years of history and modern entertainment all in one evening?
4. Have a Splash of Science with Your Cocktail at Exploratorium 1/20/10
In one of the coolest science-meets-reality exhibits, for one night only the Exploratorium is hosting mixologists from across the city for the Science of Cocktails. Hands-on as always, bartenders from hotspots like 83 Proof and Orson will be mixing the drinks, while guests will be participating in experiments about alcohol, inebriation, hangovers, and cocktail mixing.
Not only will guests be learning from the experiments, they can also get a free bartending lesson as the masters show the secret behind their craft. This is one event where drinking is both fun and for a good cause as this event will raise funds for the Exploratorium Museum.
Pub and Kitchen: Where Food Dreams Begin!
Pub & Kitchen has figured out the formula for restaurant success and it’s absolutely taking Philadelphia by storm. From music- fantastic classic rock playing at just the right level for conversation, but conducive enough for sing-alongs- to seating -you’re welcome to chit-chat with your neighboring table, or cozy up in a booth with friends- to the bar -gorgeous, and they’re making their own wine now, Pu
b & Kitchen is doing gastro pub in style without even acknowledging food yet.
And the FOOD! Dreams will be had of the hand-cut skinny french fries with truffle dijonnaise sauce. Their entrees cover the spectrum of comfort food featuring a citywide known burger (if you’re smart, you’ll put the truffle dijonnaise on that too), fish & chips with mushy peas, and fantastic gnocchi. The menu changes often and continues to delight its patrons with fresh approaches to classic dishes, like the English version of French onion soup that sneaks some pulled pork and bacon into the dish.
You will not be disappointed with your visit to this hip, yet classic joint.
SLS Hotel: Single Lady Safe Haven
It’s one of a kind, disturbingly beautiful
and has more personality than your fifth grade science teacher. The SLS hotel on La Cienega is one of those hotels you might just find yourself staying at even if you already live in Los Angeles.
With “a to die” for lobby and beautiful bar area, the SLS hotel is truly unique in that every inch of the hotel is beautifully designed. If you aren’t lucky enough to ever score a room, a drink in the lobby or the Bazaar is unbelievably worth it. Celebrity families like the Kardashians have been spotted here drinking in the bar or exiting late at night. Even if you find the drinks are overpriced and the valet parking is even pricier, don’t leave without checking out the bathrooms; they are probably cooler than half the hotels you have ever been in.
X-Rated Ventures at Voyeur
With aerialists crawling through nets on the ceiling and naked women in bondage in glass displays, Voyeu
r brings a whole new meaning to the art of sexual observation.
The beauty behind Voyeur isn’t just the naked women; it’s the ability to get a bar and nightclub rolled up into one. The reservation only tables in front feature loud club music and packs of people, while the back end is more relaxed with a less packed bar.
This new Los Angeles playpen for the rich and famous is exactly what you anticipate it to be: impossible to get into. Make sure you know someone at the door or get your name on the list before trying to smuggle your way in. Though I could describe the magic behind the closed doors of this fabulous club, the name speaks for itself; you’ll only know once you come and observe.
Forget Postcards, Cantina Returns With Liquor
To any downtown intoxicologist, Cantina is the preference for ‘cocktails de culinaire.’ In fact, the bar grows its own citrus and infuses its own liquors. Bringing decades of knowledge to the bar, each Cantina mixologist is a self-proclaimed ‘savant of spirits’ who’s traveled the far corners of the world in pursuit of the finest cocktail ingredients. Cantina bartenders have a genuine love for the art and invent every d
rink on the menu, making your experience at Cantina completely unique. It’s no wonder Cantina’s recipes have graced the pages of The New York Times, Food & Wine, Esquire, London’s Daily Telegraph, and even Vogue.
You’d assume such famous cocktails would have equally notorious prices, but Cantina offers drinks from $9-$11. Their most prized potion is on the market for $14: The Coca Leaf Sour- Pisco infused with coca leaves, egg white, yellow chartreuse, fresh-squeezed citrus, and sugar. Of course, their $9 cocktails are just as impressive. Try the St. Barth’s Daiquiri- rhum de batiste, fresh lime & key lime bitters, luxardo maraschino & fresh-grated nutmeg.
Just remember, quality takes time so no impatient tapping on the bar at Cantina, relax and enjoy the world through its spirits.
