BARS

Audubon Club -- 1225 St. Charles Ave., 566-1717 -- Features DJs Fri.-Sat., pool tables, dart boards and nightly drink specials. Opens at 1 p.m. Mon.-Sat, 11 a.m. Sun. (G-6)

Balcony Bar & Grill -- 3101 Magazine St., 895-1600 -- Twentysomethings flock to the vast balcony of this beer garden overlooking central Magazine Street. Open 5 p.m.-4 a.m daily. (G-6)

The Boot -- 1039 Broadway, 866-9008 -- Cheap brew, party tunes and scores of students. Open 11a.m.-6 a.m. daily. (F-5)

Bruno's -- 7601 Maple St., Riverbend, 861-7615 -- Young professionals and grad students converge upon Bruno's for the after-work happy hour (until 8 p.m.), free food on Fri. evenings, and to catch the game. Open 3 p.m.-4 a.m. Mon.-Fri., noon-4 a.m. Sat. and Sun. (E-5)

The Bulldog -- 3236 Magazine St., 891-1516 -- Young business types love its vast beer selection (both local and imports) and relaxed environment. Opens at 2 p.m. Sun.-Thu., at 11 a.m. Fri. and Sat.; grill opens at 4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and for lunch on weekends and special events. (G-6)

Cat's Meow -- 701 Bourbon St., 523-1157 -- Because sometimes you just need to drink like a fool and sing karaoke. Open 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Mon.-Thu. ; 4 p.m.-4 a.m. Fri.; 2 p.m.-4 a.m. Sat. and Sun. (G-5)

Circle Bar -- 1032 St. Charles Ave. (Lee Circle), 588-2616 -- It's like being in your living room, only you're lit and there's a K&B drugstore clock on the ceiling. Open 4 p.m.-4 a.m. daily. (G-6)

Columns Hotel -- 3811 St. Charles Ave., 899-9308 -- Its bordello-esque atmosphere and free-wheeling crowds embody the decadent grandeur of New Orleans. Open 3 p.m.-midnight Sun.-Thu.; 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Fri. and Sat. (F-6)Cooter Brown's -- 509 S. Carrollton Ave., Riverbend, 866-9104 -- A favorite with collegiate pubcrawlers and adventurous souls vying for the chance to "drink your way around the world." Open 11 a.m-3 a.m. Mon.-Thu.; 11 a.m.-4 a.m. Fri.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Sun. (E-5) Coyote Ugly Saloon -- 225 N. Peters St., 561-0003 -- New Orleans' newest addition to the bar circuit, complete with rowdy girls. Call for hours. (G-5)

d.b.a. -- 616-618 Frenchmen St., 942-3731 -- This hot bar with an edgy Manhattanesque vibe offers a stellar selection for the beer connoisseur. Open 5 p.m.-4 a.m. nightly. (H-5)

Ernst Cafe -- 600 S. Peters St., 525-8544 -- Upwardly mobiles gather in this two-story Warehouse District spot that's been around since 1902. Opens at 11 a.m. Mon.-Fri., 3 p.m. Sat., noon Sun. (G-5)

F&M Patio Bar -- 4841 Tchoupitoulas St., 895-678 -- It's 3 a.m., dancing-on-pool-tables rowdy, with kick-ass cheese fries. Opens at 5 p.m. daily. (F-6)

Fahy's Irish Pub -- 540 Burgundy St., 586-9806 -- Laidback joint with an impressive CD player and friendly ambience. Opens at 1 p.m. daily. (G-5)

Feelings Cafe Courtyard -- 2600 Chartres St., 945-2222 -- Lush and romantic, with a socially diverse crowd, the right amount of attitude and wisecracking bartenders. Bar opens at 6 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 11 a.m. Fri.-Sun. (H-5)

GB's Patio Bar & Grill -- 8117 Maple St., Riverbend, 861-0067 -- Longtime regulars and college students converge on the intimate brick patio for strong drinks and friendly service. Open 11 a.m.-1 a.m. daily. (E-5)

Hi-Ho Lounge -- 2339 St. Claude Ave., 947-9344 -- We keep expecting to see Andy Warhol alive, well and holding court at this grungy, unapologetic dive. Call for hours. (H-5)

Iggy's Bar -- 1943 N. Rampart St., 949-4485 -- Stop in for an afternoon cocktail or a late-night cold one at this relaxed neighborhood bar. Open 3 p.m.-3 a.m. Mon., 3 p.m.-7 a.m. Tue.-Fri., noon-7 a.m. Sat., noon-2 a.m. Sun. (G-5)

Igor's -- 2133 St. Charles Ave., 522-2145 -- For 25 years, this bar-laundromat has featured a grill, sidewalk cafe, and free red beans and rice on Mon. Open 24 hours. (G-6)

Igor's Buddha Belly Burger Bar -- 4437 Magazine St., 891-6105 -- Locals and college kids converge here for its game room (pool tables, pinball, videos and foosball) and live music Tue. and Fri. Open 11 a.m.-3 a.m. daily. (F-6)

