UPTOWN. What's the recipe for fun at Dixie's? Try this on for size: Big Easy-style eats, DJs and great-looking clientele.

ELIZABETH. The doors at the Double Door Inn on Independence Boulevard have been open for over 23 years. That's called staying power, and judging from the crowds on any given weekday or weekend night, Double Door will be rocking for the next quarter century. Monday nights are always packed for a Double Door staple, "Monday Night All Stars" ­ blues and jazz being the mainstays. Noted as a blues club, the place rocks with local funky blues and also plays host to national acts.

MYERS PARK. This bar regularly attracts a vivacious 30- something crowd. If you like people watching, sipping great cocktails, or simply catching a quick bite, Providence Café will suit your taste. Features live music and happy hour specials. Providence Cafe has an upbeat and comfortable feel for the visitor seeking a great night out. Offers tasty menu items. A great choice for good conversation and good beer. Brunch served on weekends.

UPTOWN. One of the Queen City's more popular watering holes, the multi-level Rí~Rá offers all the charm and comfort of a traditional Irish pub ­ in fact, considering that the Victorian-style bar itself was once part of the officer's mess hall at the barracks in Dublin's Phoenix Park, this place IS as Irish as you can get. Among the pub's more fascinating characteristics are its collection of Dublin ledgers (some of which date back to 1800), an antique Guinness mirror, and portraits of many of Ireland's greatest literary figures.