Gilley’s: Rhinestones & a Mechanical Bull
If there is such a thing as upscale honky-tonk, look no further than Gilley’s Dallas. Does the name “Gilley’s” ring a bell? Think John Travolta and a mechanical bull. While this isn’t the original bar or bull from Urban Cowboy (same owner Mickey Gilley), it’s a mighty fine second and a first place win for country-lovin’ good times. Even if yo
u’re not a fan of skintight Levi’s and red snakeskin boots, the crowd is so fun you can’t help but join in on the line dance with 200 other cowboys and cowgirls.
A good mix of authentic wranglers, weekend hicks, and fashionable Dallas “bumpkins,” Gilley’s has something for everyone- including an actual mechanical bull. And don’t be afraid of two-stepping, there are free dance lessons every Saturday from 6pm – 8pm with awesome drink specials and free admission for the rest of the night.
With national music acts and local fave The Chris Rivers Band and a decent cover charge, it’s time to break out your rhinestones and boots -or rhinestoned boots-for guaranteed fun at Gilley’s Dallas.
Cool River Scores Big With the Little Things
Oftentimes, it’s the little things that really make a difference between a good time and a great time. Cool River in Las Colinas knows the little things count, and adds those extra touches to keep
patrons coming back for more. First little detail? A coat check. It might be old-school, but the class and convenience of a coat check is especially welcome on nights out when you want to dance and don’t want to be bogged down with accessories. Another interesting perk is the cigar room; choose any of the reasonably priced cigars off the menu and enjoy a relaxing smoke. If this all sounds a little too stuffy for your taste, don’t worry. A DJ spinning the latest hits or live bands, like the quirky “Space Rockers,” keep the dance floor moving until the wee hours.
Traditional food and libations of all kinds provide sustenance, and if you want to enjoy your meal in a quieter setting, the dining room is available as well. Cool River has something for everyone, and those little touches speak volumes about big atmosphere.
Members Only Rock ‘N Roll at The Rookery
Say goodbye to the grimy, Journey-blasting dives of old 
and hello to “The Rookery,” an upscale live music hotspot that hosts a variety of talent every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Located just beyond Georgetown in DC’s West End, The Rookery is an exclusive, “member’s only” hang-out where Washington’s young creme de la creme congregate over the tunes of local cover bands and national touring classic rockers – all beneath the simple elegance of crystal chandeliers, of course.
A semi-private hotspot for the 30-something conservative Preppy (Luke Russert and the Bush twins have been known to frequent the bar), The Rookery boasts a heated outdoor patio and two floors of rich, dark decor, complete with sport coat-clad patrons. Grab a bourbon and some dancing shoes (preferably loafers) and get ready for a true Washingtonian-style jam session. Just remember, collared shirt required.
Insider Tip: Go early and grab a bite to eat before you stake out your place near the stage. The Rookery has an impressive menu to fuel some serious dance moves. Shows usually start around 10:00 PM with a $5.00 entrance fee.
The Cafe That’s Not For The Day
The Cafe has been The Castro’s favorite venue for years, welcoming everyone gay and straight to enjoy a one-of-a-kind dancing and drinking experience. Having recently undergone a multi-million dollar transformation, The Cafe’s makeover is like treating its faithful patrons to a thinner and more successful boyfriend.
Let the thump of The Café’s state of the art sound system lead you upstairs to any of the three bars for a two-for-one happy hour. Try not to spend the evening staring blindly at any of the 12 HD flat screens, because there’s a much better view on the dance floor. The Café also features an open-air atrium (complete with retractable glass awning should the weather get touchy) in the middle of the bar to help cool off after that Michael Jackson dance routine.
It’s been a long-standing tradition in the Castro to meet any night of theweek for The Cafe’s legendary happy hour. You’ll see many familiar faces so don’t be afraid to go alone. If all this isn’t enough, the bartenders are appealing too.
An Intoxicating Experience at Absinthe
Mix France’s passion for the art of dining, Northern Italy’s seasonal-inspired menus, and Top Chef Jamie Lauren’s cultured American influence and you have an explosion of rich flavor and buttery emotion that lingers on every taste bud long after you leave.
Absinthe Brasserie & 
Bar in charming Hayes Valley has a vintage french wine list (Wine Spectator 2009’s Award of Excellence Winner to be fair) and assortment of fine cheeses alone that will impress even the most discerning of foodies. Except how could anyone not be further enticed by menu items like Steak Tartare with poached quail egg and habanero or Charoula-Rubbed Lamb Loin with cucumber relish. Feeling like a French royale? Absinthe serves Tsar Nicoulai Farm-Raised Osetra Caviar for $75 an ounce.
