Toast of the Town

NIGHTLIFE

ENTERTAINMENT/DANCING



Belle Starr. The famous lady outlaw herself would have felt in good company at this country/western hangout. An extensive bar from which beer flows copiously, a large dance floor and live country music keep the cowboys and cowgirls that frequent this club satisfied (the place is packed on weekends). Round up some visiting Yankees and take them to Belle Starr for some good, two-steppin’, honky-tonkin’ Texas nightlife. (7724 N Central Expwy near Southwestern. 750-4787. Tue-Sat 7 pm-2 am, Sun 4 pm-2 am. Mon 8 pm-2 am. All credit cards.)

Boardwalk Beach Club. This place is a pleasant (if fast-paced) mixture of opposites. The club’s drawing card is Fifties and Sixties music, but patrons are mostly under-30 singles. Space has been cleared for a dance floor next to the South Seas mural on one wall, but strangely enough, hardly anyone dances. Drinks are pretty solid here, but the snail-like service may hamper your enjoyment of them. (6332 La Vista. 823-5340. Tue-Sat 5 pm-2 am Closed Sun & Mon. MC, V, AE.)

Café Dallas. Café Dallas sports ceiling fans, slick art posters, obligatory potted plants and smiling waitresses bedecked in slinky red dresses. The club’s circular, casinolike layout seems conducive to just about any sort of bar behavior, from frenzied dancing on the split-level dance floor to intimate whispering on the cushioned couches that line the walls. But all you beautiful people partial to sweatsuit chic, beware: Sneakers- however expensive they might be – are not allowed. <I>(5500 Greenville. 987-0066. Mon-Fri4 pm-2 am, Sat 8 pm-2 am, Sun 4 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-9 pm. MC, V, AE.) Comedy Corner. This isn’t such a bad place to catch semi-big-name comedy acts. Comedians in their own right fill the audience, while performers of varying quality take the stage for short sets of stand-up humor. (8202 Park Lane at Greenville. 361-7461. Sets begin Sun-Thur at 9 pm, Fri & Sat at 8:45 & 10:45 pm. Reservations recommended on weekends. MC, V, AE.)

Confetti. One man’s eclecticism is another man’s clutter, and this may be the most eclectic bar in Dallas. Dangling bicycles, zigzag neon and poster-plastered walls reveal a theme bar that couldn’t decide on a theme. If you can dig your way through the crowd, you’ll discover two flashy dance floors, several well-manned bars-maybe even Mr. or Ms. Right. Music ranges from Fifties doo-wah to Eighties do-whatever. (5201 Matilda off Lovers Lane. 369-6969 or 369-6977. Mon-Thur 5 pm-2 am, Fri5pm-4 am, Sat 7 pm-4 am. Sun 7pm-2 am. Weekend cover: $3. All credit cards.)

Diamond Jim’s. Although this is really a country/western disco, rock ’n’ roll frequently prevails. Tight quarters make for close encounters between patrons, both on and off the rather small dance floor. (5601 Greenville. 691-2411. Mon-Fri 5 pm-2 am, Sat & Sun 7 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 5-8 pm, Thur5-9pm. MC, V.AE.) Four Seasons Ballroom. This place offers big-band music for ballroom dancing. A strict dress code is enforced: dresses for the ladies and coats and ties for the gentlemen. Only setups, beer and soft drinks are served, except on Fridays, when food is available. Cover varies, and free dance lessons are offered. (4930 Military Pkwy. 349-0390. Wed 8:45-11:45 pm. Fri 9pm-12:30am. No credit cards.) In Cahoots. Like a randy phoenix rising from the remains of the old Papagayo’s, this multilevel, chromed-out fleshpot is Babylon revisited in NorthPark East. What has the Me Generation come to? The obligatory video here is a mix of cartoons, rock and Selfdance – you can watch your celluloid self writhing on the dance floor, in case there’s any doubt about your reality. The waitresses are scantily clad, the drinks are strong and the happy hour buffet ranks with the best in Dallas. (NorthPark East, 8796 N Central Expwy. 692-5412. Mon-Fri 4:30 pm-2 am, Sat 6:30 pm-4 am, Sun 6:30 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4:30-8 pm. Sat & Sun 6:30-8 pm. MC, V, AE.) Jazba at Ratcliffs’a. If we mention this place too loudly, will we have trouble getting a table when we want one? This small, elegant jazz bar in Ratcliffe’s seafood restaurant has what we like: clean lines, smooth music and Southern comfort. There’s food, tool (1901 McKinney. 748-7480. Sun-Thur 6 pm-closing, Fri & Sat 6 pm-closing: live music beginning at 8 pm. MC. V. AE.)

