Cocktails

BAR DRAKE-This glamorous, high-ceilinged bar in the Sir Francis Drake Hotel harkens back to the Prohibition era with its antique mirror-backed bar, well stocked with back-lit bottles of scotch and whiskey. A selection of potent-but-delicious libations, such as the bar's signature Manhattan , await you there. Su-Th 11 am-12 am, F-Sa 11 am-1 am. 450 Powell St. www.barkdrake.com, 392-7755 Map 1, D5

BUBBLE LOUNGE-Two floors of hip elegance offering champagne in all vintages and two bars. Downstairs, you'll find the pool room and a dance floor. M-F 5:30 pm-2 am, Sa 6:30 pm-2 am. 714 Montgomery St. www.bubblelounge.com, 434-4204 Map 1, D4

CANTINA-Don't come to this bar-cum-lounge expecting Bud Lite and well drinks. Mixologist Duggan McDonnell whips up delicious culinary cocktails using fresh fruit and herbs. A big group should try a pitcher of the Pisco Punch. Opens M-Sa at 5 pm. 580 Sutter St. www.cantinasf.com, 398-0195 Map 1, C5

ETIQUETTE-Be on your best behavior at this chic new Market Street lounge. Sleek, refined, and elegant, it features cozy nooks and crannies perfect for some less-than-proper pastimes. Order up an explosive cocktail such as the Pop Rocks-laden "Jessica Rabbit," and while the night away. 1108 Market St. www.etiquettelounge.com, 869-8779 Map 1, C7

THE HIDDEN VINE-Like a fine Zinfandel, this sophisticated, upscale Nob Hill wine bar offers a complex and satisfying bouquet of flavors for the discerning palette. The staff is knowledgeable, the atmosphere unpretentious, and the menu thorough. Come wine-taste with someone you're trying to impress, or just nestle with friends in a cozy alcove. 620 Post St. www.thehidde vine.com, 674-3567 Map 1, C6

RED ROOM-A very appropriately named bar. The whole place, right down to the bar and the stereo speakers, is decked out in, you guessed it, red. The line out front may have more people waiting than will actually fit inside this small, ultra-stylish Nob Hill drinking spot. M-Sa 5 pm-2 am, Su 7 pm-2 am. The Commodore Hotel, 827 Sutter St. 346-7666 Map 1, C5

REDWOOD ROOM-Ian Schrager left the redwood walls of this legendary lounge intact when he remodeled the Clift Hotel, and Philippe Starck designed the rest. The results are ultra-chic. Soak in the scene from along the etched-glass bar, or lounge on the plush sofas that adorn the space. Su-Th 5 pm-2 am, F and Sa 4 pm-2 am. 495 Geary St. www.clifthotel.com, 929-2372 Map 1, C6

SLIDE ULTRA LOUNGE-Tap into your inner child as you zip down the actual slide into this recently opened, elegant speakeasy-style lounge, which was a real speakeasy during Prohibition. DJs spin tracks from a hollowed-out grand piano; excellent cocktails make it easy to settle in for the evening. 430 Mason St. www.slidesf.com, 421-1916 Map 1, C6

TOSCA CAFE-An espresso machine dominates the bar, but those in search of something stronger won't be disappointed at this North Beach institution. The "house cappuccino"-hot chocolate and brandy-is a holdover from Prohibition. Daily 6:30 pm-2 am. 242 Columbus Ave. 391-1244 Map 1, D3

Dancing

BAMBUDDHA LOUNGE-Bamboo, water, light, and stone lend a Southeast Asian feel to this swank nightclub/ restaurant. Sip cocktails, soak in the attractive scenery, graze on pan-Asian cuisine, and groove to electronic club music. Dinner served Tu-Sa 6-11 pm; DJs Th-Sa 8 pm-2 am. Phoenix Hotel, 601 Eddy St. www.bambuddhalounge.com, 885-5088 Map 1, B6

GLAS KAT SUPPER CLUB-This two-tiered, 18-and-over SoMa club features theme nights such as Death Guild, where the techno-industrial-loving goths come out to play, and Bondage-A-Go-Go, complete with a suspended metal frame for amateur cage-dancers to try their moves. 520 Fourth St. www.glaskat.com, 495-6620 Map 2, K4

HARRY DENTON'S STARLIGHT ROOM-Perched 21 floors above Union Square , this sky lounge offers classic cocktails and light fare, as well as dramatic panoramas of the entire Bay Area. Enjoy a drink while listening to live music or DJs throughout the week. Daily 6 pm-2 am. Sir Francis Drake Hotel, 450 Powell St. www.harrydenton.com, 395-8595 Map 1, D5

SUITE ONE8ONE-A cozy retreat in the gritty heart of the Tenderloin, with a sensual nightclub vibe including day beds, soft couches, and a sumptuous blend of house, hip-hop, and funk by top DJs. VIP bottle service available. Th-Sa 9 pm-4 am. 181 Eddy St. www.suite181.com, 345-9900 Map 1, C6

Gay Clubs

THE CAFE- This sprawling spot, complete with three full bars and a balcony overlooking Castro St., has made a name for itself with its Thursday-night Latin dance parties and Friday-night Boy Bars. Happy hour nightly until 9 pm. M-F 4 pm-2 am, Sa 3 pm-2 am, Su 2 pm-2 am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com, 381-3846 Map 2, H6

THE LEXINGTON -Girls rule at this casual, predominately lesbian hangout, a modest, dimly lit setting with pool tables and often-edgy art displays in the Mission District. M-Th 5 pm-2 am, F-Su 3 pm-2 am. 3464 19th St. www.lexingtonclub.com, 863-2052 Map 1, I7

METRO-This Castro staple sports a sleek interior. A long balcony overlooks busy Market St. , and the bar shares space with a good tapas restaurant. Very popular on weekends and on Tu for karaoke. Daily 11 am-2 am, lunch served F-Sa 11:30 am-2:30 pm. 3600 16th St. 703-9751 Map 2, H6