SOUTH BEACH. Reminiscent of the sleek Rat Pack-inspired lounges that began popping up in Manhattan in the 1950s and '60s, this trendy hotel bar is decorated in a suave mix of cozy wood accents, live tropical plants, cabana-style chairs, and subdued lighting. The skilled bartenders have gained a fair margin of fame for their magnificent martinis, and the lounge itself is reputed to be home to "Miami's Best Happy Hour." Live entertainment is featured most nights, including a few cabaret-style shows from time to time.

SOUTH BEACH. Friends DO let friends drink and dry! This interesting nightspot offers you two for one ­ a place to do your laundry while having a drink and mingling with some of South Beach's friendliest regulars. A diverse crowd hangs out here, listening to the latest dance music and enjoying great cocktails from an extensive list. Give this fun bar a spin! Happy Hours 4pm-9pm, 7 days a week.

NORTH MIAMI. Enjoy the trendy, original decor at this cafe, which makes you feel right at home with comfortably plush couches, soft lighting and lots of creative local art on the walls. During the day, this is a cafe and coffee bar, where people pop in to chat with friends over cappuccino and latte. In the evening, the South Florida Folk Club sponsors acoustic concerts that are popular among the area arts community and local students. No cocktails, but you can have a beer as you enjoy some soothing folk tunes.

SURFSIDE. Escape your comfort zone at this North Africa-inspired venue, which shakes up typical nightlife expectations with a dose of the exotic. The decor proves softly entrancing, and the cuisine is rich with spices and the fragrance of other lands and cultures. Try a tagine (stew), a dish of roasted lamb, or a tantalizing kabob. Afterwards, revel in the live entertainment: belly-dancing. Talented, mesmerizing dancers will have you marveling at their grace and control and may even provoke you into learning the steps yourself. Full bar service is available.

SOUTH BEACH. This is the most popular gay bar in South Beach. The dance floor is always jumping, since Score hosts some of the area's top DJs. As the name suggests, this is a nightspot clearly devoted to bringing people together. The bar is also known for its "Tea Dances," which start in the late afternoon and continue late into the evening. Outdoor tables offer great views of lively Lincoln Road.