Longhorn Ballroom. The Longhorn hasn’t changed much Since the last time you were there. It still offers only beer and setups and one of the best country/ western dance floors in Dallas. Owner Dewey Groom has made his place synonymous with country music and a lasting source of local pride. (216 Corinth at Industrial 428-3128. Wed& Thur 7 pm-1 am, Fri & Sat 7 pm-2 am. Sun 5-12 pm. All credit cards.) Mistral. This very lavish dance and supper club is the product of a search across Europe to find all the elements of the perfect nightclub. The results: extravagant lighting, an enormous video screen, a state-of-the-art sound system, a Japanese chef and very prominent entertainers who appear about once a month (Loews Anatole Hotel. 2201 Stemmons Frwy. 760-9000 Daily 6 pm-2 am. MC. V, AE.) Packard’s. This Old Town dance club, which takes its name from the classic automobile, is flashy, large and swingles-soaked. Packard’s features a wide-open dance floor, lots of fluorescent colors and pop music mixed with Fifties and Sixties tunes. (Old Town. Greenville at Lovers Lane. 361-9517. Mon-Thur 4:30 pm-2 am, Fri4:30pm-3am, Sat 7pm-3am. Sun 7 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4:30-9 pm, Sat 7-9 pm. Weekend cover: $3. MC. V, AE.)

Poor David’s Pub. After considerable deliberation, Poor David moved his hole-in-the-wall folk music establishment from its longtime McKinney Avenue location to the lights of Lower Greenville. But he didn’t leave behind his commitment to solid live music: Kerrville Folk Festival regulars, including legendary folk singers Odetta and Tom Paxton, appear often, as do local country rockers Steve Fromholz, Shake Russell and John Vandiver. We miss the coffeehouse look of mismatched tables and dinette chairs, but the new version still retains much of Poor David’s old flair. (1924 Greenville. 821-9891. Mon & Wed-Sat 4 pm-2 am. Closed Sun & Tue. Cover varies. No credit cards.) Popsicle Toes. Go here to listen to the live and lively jazz, funk and rock ’n’ roll, not just to hear it. Granted, you’ll have trouble hearing anything else, but that’s okay, because the music is great. Don’t be disappointed, though; Popsicle Toes isn’t a place to be “seen,” although this jazz-oriented club attracts a spirited, sincere-looking dance crowd. (5627 Dyer. 368-9706. Tue-Sun 8 pm-2 am. Closed Mon. Happy hour: Fri 4-7 pm. MC. V. AE.) The Prohibition Room. This rustic tavern and live jazz and pop music showroom in the basement of the Brewery was once a speak-easy. It still looks much as it did then, with large concrete pillars and mortar-crusted brick. (The Brewery, 703 McKinney beside Woodall Rogers Frwy. 954-4407. Mon-Thur 4 pm-1 am, Fri 4 pm-2 am. Sat 5 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. MC, V, AE.)

The Railhead. Pop music and comedy with no cover charge is the drawing card here. It’s a rarity that almost overcomes the club’s major irritations: You can’t run a cash tab during happy hour, the drinks are only so-so, and the waiters and waitresses sometimes wait too long between visits to your table. (6919 Twin Hills. 369-8700. Sun&Mon5pm-1 am, Tue-Sat5pm-2am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 5-7 pm. MC, V. AE, DC.) Ravel’s. This cavernous singles bar may remind you of a bad 1967 sci-fi movie version of The Future.’ Track lights cut through the smoky blackness, beaming down like searchlights from a spaceship. Music video screens are everywhere. The well drinks are expensive, and the service can be slow, even when the room is mostly empty. Ravel’s is also part restaurant, offering a limited and pricey menu. (The Registry Hotel. 15201 Dallas Pkwy. 386-6000. Mon-Fri 5 pm-2 am. Sat & Sun 7 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 5-8 pm. All credit cards.)

