PIONEER SQUARE. Shrinking violets, beware: With two dueling piano players, a raucous atmosphere, and audience participation near 100%, 88 Keys is a great place to let loose. Musicians keep things boisterous with witty banter, good-natured ribbing, and familiar tunes that all seem to be crowd favorites. Get your courage up with tube or jello shots or a good old-fashioned mixed bucket of beers. A mainstay of younger crowds, the bar also pulls in business travelers on the quest for a good time.

CAPITOL HILL. This Capitol Hill bar and lounge draws a diverse crowd of arty professionals, students, and rockers, both straight and gay ­ you're as likely to see tattoos and piercings as you are polo shirts and ball caps. The eclectic decor highlights local art, including large-scale metal pieces and a blown-glass flame sculpture that shares space behind the bar with the resident live python (in a tank...usually). Music leans towards alternative, punk, heavy metal, rock, and indie, with the occasional poetry slam thrown in for good measure. A great scene if you're into goth, grunge, or even just good old rock.

DOWNTOWN. A relative newcomer to the Seattle scene, this high-energy venue provides a little bit of everything ­ cabaret-style performances, cocktails enlivened with freshly-squeezed fruit juices, and an ambitious menu of inventive appetizers and entrees. In-house dance troupe The Contábellas alternate waitressing duties with rousing performances; afterwards, a variety of live music can be heard. Detailed, frilly costuming and a Parisian fin de siècle atmosphere add to an evening's enjoyment.

REMOND. Two distinct family lines converge at this Redmond watering hole, where spicy Cajun cuisine and cozy Irish airs create a unique family-friendly scene. Enjoy a plate of crawfish or hearty serving of gumbo along with a home-brewed quaff on their "bayou-side" patio out back. Inside the shack, meanwhile, you'll have no problem finding good conversation and, perhaps, a cricket opponent. Live music is featured 2-3 nights a week, and may range from Celtic and Irish to blues and jazz.

CAPITOL HILL. Sit back and enjoy salsa and swing music and dancing performances, or join in the dancing yourself (after a brief lesson, of course); Century Ballroom affords the opportunity to do both. An extensive schedule of dance classes means you can cultivate your craft beforehand; alternatively, quick lessons are frequently offered before the action gets going on most evenings. Occasionally, the dance floor clears and energetic musical acts take to the stage. At shows, a minimum food charge of $10 per person applies.