FINANCIAL DISTRICT. Twenty-somethings who work in the Financial District gather at this upbeat bar and grill to close out the week in true style. Neon lights bathe the space in cool, sexy tints of blue; all the while the young, good looking clientele poses and preens at the bar, trying to capture the gaze of the bartenders ... and each other. Thursdays and Saturdays feature DJs who spin Top 40 and hip-hop; Fridays pit great drink specials with some of Beantown's top cover bands. And if the need to feed arises, the kitchen serves up delish bites like fried calamari and popcorn shrimp until 9pm.

THEATRE DISTRICT. A large, white plantation-style balcony flanks the dance floor this New Orleans-themed venue, where the youthful clientele congregate below for an exhilarating dance party. Pulsating DJ-spun tunes and live bands help generate excitement, and the bar's awesome concoctions don't hurt either. Neat casual dress.

FENWAY DISTRICT. Bill's offers live music that's in the rock and funk genre. The interior is a veritable shrine to rock legends of the past. You'll find pictures of Jimmy Hendrix, John Lennon, and Janis Joplin adorning the walls. In fact, the bathrooms are quite a conversation piece here: the men's room is dedicated to the King and features pictures and memorabilia; meanwhile, the ladies room is a shrine to Marilyn Monroe. Most nights have a theme, ranging from rock night to reggae. It gets quite loud for such a small space, so be prepared to avoid conversation with your neighbor while the bands are doing their thing.

SOMERVILLE. Located in Somerville, this area Irish pub is a standing favorite with the Cambridge crowd. It delivers plenty of dark Guinness, popular weekend brunches, and all the charms-n-trappings of a traditional brogue bar. The eats are quite good, and their heartier dishes like Guinness beef stew, bangers and mash and shepherd's pie are, indeed, worthy of song. A nice mix of draught and bottled beer, wine, and cider is also available. Best of all, the Burren features live traditional Irish music every night. You'd be hard-pressed to find better ­ and 'tis free, laddie.

CAMBRIDGE. Lead performer Little Joe Cook keeps this lounge hopping while setting the pace with bluegrass and R&B favorites, like the house anthem, "Down at the Cantab." Monday nights are open mic night, and Wednesdays and Sundays are dedicated to blues. In addition, poetry readings are held downstairs in the Third Rail room. The lounge kitchen serves up tasty bar food ­ wings, fries, potato skins, burgers, and chicken.