In addition to the fine dining, and for the upscale foodie on a budget, Absinthe has a separate Belle Epoque-inspired bar space featuring designer cocktails and cafe style small plates. Pair the strength of Absinthe’s atmosphere with a “Sacred Heart” tequila/absinthe cocktail and this brasserie will have you seeing “la fee verte”.
Grafton Street Offers Authentic Irish Experience
Irish pubs in and around Boston are a dime a dozen, but authentic ones like Grafton Street Pub and Grille really stand out. Located in Harvard Square, this neighborhood hotspot was named after the cobblestone-lined shopping district in Dublin’s famed Temple Bar area. The restaurant relocated up one block in 2002 to a larger space in the heart of the square and now offers contemporary American cuisine for lunch and dinner seven days a week, including a Sunday brunch. From casual fare, including rustic pizzas and paninis, to classics such as fork and knife chicken and ale battered fish and chips, you will be hard pressed to find a better place to stop by for a pint and a great meal. Visit graftonstreetcambridge.com/ for more information.
Old Hollywood Meets New at Jane’s House
Though Jane’s House on Hollywood Boulevard was once the school to many of our favorite Hollywood legends, the new class of A-listers
and socialites are making it their own. The newly remodeled mansion-turned-Hollywood-hideaway is drawing everyone in on the weekend thanks to its cozy décor and adorable bartenders.
Though the elegant furnishings may make you feel as though you should have arrived with Charlie Chaplin, the multiple bars both inside and outside are always serving fun drinks and the DJ is always playing the latest hits. At Jane’s House there isn’t a designated dance floor, but this house turns into a “house party” as you will find girls dancing on balconies or the railing of a patio.
If you find yourself visiting Jane’s on a Saturday night, check the website for guest list details to score yourself a ticket to the open bar that happens for an hour before midnight. With its cozy confines and ideal location in the heart of Hollywood, this bar is definitely schooling the rest on how to recreate an old Hollywood feel with new Hollywood fun.
Dallas Does Art… Finally!
The long anticipated and well publicized Dallas Arts District is finally open! As one of the largest- if not THE largest- urban arts districts in the nation, it has put the Big D on the map as a major player in the art scene. The new Dallas Arts District in downtown Dallas is a sprawling 68-acre, 19-block area of performing and visual art utopia that brings an imaginative world of art this city has craved for for decades.
Incorporating over a dozen venues, the Dallas Arts District crosses all genres and functions to create a city within a city. From One Arts Plaza, where you’ll find a dynamic mix of corporate, residential, and retail space featuring some of Dallas’ hippest restaurants and bars to the Nasher Sculpture Center, highly regarded as one of the foremost collections of modern and contemporary sculptures in the world to the internationally renowned Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, where some of the world’s finest acts have performed. With a massive collection of new and old, classic and modern, the buildings themselves are masterful works of art.
And don’t forget the new ‘kids’ on the art block, the Margot & Bill Winspear Opera House and the Dee & Charles Wyly Theater, as they don’t mess around… unless, of course, it’s comedy.
Tracy Hutson Dive-ing Into Grapevine
On the surface a dive bar may seem an unusual nightlife favorite for television star and stylist/designer Tracy Hutson, but then you wouldn’t understand the charm of neighborhood hotspot Grapevine.
Sure, Grapevine has a killer rooftop with views of the Dallas skyline, but then everything gets curiously odd from there. For starters, it has a basketball court. The clientele is everyone from yuppie lawyers to the local gay and lesbian crowd. It has mismatched glassware that is purchased bi-weekly from the local Goodwill.
And without any mass advertising, except word-of-mouth through the grapevine, this place is packed to the brim every night.
Grapevine says, “Our customers are like our glasses; they’re all different!” And that’s exactly why Tracy Hutson, and nightlife critics from AOL to Dallas.com, loves this bar. Tracy Hutson has a lot in common with Grapevine. She blends her philanthropic nature with eclectic design from her ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” job to her Dallas nightlife spot. And she always has fun doing both!
**Tracy Hutson is a native Texan and style consultant on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, author of Feathering the Nest: Tracy Hutson’s Eco-friendly Guide to Decorating Your Baby’s Room, and founder of Tracy Hutson Designs.