The Saloon. You can usually find a rowdy crowd at this casual, comfortable bar. which features live bluegrass music. The Saloon’s jam-sessionlike atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious. It’s a great place to sit back, order a pitcher of beer and enjoy some good music. (2818 Greenville. 823-6550 Mon-Fri 3 pm-2 am, Sat 11 am-3am,Sun noon-2 am Happy hour: daily 4-7 pm. Cover varies. All credit cards.) Strictly TaBu. A recent return to TaBu confirms our faith in one of Dallas’ best jazz bars, not just for the jazz (which is frequently excellent) but for the easy, unpretentious atmosphere. We like the dining area in the back, where very good pizza and pasta are served. This is the perfect place for a late-night rendezvous with an intimate admirer or an old friend. (4111 Lomo Alto. 528-5200 Live music nightly. Sun-Thur 6 pm-1 am. Fri & Sat 6 pm-1:30 am. All credit cards.) Studebaker’s. This latest offering in nostalgic dance bars with car themes gets its name from the bright red Studebaker at one end of the dance floor. The disc jockey favors hits from the fabulous Fifties and Sixties (Studebaker’s doesn’t play any music recorded after 1969), and the waitresses wear poodle skirts and saddle oxfords. It all makes for a boppin’ good time. (NorthPark East. 8788 N Central Expwy. 696-2475. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun 4 pm-2 am. Happy hour: daily 11 am-8pm. Dress code after 4 pm. MC. V.AE.) Texas Tea House. While looking for a good place to go dancing, we were tempted to pass up this historical establishment simply because of its appearance. But the Tea House is a friendly, trendless country/western spot where you can drink beer and enjoy the disharmonious but good-natured Will Barnes Band. The beer (longnecks only) is cold, the crowd is always rowdy, and the outdoor bleachers (this is strictly a beer garden) aren’t too bad. unless the night is chilly. (3400 Kings Rd. 526-9171. Wed-Sat 8 pm-2 am. No credit cards.)

Tim Ballard’s. Dallasites are missing out on a good thing if they pass up this jazz bar on the Lemmon Avenue strip. It’s perfect for a late-afternoon chat over drinks. Perfect, that is, until the band heats up around 9 o’clock. Then it’s time to sit back, cut the chatter and enjoy the jazz that is the club’s drawing card. On the minus side, the service is haphazard, and the drinks are expensive. (3524 Inwood at Lemmon. 559-3050 Tue-Fri 4 pm-2 am, Sat 6 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Tue- Fri 4-8 pm. Sat 6-8 pm. Weekend cover $3 MC V AE.)

Top of the Dome. This revolving bar atop Reunion Tower affords guests a panoramic view of the city as well as live entertainment and a small dance floor. But the drink prices are as high as the bar. (Reunion Tower 741-3663. Mon-Fri 2 pm-2 am. Sat noon-2 am. Sun noon-midnight Happy hour Mon-Fri 5-7 pm. All credit cards.)

Zebo’s. This is a wide-open pop-music dance bar that’s unpretentious and has a low cover charge-an increasingly rare find. Zebo’s real forte, however, is its Rockabilly Wednesday, which features live bands and pumped-in rock ’n’ roll. (5915 E Northwest Hwy. 361-4272. Tue-Fn6pm-2am, Sat&Sun 7 pm-2 am. Closed Mon. Happy hour: Tue-Fri6-9pm, Sat 7-9 pm. MC V. AE.)



NIGHTLIFE

DRINKING



Andrew’s. This pleasant bar/restaurant is reminiscent of New Orleans with its small courtyard and abundance of old brick and soft lighting. Try one of the wacky, potent drink selections and let the good times roll. (3301 McKinney, 521-6535; 14930 Midway, 385-1613; 7557 Greenville, 363-1910. Daily 11:15 am-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 2-7 pm, daily 11 pm-2 am. All credit cards.)

Balboa Café. Is one of Dallas’ oldest fern bars withering on the vine? Our recent happy-hour visits have been anything but happy, with sparse crowds and slow service, but the thoughtful mix of blues and novelty numbers on the jukebox can still lift the spirit. (3604 Oak Lawn. 521-1068. Daily 11 am-2am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. All credit cards.)

Biff’s. When you look out Biffs windows and see the lush foliage of Old Vickery Park, even the traffic on Greenville Avenue somehow seems peaceful. The combination nachos here are a civic treasure, but the drinks are only average. (7402 Greenville. 696-1952. Daily 11 am-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7pm. MC, V. AE.)

Cardinal Puff’s. Mostly we love the atmosphere here: open rooms filled with gentle breezes, plants, garden furniture and an occasional wandering cat. The large beer garden is great for conversation and relaxation over cold pitchers of beer and loaded nachos. (4615 Greenville. 369-1969. Daily 11:30 am-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 11:30am-7pm. MC, V, AE, DC.)

