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13 Celsius Named for its temperature-controlled cellar, the intimate 13 Celsius is a European-style wine bar with a premium, low-production-focused wine list, meat and cheese plates, handcrafted beers, and an espresso bar. Midtown; 3000 Caroline St.; 713-529-8466; www.13celsius.com
Corleone Bar and Grill Sneak behind Patrenella’s restaurant to this bistro-style bar for upscale Italian bites, an extensive wine list, and specialty drinks like the pomegranate-basil martini. The Heights; 813 Jackson Hill St.; 713-863-8223; www.patrenellas.net/main/bar.php
Escobar Twenty- and thirty-somethings flock to this hip dance club with its mix of techno and pop music, groovy glass bar, and blue suede booths. Midtown; 2905 Travis St., Suite A; 281-701-4248; www.escobarhouston.com
Red Door They like beautiful people here. Those who manage to get past the “door police” are rewarded with great downtown views from the rooftop patio and top-notch martinis. Midtown; 2416 Brazos St.; 713-526-8181; www.reddoorhouston.com
Rocbar Two bars in one, the $2.5 million Rocbar is decidedly rock-and-roll, with a laid-back lounge and pool tables; the club next door is for dancing – expect house music and a 60-foot bar. Bayou Place; 530 Texas Ave.; 713-236-1100; www.rocbartx.com
South Beach Houston’s most popular gay club wows with laser light shows and liquid ice jets that keep things from getting too sweaty. On Saturdays Euro pop and progressive DJs lure a mixed gay-straight crowd. Montrose; 810 Pacific St.; 713-521-0107; www.southbeachthenightclub.com
The Front Porch Pub You’ll be hard-pressed to choose from the 44 draught beers and 50+ bottles at this favorite father-and-son-owned pub. Pool tables, an outdoor deck, and a rockin’ jukebox make it an ideal hangout. Midtown; 217 Gray St.; 713-571-9571; www.frontporchpub.com