Old City, New Flair
By day, Old City is Philadelphia’s art hub with its many galleries and show rooms. By night, it becomes the center of the city’s nightlife as party hoppers jump from pub to bar to club along the narrow streets.
From handbags to furniture, everything can be found here. Get a new ‘do at Chroma and an edgy, stylish outfit at Reward, and you’re ready for a night on the town- or maybe just cocktails at Bleu, one of the city’s hippest hangouts. And don’t forget to visit the Liberty Bell Center as your visit to Old City- and Philly in general- would not be complete without it.
This historic district gets particularly crowded on weekends, as it’s one of the prettiest neighborhoods in the city.
Martinis & IMAX
A good thing should never go away, so make sure to savor the last month of Martinis & IMAX at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History before it goes into history. There are only four Fridays left to enjoy live music, martinis, a wine bar, dinner selection, and of course, an IMAX movie.
North Third is First in NoLibs
Northern Liberties is filled with quirky bars with attitude, and North Third is no different. The menu features bar food favorites that have a wonderful reputation around town. If you’re friendly with a football team (or, just a cute blonde with an empty stomach), order “Pound your Wings” with North Third’s Famous Sauce or Asian Style – 1 pound of wings for $7 and 2 pounds for $11 can accommodate any budget. N3 is still known for its burger after all these years, too – 8 ounces of Black Angus with your choice of cheese.
The beer list is long and will put any fermentation-lover swooning. The margaritas and sangria also come in pitchers or carafes, which is perfect for the outdoor seating with friends in the summer. And we are slowly learning that in Philly you’re nothing if you’re not serving up a stellar belly-bombing brunch. N3 can check that one off the list too – omelets for the masses and pseudo breakfasts of champions like eggs and chili over cornbread with sides of potatoes and pico de gallo.
Glamorous Dining at Livingston
Chef Gary Mennie’s unique twist on good ol’ Southern cooking makes Livingston Restaurant and Bar one of the most sought after restaurants. This glamorous Midtown getaway serves it up in a setting that recalls the charm and elegance of yesteryear. The fresh flavor of the food reflects a predilection for organic ingredients, and we could get poetic about the desserts until the sun goes down.
Embassy Suites Chicago – Downtown/Lakefront
You’ll have plenty of room to stretch out and relax at this hotel where each expertly decorated suite includes a bedroom, an expansive living room, and not one but two televisions for your viewing pleasure. When your stomach starts to grumble, rely on room service or dine out at P.J. Clarkes. If you’re on the market for a to-die-for drink, check out the hotel’s bar, 511 North. So many options, so little time.
Luxbar
This neighborhood bar serves up simple, every-day eats in a casual-chic setting. The cuisine is artfully prepared with the freshest organic ingredients, and the delicious specialty cocktails boast a similar caliber. Luxbar, you will love!
Grab a Burger and Brew at Bukowski’s Tavern
Bukowski’s Tavern located just off of bustling Boylston Street and steps from the Prudential Center and Copley Square is not only a popular hangout for college students but a great place to relax, kick back and enjoy a casual night out. This cool bar lacks pretension and formality but makes up with it in character, good food, a large beer menu (featuring over 100 craft brews to be exact) and fun atmosphere. Bukowski’s was named after writer Charles Bukowski, who was as well known for his writings as he was for his drinking. The no-frills bar menu here features hot dogs, fantastic burgers from the basic Barfly to the unique peanut butter burger, which they assure tastes great. After a few drinks and getting acquainted to the bar, you may even surprise yourself when you order up a white trash steak bomb.
Visit bukowskitavern.net for more information.
Aria
Wines from around the world and meat that’s braised, roasted, and stewed are just two of the reason’s why Aria has us utterly captivated. Pastry chef, Kathryn King, churns out delectables like the Warm Chocolate Cheesecake, and entrees like the Zinfandel Braised Beef Short Rib are nothing short of heavenly. Open in the evenings only, the kitchen devotes the whole day to concocting dinner-time masterpieces.
Make a Toast at the Real Cheers
Yes, this is the place where everybody knows your name! Ok, maybe that’s only true on the mega-hit television show Cheers, but this Cheers is the Boston bar that started it all. Staying true as the show’s inspiration, the real Cheers offers a fully stocked bar and generous meal portions. The menu also pays homage to the cast with eNORMous Burgers, Sam’s Starters and Frasier’s Favorites.
Cheers is a Boston landmark that is as feel-good as your own neighborhood bar. Check out the website at cheersboston.com.