Chelsea Corner. Almost hidden at the intersection of Monticello and McKinney, Chelsea Corner offers the “fun” food and drinks of Upper Greenville Avenue in a casual atmosphere more akin to Lower Greenville-without being either. The well drinks are potent and reasonably priced, and the special drinks (such as the Frozen Tumbleweed and the Scarlet Fever) are luscious. (4830 McKinney. 522-3501. Daily 11:15 am-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 2-7pm, daily 11 pm-2 am. MC, V, AE, DC.)

Dave & Buster’s. “There’s nothing quite like if is Dave & Buster’s slogan, and they’re not kidding. The place is enormous, but the brass and dark wood decor adds a degree of sophistication. Head for the umpteen pool tables lining the walls; try shuffleboard, darts, Pente or backgammon; or just sip a cool one at the large bar on the main floor. (2710 Electronic Lane, near Walnut Hill at Stemmons Frwy. 353-0620. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat 11:30 am-2 am, Sun 11:30 am-midnight. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4:30- 7 pm. All credit cards.)

The Den. Located in the Stoneleigh Hotel, this small, dark and very red bar caters to people in pursuit of serious drink and conversation. It’s a bar more reminiscent of New York than of Dallas. (The Stoneleigh Hotel, 2927 Maple. 871-7111. Daily 11 am-midnight. Happy hour: Daily 11 am-midnight. All credit cards.)

Eight-O. This still gets our vote for the most original bar in town. The sanitarium-green walls don’t seem quite as shocking now as when the Eight-0 first opened its New Wave doors, but the atmosphere is still spirited; the clientele, fascinating; and the jukebox, bitchin. (The Quadrangle. 2800 Routh, Suite 125. 871-1180. Mon-Sat 11:30am-2am, Sun 8 pm-2 am. Live jazz at lunch Wed-Sat. Happy hour: Mon-Sat 4-9 pm; all night Sun. MC. V, AE.)

500 Café. s not that there aren’t any people in this most obscure corner of Deep Ellum next to the 500X Gallery They’re just hidden behind crusty warehouse fronts doing mostly artistic things. This funky, casual café with a neon-lit patio (which resembles a drained swimming pool, only prettier) is a fitting place for artists and others to mingle. Beer and wine only. Chalkboard menu (408 Exposition off Main Street, near Fair Park 821-4623. Mon-Thur 11:30 am-midnight. Fri 11:30 am-2 am. Sat 5 pm-2 am, Sun 5 pm-midnight. MC. V, AE)

Greenville Avenue Country Club. Take one step inside the door of this low-key. easygoing place, and the name country club’ takes on a new meaning. Drinks are served inside the ’clubhouse.’ where the surroundings are warm and comfortable. But the only big shots al this country club are the ones poured into your glass. (3619 Greenville. 826-5650, Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun noon-2 am. MC. V, AE.)

Greenville Bar & Grill. Dallas’ oldest bar (or so its owners claim) now has a quieter adjoining room that somewhat alleviates the overcrowding. You may be more comfortable in the annex, especially it you want to carry on a conversation, but the real GB&G is still out in the boisterous main room. The drinks are straight-up and strong, and the entertainment is eccentric and erratic. (2821 Greenville. 823-6691 Mon-Sat 11:30am-2am, Sun noon-2 am. Happy hour. Mon-Fri 4-7pm.AE.)

Joe Miller’s. This is a perfect late-afternoon bar for friendly conversation: It’s easy on the background music, soft on the lights and hard on the sledgehammer drinks that, along with the media crowd, have helped build Joe’s substantial reputation. But watch that third drink. (3531 McKinney. 521-2261. Mon-Fri noon-2 am, Sàt 6 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. MC, V, AE.)Knox Street Pub. Over the years, this neighborhood bar has worn very, very well. It’s a slice of the Sixties (popular with Woodstock veterans and the work shirt-and-jeans set), but it attracts other folks as well. And although Knox Street has its cadre of regulars, there’s no cliquish spirit here. The menu is limited, but the fare is reasonably priced and substantial. (3230 Knox. 526-9476 Mon-Sat 11 am-2am. Sun 4 pm-midnight. Happy hour: Sun-Fri 4-7pm&11 pm-2 am. No credit cards.)

