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.

SOHO. A cozy dose of Ireland on the Sun Coast, Dubliners offers an authentic Blarney pub experience, one enriched by dark wood trim, earthy shades of yellow and green, and a beautiful patio area. Enjoy a game of pool in the lounge/billiards room, or just saddle up to the bar and lose yourself in a cold pint of stout. If the old stomach starts to rumble, don't fret ­ the menu includes everything from Jameson-marinated chicken and salmon filet sandwiches to traditional shepherd's pie and fish & chips. Chances are, you'll feel lucky to have stumbled upon this joint.

HYDE PARK. Named after Ireland's four provinces, this pub is housed in a thatched-roof cottage amid a grove of palm trees. Once inside, surrounded by pints of Guinness and lilting accents, you'll feel that you've been transported to the Emerald Isle. The lunch crowds, who come from downtown's business district, are somewhat sophisticated; they munch on salads, sandwiches, Gaelic stew, and other UK favorites. In the evenings, though, the patrons are younger, and they flock to hear authentic Irish music and drink hearty brews. On the front porch, there's always a laid-back group who gather, drink, and dream in the moonlight.

YBOR CITY. The jungle-themed decor and iguana mascot give this energetic eatery a character all its own. Known for its live entertainment, the place books live bands every night of the week and pumps up the sound to make sure everyone gets an appropriate dose of music. Often crowded, the Iguana is a fantastic place to hang out and nurse a drink during the evenings. During the day, it's a little more subdued, and you can order sandwiches, salads, and burgers with a Gulf Coast flair. The grouper sandwich is a perennial favorite, and you can also try gator bites, conch fritters, or iguana poppers, with crab meat and black bean sauce.

YBOR CITY. A cozy little place to tie one on, this Ybor City pub is terrific for those in an Irish frame of mind. Decorated with dark-stained woodwork and one of Tampa's most beautiful bars, the pub seems more Blarney than Floridian. Order yourself a pint of the stout stuff, and let the atmosphere take over from there. For an added touch, the pub tosses in nightly live music, and most acts specialize in traditional Irish and Celtic folk music.