311 Club
"Rustic," that's it... Lived in. Loved gently. It's a Sixth street institution known for great live music (This 'is' Austin, isn't it?) and the most friendly of crowds. The raised platform stage has showcased many a guitar riff against a dramatic curtain of red velvet. Live music is 311's schtick, whether it's part-owner Joe Valentine's house band or tunes from other loal up-and-comers, it's time to get down. 311 style. 311 E. Sixth, 477-1630


Ale House at Olde Pecan St. Cafe
With its entrance in a back alley, the Ale House doesn’t quite invoke the same romantic ambiance as its sister, the Old Pecan Street Cafe. However, it certainly has many merits of its own. The inside of the club shows fantastic, aged architecture, with wooden floors and staircases, as well as distinctive lighting and a unique band set-up. The Ale House is a well-kept secret due to its hidden entrance, but one worth the search. 310 E. Sixth, 474-6722 www.alehouseaustin.com


The Aquarium
This spacious bar is named for the large tank that takes up the length of the back wall of the main room. Go upstairs where there is a second bar for a game of pool or to sit in one of the many black leather couches. It beats getting sand in your crotch. 403 E. Sixth, 499-8003


Atrium Lounge
Hushed corners, intimate cocktail sipping, deals-making and -breaking, hand-shaking, with a healthy slew of Omni residential to gander, three meals a day, a full-bar with friendly pours. And a peaceful calm. Cuz sometimes that's all you want in this town. Ah. 700 San Jacinto, 476-3700 www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/AustinDowntown/Dining.aspx


Austin Convention Center
About three quaters of a billion square feet of convention space. Whoa. The home of SXSW. The long rides up and down the multi-storied escalators are great places for smoldering stares, should you be so "inclined." 500 E. Cesar Chavez, 476-5461 www.austinconventioncenter.com


Austin Museum of Art
Modern art in every medium and wide berths of open space, perfect for an afternoon stroll pondering "but what does it mean?" Christo exhibit currently showing, February-April, 2006. The Christos in person: March 30, 2006! 823 Congress, 495-9224 www.amoa.org


Bar Austin
This bar is simple. Just like the name. "No cover. Cheap drinks. Hot ladies." All the advertising they need, proudly announnced to all passersby by an eager doorman, knowing that the simplicity of fun is enough to fill the place. Good thing, too. 402 E. Sixth, 476-3139


Bayou Lounge
You know the kind of bar where you're glad that the windows are tinted blue and the drinks come steady and stiff? Yeah. This is one. Music bumping at night, crowds fluttering in and out. Right in the middle of the madness and tucked under River City Tattoo, Bayou has "chill" down to a science. Understated. In that good way. 505 Neches, 499-0863


Beerland
Open seven nights a week, with karaoke starting on Monday, Beerland is the sawdust, adventurous booking, and cheap-beer friend of the Red Eyed Fly. It’s the place to go if you don’t want to get dressed up but also don’t want to listen to a CD and drink Keystone on your couch. Loud rock, fun times, and you won’t spend much money. Does it get any better? 711 1/2 Red River, 479-ROCK www.beerlandtexas.com