SOHO. Also a restaurant, this hip place attracts an attractive, upscale clientele. The outside patio is a terrific place to mingle, especially in the evening when the work day is far behind and the night has just begun. The establishment has a Broadway theme, and it often features live jazz or blues performers. Patrons not socializing on the patio enjoy the mellow strains as they sample a local cigar or nurse a well-mixed cocktail. A terrific alternative to the city's boisterous clubs.

ROCKY POINT. A Caribbean flair distinguishes this place, which is both restaurant and bar. Open only in the evenings, it's a popular destination for business travelers who want a taste of island life, including a frosty drink and some seafood munchies. Live reggae music provides a restful backdrop to the award-winning cuisine and vibrant southern sunsets. Bars are located inside and out, and Happy Hour offers visitors the opportunity to laugh and mingle after a hectic day downtown. The convivial atmosphere, accommodating staff and friendly patrons will have you relaxed and mellow in no time.

AIRPORT AREA. This smart, sophisticated lounge tends to draw a well-heeled clientele from night to night, people who aren't shy about dressing up or coming off the hip for an expertly mixed martini. The decor certainly does its part to enhance the lounge's ultra-cool image ­ the space is awash in dramatic hues of blue and red, there are intimate bistro tables, and the bar is characterized by an artsy geometric shape that seems to hover over it. Complementing the extensive drink lineup is their tapas menu, which features everything from Jack Daniels-marinated shrimp to flatbread pizza.

YBOR CITY. This Ybor juke joint doesn't get really going until after all the kids and "respectable folks" have called it a night, and that seems to suit the area's blues aficionados just fine. Don't expect anything swanky, upscale or thematic when you step in the door -After all, that wouldn't be at all bluesy, would it? ­ because this place is as barebones as can be. Instead, what you'll get is a few hours of hearing some cats masterfully interpret life using a language comprised of 12 chords.

YBOR CITY. One of the reasons Ybor hasn't lost its edge in recent years is a place like Code, a bi-level club where the late-night activities range from wild, high-octane dance parties led by DJs from all over the world to special appearances by live Latin, rock and hip-hop acts. Balcony seating, cool lounge areas, VIP rooms and a sleek, sexy minimalist design help make the space appear all the more "big city," and the state-of-the-art light and sound systems are sure to assault any inhibitions you may have brought with you.