Feel that your late night destinations have gotten dull and boring? Why not sweeten up your good time at Coco? This lounge and bistro takes a twist on what would be a conventional night out with friends and offers chocolate versions of every dish and drink imaginable. Whether it is more common chocolate infused dishes such as Mole Chicken Poblano or Roasted Quail with chocolate reduction, or not so common like Coco's Salade au Chocolat or Chocolate Risotto, there is a cocoa dish for everyone. Even if you aren"t the chocolate type, Coco has your covered with an excellent selection of delicious cheeses and tasty haute cuisine.

The drink menu at Coco is a long list containing sinfully delicious martinis, mojitos and the like. With names like Chocolate Truffletini and Chocolate Beso, you know are in for a dark treat. Coco has an extensive wine list as well as a full bar. Although it couldn't be more obvious, I would be remiss if I didn"t mention the desserts, which include Chocolate Cheesecake, Apple Tarte Tatin (a la mode), Coco’s Tres Leche and signature "The Kiss,” an Ecuadorian chocolate mousse dome with a crème brulee and a spiked cherry center. The delicacy includes a chewy chocolate base and a caramel nest. If you’d like to actually visit this place and quit salivating, you can go to Coco Chocolate Lounge and Bistro on the northside at 18402 US 281 North, on the northeast corner of 281 and Loop 1604. For hours and more information visit www.sa-coco.com. MD

An old-world Valentine's Day is just around the corner at Omni La Mansión del Rio, where one can find quiet and elegance and live like stars and dignitaries for one night. The 19-story palace on the river overlooks San Antonio and the rolling Hill Country. In-house massages, live piano music in the lobby and fine dining make this a fabulous destination for a romantic night away from the daily grind.

Dine at Las Canarias, where it's your choice of a softly lit dining room or the Mexican tile patio with palm trees. A Sunday "champagne brunch” features a spread of sushi, carved meat, omelets, fruits and cheeses, artfully presented desserts and more. Guests of La Mansión also have access to sister property Watermark Hotel & Spa, a world-class spa that features a rooftop café. SS

Coined one of the "Top 100 Venues” by Nightclub & Bar Magazine, Sherlock's Bar, located at Thousand Oaks and 281, has all the trappings of a local dive bar combined with the slight sophistication of a British pub.  Based on its strip mall location one may not expect much at first glance, but those who patron the establishment are rewarded with its many offerings.

Sherlock's boasts four main areas, two large rooms, a game room and an out door patio, each with a different atmosphere and, all but the game room, its own full service bar.  As you enter, stay outside for friendly cocktail service and a laidback atmosphere.  Step inside the main room where local bands frequent the stage almost every night.  Venture to your left to experience more of the pub vibe and enjoy a snack (or a full meal) from their extensive menu.  Venture to your right for an impressive game room featuring several pool tables, darts, shuffle board, air hockey and foosball. 

Even better, a night out at Sherlock's does not have to break the bank.  Happy Hours last from 2-9PM Monday thru Saturday and all day specials and free pool on Sundays.  Visit Monday for the best deals ($1.75 domestic bottles & draughts, select calls, house wine and wells and $2.75 import bottles & draughts and select premium drinks).          

The little soda shop on McCullough has re-emerged as a bar, or, as they put it, a "bharmacy.” Aside from the alcohol and extended hours, though, not much has changed about Olmos Pharmacy (pardon, Bharmacy). There is still the same throwback charm—the burgers, shakes, lunch counter, and neon sign that has not budged since 1938. However, between 4pm and midnight, and in addition to malts and cokes, they also serve beer and wine.

The epitome of the merger between old time soda shop and modern day watering hole is the beer milkshake. Yes, beer milkshake. It is a concoction that sounds either too good to be true or too gross even for Fear Factor. And actually, it's quite tasty. They mix Guinness into vanilla ice cream, and the classic Irish stout combines well with the milky texture, creating a sort of coffee-flavoured shake.

Olmos Bharmacy is a testament to the resistance to change as well as the desire to keep things fresh. So next time, dare to be a little different when visiting San Antonio"s long standing soda shop, and wash down that burger and fries with a beer milkshake.  Magda Gonzalez