"Part eclectic eatery and part energetic bar scene” Houlihan's Restaurant offers a refreshing new take on the restaurant/bar combo.  Located off North Loop 1604 West, this hotspot shakes off the artificial atmosphere so characteristic of franchise nightlife and promises a unique experience on every visit.  With rows of ultra chic booths, a spacious patio and walk-around bar you"re sure to find a place to meet your mood.  A prime spot for "girls' night out” and corporate happy hour, you can expect to mingle with a hip and young professional crowd.  The main attraction, a four-sided bar, offers full service from all sides.  Order from their wide selection of beer and wine, or if you"re feeling adventurous, browse through the steel-bound menu and select from such exotic creations as the Guavatini, the Chocolate Smoovie, and the Adam and Eve Martini.  Feeling overwhelmed? Opt for their Martini Flight and you can sample any three martinis from the list.  And don't forget about Houlihan"s trademark, the Long Island Iced Tea.  Not for the faint of heart or tolerance, this liter of liquory goodness is sure to please even the most dedicated bar fiend.  With an amazing set of happy hour specials, including 1/2 off house cocktails and draft beer, it's clear that this place takes its drinks much more seriously than its prices.  Lauren Everitt 

If you are looking for an open minded venue to kick off your weekend, visit the Bonham Exchange downtown at 411 Bonham St.  Dubbed 'The dance club for everybody,' and they mean it.  The huge house-like structure offers a selection of rooms each slightly differing in ambiance and crowd.  On the main floor you can enter the video room intact with a wrap-around bar and lively stage adorned with male dancers.  Try upstairs for an R&B vibe and watch (or participate in) a little more than your typical dance off.  If your idea of a good time includes House Mix music, multilevel dance floors and strobe lights then prepare to find your paradise downstairs.  There is also room to play pool or hang out on the patio where there is a bar and BBQ.  With bars in every room including the hallway, unbelievable drink specials such as well drinks starting as low as only $1.00 Thursday through Saturday and acceptance policy, a night at the Bonham entails a good time.  Tiffany Pena

Characteristic of SouthTown San Antonio's vibe, Blue Star Brewing Co. offers a quirky and eclectic, if not a little random, atmosphere worth checking out.  From beer to bicycle repairs, they pretty much have you covered.  Blue Star Brewing Co. is San Antonio's first full-scale brewpubs.  Choose from an impressive selection of hand-crafted beers brewed in-house including their Pale Ale, Golden Ale, Amber Lager, Stout and King William Ale.  If one of their concoctions really hits home, feel free to take it there.  Ask for a collector's growler (1/2 gallon container) or a Party Pig (2.25 gallon container) filled with your favorite Blue Star brew to-go.  Another feature separating this pub from your average bar is their extensive menu featuring a mix of delicious, gourmet American Continental cuisine.  Playing a large role in the brewery's uniqueness, the entire upper level is a bike shop where you will find a large selection of Electra bicycles, accessories and an on-duty bicycle mechanic.  Blue Star Brewing Co. hosts live tapings for San Antonio's only late night talk show, the new Late Night Live with Cleto Rodriguez, on Monday nights at 8PM.  The show is a blend of topical monologues, hilarious video segments, round table discussions and live performances.  Tuesday nights at the Blue Star Brewery are filled with the city"s best big band jazz music from 8 to 10PM.  Bring your laptop along any night and enjoy free Wi-Fi- a relatively hard find in the City.    

If you are looking for something sophisticated, think Zinc.  In the heart of Downtown San Antonio, just a short stroll from the Riverwalk, Zinc is a haven for the true connoisseur.

Specializing in wines from around the world, Zinc’s menu boasts hundreds of bottles and “by the glass” options. For those who are new to wine, or are just interested in learning more about the beverage, Peter Fitzgerald, resident sommelier and host, is always at your service for expert wine navigation or a sociable chat.

Though wine is a popular choice, there are those who are looking for more than just a glass to compliment the evening.  Never one to ignore diverse tastes, Zinc also boasts an extensive selection of import cigars, vintage ports, specialty cocktails, and wine-friendly cuisine.  Designed to compliment the wines perfectly, Chef Nelson H Gonzales II has painstakingly created fare consisting of old world hors d'oeuvres and regionally inspired tapas that span the selection from Texas goat cheese with calamatta olives to fresh chocolate covered strawberries.  For more information, visit their Web site.