Housed in a lackluster storefront, this venue specializes in tasty regional cuisine and dynamic live music. Musicians from far and near perform a variety of styles, although most nights you'll hear blues or jazz bands. Be sure to try one of the kitchen's signature dishes: gumbo and alligator ribs. Wings, burgers, sandwiches and a variety of finger foods round out the menu, and the bar offers beer and a limited selection of wine and cocktails.

OAKLAND PARK. Christopher's is most popular with the 30+ crowd, who come for salsa dancing, cocktails, a bite to eat, and weekly live music. The bar offers reasonably priced beverages, including a wide variety of martinis, and various drink specials are available throughout the week. Most nights, DJs provide the entertainment while patrons cut loose on the large dance floor. Live salsa band on Thursdays. Food is served through 1am, and menu items include burgers, salads, wings, nachos, chicken fingers and fries.

EAST FORT LAUDERDALE. Live rock bands and a view of the ocean make this easygoing hangout a hit with vacationers. Open since 1938.

DOWNTOWN. A favorite for casual, American cuisine with an eclectic twist. The chef creates simple, fresh dishes using seasonal local ingredients, including plantain and lamb empanadas, risotto cakes, dolphin with mashed potatoes, or grilled veal with porcini mushroom sauce. With a great location near the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, this is the ideal restaurant for a meal before or after a cultural event. On weekends, young professionals hit the outdoor patio in droves. Reservations recommended; business casual attire. The adjoining Side Bar offers daily happy hour and live music/DJs Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.

NORTH LAUDERDALE. Cheap drinks and late hours are this neighborhood dive's biggest selling points. Join a game of darts, air hockey or trivia, watch TV or come for the karaoke and DJs on the weekend. Daily happy hours draws patrons in the afternoon and evening, but the late night scene if busiest.