Joe's Bar -- 1500 Cleveland St., 581-9809 -- Situated near the Charity and Tulane emergency rooms, this comfy bar serves plenty of microbrews and import beers. Opens at 11 a.m. Mon.-Fri. (G-5)

Keuffer's -- 540 Chartres St., 523-8705 -- Pool, ping-pong, video poker and a musky hominess that draws a loyal coterie of locals. Open noon-4 a.m. daily. (G-5)

Larry Flynt's Hustler Club -- 225 Bourbon St., 524-0010 -- Beautiful women and Hustler "honeys" are found inside. Monday night is the Amateur Night Contest. Open at noon daily. (G-5)

Loa -- 221 Camp St. (International House Hotel), 553-9550 -- The beautiful people clamor to this classy, exquisitely decorated, candlelit watering hole. Opens at 5 p.m. daily. (G-6)

Lucy's Retired Surfer's Bar -- 701 Tchoupitoulas St., 523-8995 -- A tropically decorated bar with fun, loud music and healthy pseudo-Mexican food. Opens at 11 a.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. Sat. and Sun. (G-6)

Madigan's -- 800 S. Carrollton Ave., Riverbend, 861-0067 -- Loud, fun bar frequented by the college crowd. Open 3 p.m.-3 a.m. daily. (E-5)

Milan Lounge -- 1312 Milan St., 895-1836 -- The bartenders at this speakeasy (yes, you have to ring the doorbell to get in) serve strong, cheap drinks with a smile. Dart players, rejoice. Open noon-4 a.m. daily. (F-6)

Molly's at the Market -- 1107 Decatur St., 525-5169 -- Popular gathering space for a diverse range of people, from reporters to crusty Irish grandpas to gutter punks. Try the "Frozen Irish" coffee daiquiri. Open 10 a.m.-6 a.m. daily. (G-5)

Nick's -- 2400 Tulane Ave., 821-9128 -- Nick's notoriety comes from its wall full of "surprise drinks."Opens at 3 p.m. Mon.-Fri., at 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. (G-4)

Old Absinthe House -- 240 Bourbon St., 523-3181 -- This vintage French Quarter bar is a wonderful, unpretentious respite from the Bourbon Street racket. Opens at 9:30 a.m. daily. (G_5)

Old Point Bar -- 545 Patterson St., 364-0950 -- Welcoming stop near the ferry on the Algiers Point side. Darts, pool and spontaneous dancing included. Opens at 11 a.m. daily. (H-5)

Ol' Toones Saloon -- 233 Decatur St., 529-3422 -- A killer jukebox and drinks strong enough to make us think twice about leaving. Open 24 hours. (G-5)

Polynesian Joe's -- 869 Magazine St., 525-9301 -- Daily drink specials, lunch buffet and sand volleyball court make this a great place to down a cold one. Opens at 11 a.m. daily. (G-6)

Parasol's -- 2533 Constance St., 897-5413 -- Beloved neighborhood fixture. Go Irish or go home. Opens at 11 a.m. daily. (G-6)

Parkway Tavern -- 5135 Canal Blvd., 488-2500 -- Draws a just-past-college crowd who flock here to drink and flirt. Opens at 2 p.m. daily. (F-4)

Parlay's -- 870 Harrison Ave., 482-4700 -- This neighborhood bar and college hangout offers weekday drink specials and a DJ on weekends. Opens at 1 p.m. daily. (F-3)

Pat O'Brien's -- 718 St. Peters St., 525-4823 -- The Hurricane: you're not allowed to leave the city without drinking one (preferably in Pat O's loud, lush courtyard). Open 10 a.m.-4 a.m. Mon.-Thu., 10 a.m.-5 a.m. Fri.-Sat.; piano bar begins between 2 p.m.-3 p.m. daily; restaurant open 11 a.m.-midnight daily. (G-5)

Port of Call -- 838 Esplanade Ave., 523-0120 -- A nautical-themed New Orleans fixture known for its Monsoon (a deceptively strong red drink) and big, juicy burgers. Open 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Sun.-Thu., 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Fri. and Sat. (G-5)

R Bar -- 1431 Royal St. 948-7499 -- One of the best-decorated bars in town, displaying a campy collector's mentality and occasional kitschy films (with no sound, thank God). A popular late-night niche for the hipper-than-thou. Open 3 p.m.-5 a.m. Sun.-Thu., 3 p.m.-6 a.m. Fri. and Sat. (H-5)

Robert's -- 3125 Calhoun St., 866-9121 -- Robert's has relatively cheap drinks and is frequented by locals winding down after work. The jukebox plays everything: rock, jazz, blues, country. Opens at 11 a.m. daily. (F-6)

Ryan's Irish Pub -- 241 Decatur St., 523-3500 -- All your best friends are here: Bass, Harp, Guinness ... plus a decent pool table and usually a game on TV. Open 11 a.m.-3 a.m. daily. (G-5)

