225BatonRouge.com

The bar is hoping at Sullivan's.

Best place for singles to mingle

SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE

It’s more than a steakhouse. At Sullivan’s there are two bars with completely different vibes. There’s the stylish main bar where bartenders mix up some of the city’s tastiest martinis. And across the lobby is Ringside, where the dance floor throbs to live jazz and soul. 5252 Corporate Blvd., 925-1161, sullivansteakhouse.com

Best sports bar

WALK-ON’S

With attentive waitresses that retrieve beer bottles like batgirls in training, plus a wall-sized projection TV, Walk-On’s is the next best thing to being at the game. It’s almost like watching it from the bench, just like owners Brandon Landry and Jack Warner used to do. And this season you can tailgate there, too. For every upcoming home LSU football game, Walk-On’s hosts parking lot parties with live bands. 3838 Burbank Ave., 757-8010, walk-ons.com

Best beer selection

THE CHIMES

Summer was made for Belgian wheats on draft. But maybe you’re in the mood for a black-and-tan or the elusive Abita Andygator. Whatever the case, The Chimes serves 130 beers, 56 of them on tap, in two locations. Savor 60 brews from 20 countries and you win a T-shirt and a spot on the coveted ’Round the World plaque, The Chimes’ longstanding beer club credited for widening the worldview of many a college student. Two locations, thechimes.com

Laine Doublin (left), Erin Bray, Lauren Guarino and Kathryn Coreil share laughs and enjoy drinks on a Tuesday night at Tsunami terrace.

Best place for girls’ night out

TSUNAMI

It’s still the coolest, hippest and most cosmopolitan scene in Baton Rouge, which makes it the perfect destination for any night out. But the girls just love having cocktails and melt-in-your-mouth sushi on the exquisite terrace atop the Shaw Center for the Arts. The metropolitan vibe can’t be beat in this city. 346-5100, servingsushi.com

Emily Banham serving drinks at The Wine Loft.

Best new bar

THE WINE LOFT

This airy tapas bar is probably the closest thing to a chic Hollywood lounge in our area code. Free “Wine Down Wednesday” from 6 to 9 p.m. brings in the downtown power crowd and plenty of singles. And yes, there’s an actual loft space available for private parties. Wear your best shoes then kick ’em off as you sink into a cozy leather sofa. Just don’t go and order a beer. 304 Laurel St., 223-6109, thewineloft.net

Best bar for live music

THE VARSITY

Nostalgia reigns at The Varsity, where 1990s hitmakers like Candlebox, Blues Traveler and Better Than Ezra are familiar faces. Bands reliving their glory days mingle with free-wheeling cover revivalists like the Chee Weez and Bag of Donuts, who wish they’d been there in the first place, while good ol’ boys like Pat Green and Six Pack Deep keep the party rolling. 3353 Highland Rd., 383-7018, varsitytheatre.com

The Varisty is tops for dancing and live music.

Best place for dancing

THE VARSITY

Host of Saturday night’s Retro Active, this dance party is sure to work off those boudin balls from dinner next door at The Chimes. With a huge stage and plenty of space between two bars, the crowd will hardly notice your full-bodied dry heave set to music. Just ignore if someone calls out “Elaine!” 3353 Highland Rd., 383-7018, varsitytheatre.com