JASON JANIK/Special Contributor

The Rosewood Mansion at Turtle Creek is generally not thought of as cool, but right now they're doing adventurous things behind the bar. Mixologist Michael Martensen, 25, has created a cocktail menu that might make your head spin

At Fuse, swimming is restricted to residents of the building.

Jason Janik/Special Contributor

Right now is the perfect time to visit a Dallas pool patio. The weather is not yet so humid that you feel like you're covered in a wet blanket.

Photos by JASON JANIK/Special Contributor

The Lakewood Landing is a place people either get, or they don't. Fans of the East Dallas dive – and there are diehard ones – love the jukebox, the blanket of smoke that covers everything and the cheap Bud Light lamps on the tables.

The owners of the Idle Rich on McKinney Avenue opened the similar Blackfriar Pub right across the street.

Photos by JASON JANIK/Special Contributor

The owners of Blackfriar Pub have the cozy, inviting bar concept down to a science.The bar is run by the same folks behind the Idle Rich and Old Monk, and it has a lot of the elements that regulars at those two bars have grown to love.

Elena Guerra is a Velvet Kitten and a frequent attendee at burlesque fitness classes.

Photos by JASON JANIK/Special Contributor

Although burlesque is a fun, sexy dance that's great to watch, as a mode of fitness, it's tough.

Photos by JASON JANIK/Special Contributor

The reggae-loving community in Dallas isn't huge, but it's worth seeking out, just to see how crazy the fans get over the music.

Men show off their moves at Rhythm City on Northwest Highway, where it's all hip-hop, all the time.

JASON JANIK/Special Contributor

Rhythm City specializes in hard, bass-heavy Southern hip-hop. That's not everyone's cup of tea. But there's energy here, especially on Saturday nights.

JASON JANIK/Special Contributor

In the hierarchy of Expo Park bars, Bar of Soap always seems like the place people pass up for somewhere else. Live punk music and coin-op washer and dryers?

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As the country approaches economic crisis, spending $8 on a drink just seems plain irresponsible.

Mark and Anna Alexander embrace in a sea of green on Greenville Avenue.

FILE 2007/Staff photo

Young people cram Lower Greenville, the Irish bars, the M-Street neighborhoods. They wear beads and funny St. Patrick's Day-themed hats. And the partying starts early.

(From left) Katherine Klein, Lauren DeVries, Marie Larue and Jamie Merendino enjoy some champagne.

FILE PHOTOS 2007/Staff

Not many people know this, but champagne can actually flirt with you.It looks at you with those pale, golden eyes. The bubbles tickle your tongue, and giggle at the back of your throat.

Photos by JASON JANIK/Special Contributor

Thoth is the egalitarian downtown lounge. Unlike most nightclubs in the area, the tiny subterranean spot doesn't use a list. This means you can walk up and actually get in, assuming you're not wearing flip-flops and a T-shirt. There's also no cover.

Photos by JASON JANIK/Special Contributor

Before you hit the Lollipop Shoppe, you may want to brush up on your watusi.It's not anything vulgar. (Unless you want it to be.) The 1960s-era dance, comprising flailing arms and twisting hips, is similar to how visitors really get down at the Shoppe.

Guests enjoy drinks and pool at The Bone, a venerable Deep Ellum fixture with the feel of a comfy haunt.

Photos by JASON JANIK/Special Contributor

It's tough to be a bar in Deep Ellum these days.The area gets minimal foot traffic, having been cursed with a reputation that the streets are crime-ridden. Music venues have closed, bars have closed.