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. One of Charlotte's more seductively hip gathering places once the sun goes down, Cosmos caters to stylish 20- and 30-somethings who have "big city palates." Indeed, on the one hand, the place gains wide approval for its bold, sexy fare, which ranges from European-inspired meze and tapas to wood-fired pizzas and made-to-order sushi. On the other, Cosmo wins big for a suave, loungey style that embraces its richly diverse clientele with terrific music, cool artwork and outstanding martinis.

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.

UPTOWN. Charlotte's jewel in an elite crown of hot spots, Palomino Euro Bistro is a sensory experience for the discriminating diner. A massive hardwood fired oven and rotisserie is in full view. Succulent poultry, meat and seafood, prepared with heavy Mediterranean influence, have earned Palomino Euro Bistro countless "Best" awards. With locations from Seattle to San Francisco and Dallas to Denver, Palomino Euro Bistro has an innate sense of energy, style, and panache.

UPTOWN. Artful, modern digs mark The Forum experience, which also includes a rooftop garden that is perfect for taking in the skyline or watching the activity on the 7th Street Alley below. The Forum's spacious dance floor sits below an attractive mezzanine area, and the club books topflight DJs to keep the energy level high. Meanwhile, weathered brick walls, low-to-the-floor leather furniture and modern artwork give loungey Pravda a cool vibe all its own. Want further proof of Pravda's "chill" quality? Check out the ice bar, which keeps the expertly-poured potions at just the right sipping temp.