Avalon 15 Lansdowne St tel 617/262-2424. An anchor on the Lansdowne St club scene, Avalon is a local favorite for late-night dancing with different themes on different nights (Saturday is techno night) and a live concert venue. Dress tends to be casual.

The Black Rose 160 State St tel 617/742-2286. Large Irish pub beside Faneuil Hall, with traditional music every night and Guinness galore.

Bull and Finch Pub 84 Beacon St, Beacon Hill tel 617/227-9605. Its status as the original setting of TV's Cheers makes this place totally touristy, but at least it's central and lively.

Chaps 100 Warrenton St, off Stuart St tel 617/266-7778. Glitzy gay club filled with lots of decked-out young men.

Commonwealth Brewery Company 138 Portland St tel 617/523-8383. Brewpub right by the Fleet Center near North Station, serving good pub food and its own ales.

J J Foley's 21 Kingston St tel 617/338-7713. A blue-collar Irish bar in the heart of downtown, with decent food, sports on TV and a great jukebox. Around since 1909.

Other Side Cosmic Café 407 Newbury St tel 617/536-9477. Popular and trendy café with great salads, sandwiches, beer, wine, coffee and tea. Across from Tower Records and the Mass Turnpike, and open late.

Sevens Ale House 77 Charles St, Beacon Hill tel 617/523-9074. It may not look like much, but that's the point at this centrally located neighborhood watering hole.