La Cave. When you’re in the mood to linger over a bottle of good wine, La Cave is a great place to go. The bistro atmosphere is relaxed, unhurried and conducive to conversation, Appetizers and light meals are offered. but the real value is the selection of foreign and domestic wines found in the walk-in wine cellar, (2326 N Henderson. 826-2190. Wine shop: Mon-Thur 10 am-11 pm, Fri 10 am-11:30 pm, Sat noon-11:30 pm. Bistro: Mon-Thur 11:30 am-2 pm & 5:30-11 pm. Fri 11:30 am-2 pm & 5:30-11:30 pm, Sat noon-11:30 pm. Closed Sun except for special wine seminars. All credit cards.)

The Lounge. This semi-art deco, semi-high-tech retreat in the lobby of the Inwood Theatre is separated from the movies and moviegoers by a wall of water and its own outside door. But the Lounge is sans ceiling, which allows patrons to share the view of the ocean-motif mural that floats high above the theater lobby.(5460 W Lovers Lane. 350-7834. Sun-Thur 5 pm-1 am, Fri & Sat 5 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 5-7 pm. AE. DC. CB.)

Mariano’s. If nachos and frozen margaritas are your passion, this is the place for you. Mariano’s remodeled bar is a bright, airy place to enjoy some of the best Tex-Mex munchies in town. The chips and hot sauce are exemplary, and the margaritas are so famous that the mix is available for sale. (Old Town, 5500 Greenville. 691-3888 Sun-Thur 11:30 am-11 pm, Fri & Sat 11:30 am-midnight. Happy hour: daily 4-7 pm. MC. V. AE.)

Mimi’s. This place is a simple, unpretentious bar that also offers a light menu. but Mimi’s forte is its selection of 100 brands of beer from 22 countries. The friendly bartenders won’t mind if you make a request from their vintage album collection. This is a true hangout. (5111 Greenville. 696-1993. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat 4 pm-2 am. Sun 6 pm-2 am. MC, V, AE.)

Monopoly’s Park Place. With the coming of Monopoly (in the former Agora Ballroom), we may have reached the ultimate in cutesy theme bars. The name of the game here is Monopoly, of course. The dance floor is a huge game board checkered with old stand-bys like Vermont Avenue and Reading Railroad, along with a few new additions, such as Lowest Greenville. Old Town and European Crossroads (which rents for nothing). The staff seems earnest and eager to please, but our drinks had Boardwalk prices and Baltic quali-ty. (6532 E Northwest Hwy. 696-3720. Sun-Thur 5 pm-2 am,Fri & Sat 5 pm-4 am. Happy hour: daily 5-9. MC. V.AE.)

Nostromo. Before venturing to Nostromo, it’s advisable to have one or all of the following: (1) the looks of a New York model, (2) the clothes of a New York de-signer, (3) the blase countenance of a New York socialite or (4) an entourage. If the above applies, welcome to Nostromo. Nostromo offers the jet set and the would-be jet set strong drinks, good service and a stark, well-lit place to spread their feathers. (4515 Travis. 528-8880. Tue-Fri 11:30 am-2 am, Sat 6 pm-2 am. Closed Sun & Mon. Reservations recommended after 6 pm. MC. V. AE.)

On the Air. Video addicts, rejoice! Death to conversationalists! Here you can sip your favorite drink and gawk at both the New Wave videos and the back of your companion (who has twisted around in his seat to see the big screen, too). The late-night Thai snacks-namely, the egg rolls and the stuffed chicken wings-are a giant step above bland bar eats, but don’t order the rubbery spicy noodles. (2114 Greenville. 827-6800. Sun-Thur 7 pm-2 am, Fri & Sat 7 pm-3 am. AE.) The Palm Bar. This is a beautiful place for downtown workers to have an extended series of drinks. As hotel bars go, it’s the most upscale in Dallas. Although you can’t reach the bar through the hotel, a walk through the Adolphus is worth the excursion. Or, if you prefer open spaces have a drink in the lobby. (Adolphus Hotel. 1321 Commerce. 742-8200. Mon-Fri 11 am-7 pm. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. All credit cards.)

Peabody’s. Big bars, we’ve come to realize, are usually loud and impersonal. And institutional drinking can leave a patron feeling like little more than another Miller Lite along the wall or a faceless Seven and Seven at table 33. Peabody’s, while fairly roomy, is not of that genre. We spent a lengthy lunch chatting to our heart’s content at a corner table, and our friendly waitress never faltered in bringing our ice-cold beers. The com-fortable couches and tables yield a relaxing ambiance in the evening as well. (4216 Oak Lawn. 559-3160. Mon-Thur 11 am-1 am, Fri & Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun noon-1 am. MC, V, AE.)

