This upscale, downtown club attracts a slightly more mature crowd than some local venues, although it's still considered hip. With its massive mahogany bar, cozy booths, and plenty of stained glass, it eschews trendy industrial decor for something more inviting and romantic. Some of the best DJ's in town spin music, and selections vary from big band to alternative. Popular swing classes attract an early crowd, allowing everyone to show off their new moves later in the evening.

What was for years The Rage has been reinvented as Barcode, a sleek, contemporary establishment awash in red and silver hues. Low-key lounge areas, gleaming expanses of bar, and two dance floors handle energetic crowds, which are largely populated by college-age folks who dress to impress their compatriots. Music spun by DJs falls into the house, electronica, and hip-hop genres, and folks often stake out the place for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Long-lived and popular.

Atmosphere and food are both top draws at this restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner only on Fridays. The gracious place is warm and airy, adorned with frescoes and tapestries for Old World interest. The lunch menu is Californian, boasting crisp salads, an antipasto plate, and entrees that range from a barbecued pork sandwich to salmon fritters and crab cakes. You can also opt for a wood-fired pizza, seafood jambalaya, or the house burger. If you stop by for dinner, a pianist adds a romantic touch to the experience.