Samuel's Avenue Beer Pub -- 1628 St. Charles Ave., 581-3777 -- A lightning rod for the young pager-and-cell-phone set to mix, mingle and fall in lust. Bar food and drinks help the process. Open 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily. (G-6)

St. Joe's -- 5535 Magazine St., 899-3744 -- This religiously irreverent dive is the best place to "sin" in town, with great martinis and a dark, loud, lively atmosphere. Opens at 5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. (F-6)

Saturn Bar -- 3067 St. Claude Ave., 949-7532 -- Whimsical spot with leopard-print booths, vintage jukebox and gobs of neon. Opens at 3 p.m. daily. (I-5)

Snake & Jake's Christmas Club Lounge -- 7612 Oak St, 861-2802 -- A cavernous late-late-night hideaway that's worth the frustration of trying to find it (hint: look for the Christmas wreath). Opens at 9 p.m. Mon.-Sat, 6 p.m. Sun. (E-5)

TJ Quill's -- 7600 Maple St., Riverbend, 866-5205 -- The jeans-and-T-shirt atmosphere has appealed to students and other young locals since 1968. Opens at 3 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 7 p.m. Sun. (E-5)

Tyler's Beer Garden -- 3841 Orleans Ave., 482-7207 -- A colorful joint known for its oysters, beer and professionals who converge here to unwind. Opens at 11 a.m. daily. (G-4)

Vic's Kangaroo Cafe -- 636 Tchoupitoulas St., 524-4329 -- Straight-shooting Australian-themed hangout featuring live blues on Saturdays, and Vic's signature meat pie. Open 11 a.m.-3 a.m. daily. (G-6)

Waldo's -- 7130 Freret St., 861-0236 -- Steps off the Tulane campus, it's a longstanding part of the college bar circuit. Opens at 7 p.m. daily (F-6)

Whiskey Blue -- 333 Poydras St., W Hotel, 207-5016 -- Sleek, chic place to see and be seen. Open 4 p.m.-4 a.m. daily. (G-5)

Winston's Pub and Patio -- 531 Metairie Road, Metairie, 831-8705 -- A fun and funky suburban hangout. Opens at noon daily. (F-4)

Wit's Inn -- 141 N. Carrollton Ave., 486-1600 -- Big bar. Loud jukebox. Couple of pool tables. Plenty of popcorn. Live music Fri and Sat; Sun is singer-songwriter night. Opens at noon Mon.-Fri, 3 p.m. Sat. and Sun. (G-4)

DANCE CLUBS

360 Bar -- 2 Canal St., 33rd floor, 595-8900 -- Enjoy a drink and take in a unique view of the city with 360's revolving floor. Opens at 11 a.m. daily. (G-5)

735 Club -- 735 Bourbon St., 581-6740 -- Dress to impress and dance like a rock star in this hot-hot-hot nightspot, whose theme parties have become hipster magnets. Opens at 10 p.m. nightly. (G-5)

Ampersand (&) -- 1100 Tulane Ave., 587-3737 -- Fierce dance club that attracts the hipper-than-thou. Call for hours. (G-5)

The Crystal -- 116 Bourbon St., 523-4030 -- A loud, smoky, late-night underworld of darkness and pulsating music. Big with French Quarter subculture. Open 24 hours. (G-5)

The Dungeon -- 738 Toulouse St., 523-5330 -- Aptly named gothic lair featuring drink specials and dance music nightly. Opens at midnight, closed Mon. (H-5)

Gold Mine --701 Dauphine St., 586-0745 -- Low cover, cheap drinks (especially "$2 Flaming Dr. Peppers") and good dance tunes. Come spin the Wheel of Booze on Saturdays. Opens at 9 p.m. Fri. and Sat. (G-5)

Metropolitan -- 310 Howard Ave., 568-1700 -- Mainstream clubhoppers converge upon this place for dancing and flirting. Opens at 9 p.m. Sat. (G-6)

Tonix -- 216 Bourbon St., 299-3990 -- Sexsational dance club. Bring your own fetish. Opens at 10 Fri. and Sat. (G-5)

Utopia -- 227 Bourbon St., 523-3800 -- Dance to the best contemporary music Fri. and Sat.; live music Sun.-Thu. Call for hours. (G-5)

Vinyl -- 3012 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie 456-9500 -- DJs play music from sources like MTV, VH1 and The Box. Call for hours (E-3)

Bourbon Pub/Parade -- 801 Bourbon St., 529-2107 -- With all that love, what more can we say? Bourbon Pub (downstairs) open 24 hours; Parade (upstairs dance club) opens at 9 a.m. daily. (G-5)

Cafe Lafitte in Exile -- 901 Bourbon St., 522-8397 -- The oldest gay bar in the country, with a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street, happy hours from 4 p.m.-9 p.m., and Sun. Trash Disco from 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Open 24 hours. (G-5)