SRO. As in “standing room only.” which is becoming the case at this ever-so-black. ever-so-chichi nightclub trimmed in (did you guess?) pink neon. There s a wide assortment of drinks, an unusual assortment of food and the standard assortment of 30ish trendies who are doing more following than setting. (2900 McKinney. 748-5014. Daily 11 am-2 am. MC, V, AE. DC) St. Martin’s.

St. Martin’s. what could be better for an intimate late-night rendezvous than sharing a good bottle of wine and a cheese-and-fruit or pate board in this quiet, relaxing Lower Greenville Avenue bistro? The atmosphere is romantic, with uncrowded candle-lit tables. fresh red carnations, crisp white tablecloths and soft classical music; the service is pleasant. (3020 Green-ville 826-0940. Mon-Thur 11 am-3pm&5-11 pm, Fri 11 am-3 pm&5 pm-1 am. Sat 11 am-1 am. Sun 5-11 pm; Sun brunch: 11-3. All credit cards.)

Stoneleigh P. This is an artist’s bar. And a business-man’s bar And a construction worker’s bar. And a housewife’s nignt-out-on-the-town bar. And just about anyone’s bar There are no pretenses here, just a lot of open space with room to “do your own thing.” There’s a great |ukebox a varied selection of magazines and always an interesting assortment of people. (2926 Maple 741-0824. Daily 10 am-2 am. Happy hour; Mon-Fri 4 7 pm. AE.)

This is the perfect place to go on a rainy night- or any time you’re looking for romance, intimacy and spirits The Wine Press is decorated with wine bottles from floor to ceiling on almost every wall. The atmosphere is low-key and elegantly casual; the service, friendly but not hovering; the wine selection, extensive-to say the least. (4217 Oak Lawn. S22-8720 Daily 11 am-2 am. All credit cards.)



FORT WORTH NIGHTLIFE



Billy Bob’s Texas. This novelty club has a lot going for it: two restaurants, 42 bar stations, a real bull-riding arena and several shops. It’s bigger than Gilley’s, more urban than the Longhorn Ballroom and is a “must-see” if you’re in Fort Worth. (2520 N Commerce in the stockyards Metro 429-5979. Mon-Sat 9:30 am-2 am. Sun noon-2 am. Reduced cover charge Mon-Sat 4-8 pm MC. V. AE.)

The Blue Bird. Even when the band’s not playing, you’ll feel like dancing at The Blue Bird: The jukebox is the best in Fort Worth. But then, the patrons of this near-Southside club dont want that to get around; they know a good thing when they’ve found it. The club is packed nearly every weekend, with regulars dancing to the infectious rhythm of Robert Ealey and the Bluesblasters. This is rhythm and blues at its finest, but sssshhh! (5636 Wellesley. (817) 732-6243. Fri & Sat 7 pm-2 am. No credit cards.)

Cheers. Don’t expect Ted Danson or Shelley Long to be in this club’s crowd: This Confetti-like dancery is a’ far cry from the sophisticated wit of TV’s Boston bar. Female bartenders wear flesh-colored Danskin tights skimpy leotards and baseball hats, and there’s enough paper confetti around to make you want to save a tree. By the looks of the crowd on the Tuesday night we visited, this is a good place for single women: The ratio of guys to gals was about 10-to-1. (6773 Camp Bowie Fort Worth. (817) 735-8814. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am. Sat & Sun 4 pm-2 am. All credit cards.) The Hop. In three words, The Hop is warm, woody and wonderful. It has the air of a typical college hangout (it’s located just one block from TCU). but it lacks the cutesy crowd or trendy atmosphere. A stage tucked in the corner features national and local bands with music ranging from folk to reggae, rock to country. The food is good, but nothing could surpass the pizza. (2905 W Berry. (817) 923-7281. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun 4 pm-1 am. MC. V. AE. DC.) Spencer’s Beverly Hills. If you’ve been nostalgic for disco, don’t worry: Saturday night fever is alive and well and living in Fort Worth. The disco-crazed crowd gathers here almost every night to shake their booties and to watch wide-screen movies such as “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” The drinks are heavy-handed-as are some of the regulars- but most of the patrons don’t seem to mind. (1724 S University. (817) 332-5651. Daily 4 pm-2 am. MC. V, AE.)