Austin: Nightlife

Continental Club Since its days as a private supper club, the Continental has hosted the likes of Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Stevie Ray and Will Sexton, earning nationwide respect as a music venue. South Congress; 1315 S. Congress Ave.; 512-441-2444; www.continentalclub.com
live music

Cork and Company Owned by a former Dell, Inc. employee, this smallish wine bar is known for its aptly named flights (try the Cab Ride to Manhattan for top cabs) and interesting by-the-glass selection. Downtown; 308 Congress Ave.; 512-474-2675; www.corkandco.com
trendy | lounge | wine bar

Elysium Voted Best Dance Club by the Austin Chronicle, this “haven from the everyday” lives up to its tagline with goth, industrial, and techno music, and anything-goes dress code (chains, tuxedos and tattoos all welcome). Downtown; 705 Red River St.; 512-478-2979; www.elysiumonline.net
cover charge | bar | dance club | after hours

Oil Can Harry's Austin’s favorite gay club delivers with a huge square bar, rockin’ dance floor, drag queen shows, strong drinks, and plenty of eye candy. Warehouse District; 211 West 4th St.; 512-320-8823; www.oilcanharrys.com
bar | gay | dance club

Pangaea Austin’s newest ultra-lounge, which opened in November 2007, is young, hip and safari-themed. Don your best duds for this one – the velvet rope mentality is definitely enforced at this $3 million luxury palace. Warehouse District; 409 Colorado St.; 512-472-8882
luxury | new | dance club | uber-trendy

Scholz Garten Hoist a frosty one at “the oldest business in Texas,” founded in 1866 and known for its sports bar and love of Texas politics (Molly Ivins’ wake was held here in 2007). Capitol area; 1607 San Jacinto Blvd.; 512-474-1958; www.scholzgarten.net
historic | sports bar | outdoor biergarten

SIX Lounge Partially-owned by resident cyclist Lance Armstrong, hot-bartender-infused SIX has a dance floor and live music stage on the lower level, an upstairs lounge and a rooftop patio. Warehouse District; 117 West 4th St.; 512-472-6662; www.sixlounge.com
lounge | bar | live music

Sixth Street Discover why Austin’s called the “Live Music Capital of the World” on Sixth Street, where you’ll find local and national artists performing everything from jazz to reggae nightly at a variety of venues. Downtown; www.6street.com
live music