SOUTH END. 300 East has a sophisticated European feel ­ a bit Bohemian, a bit Champs-Elysées ­ and always makes for a memorable evening. The antique mahogany bar is where you'll find one of the best martinis anywhere, and, unlike some bars, 300 East's food is the perfect complement to your libations. They also boast a full Sunday brunch menu, including veggie eggs Benedict and a light breakfast of bagels and fruit. Sandwiches, salads and selected entrées are also available. On seasonable days, snag a table on the outside patio surrounded by cascading lantana and black-eyed susans.

FOURTH WARD. One of Charlotte's best-kept secrets, "Al Mike's," as regulars know it, is the perfect neighborhood restaurant/bar. It's the type of place where everybody truly does seem to know your name. Here, you'll find standard pub fare, including favorites like nachos, burgers, and fried pickles. The bar stays open long after the kitchen has closed for the evening ­ so plan to kick back and hang a while.

UPTOWN. This restaurant and wine bar brings a sense of artsy cool to the Queen City. The main dining room sports polished hardwood floors, bold colors, sharp geometric lines, and thought-provoking sculptures suspended from the ceiling ­ a modern homage to the art of fishing. This bold sensibility carries over to the kitchen, which delivers edgy, beautifully presented fish and seafood dishes like lemongrass-enrobed corvina with Thai chili rock shrimp cakes or foie gras-stuffed sea scallops with chantrelles. Two things to note: If the weather is nice, ask for a table on the terrace (it overlooks the Green), and be sure to arrive early so you can enjoy one of their signature martinis at the bar. NB No smoking in the dining room, but smoking is allowed in the hallway adjoining the wine room and on the patio.

UPTOWN. True to its name, this groovy watering hole specializes in canned brew, if you can believe that. That's not to say the place is about only $2 domestics ­ as if that would be so terrible! It also boasts some of the most imaginative eats in town. Try these on for size: mini corndogs, sloppy joes, deep-fried Twinkies and even pizza rolls. Toss in a few rec-room standards like a pinball machine and a juke box that's loaded with classics from the 70s and 80s, and it's quite easy to settle in Cans for a few hours. Oh, and if you're looking for something to appeal to your more refined sensibilities, check out the lineups of martinis and specialty drinks.

DILWORTH. A stalwart member of East Boulevard's restaurant row, City Tavern offers an appetizing Sunday brunch featuring cinnamon raisin French toast, omelet Florentine, and the tavern favorite, eggs and pork tenderloin. On the lighter side, try the fruit salad or the fabulous breakfast potatoes. The City Tavern also serves lunch and dinner and has been noted as one of Charlotte's best restaurants and/or nightspots in several local rags.