6TH STREET. Although it can be difficult to locate, Barcelona is definitely worth your sleuthing efforts. The hip, underground (literally) club is a stylish boîte whose pale shell is enlivened with bold, colored lighting. Bars anchor the ends of the narrow space, and private areas are peppered about. Thanks to the preferences of individual DJs, the music changes each night, although variations of house are prominent. Patrons take their dancing seriously, so if you can hang, Barcelona's a great place to show off your moves.

6TH STREET. Seeking to bring the best of New Orleans' famed Bourbon Street to Austin, this expansive club has an inclusive attitude, inviting folks of all types to enjoy the good-time ambience. Within the large space are several bars, a stage and dance floor, all of which collaborate to put patrons at ease. Live bands play a variety of tunes (especially rock), prompting folks to get up and move in appreciation. To keep things spirited, have a test tube shot and drag your friends onto the floor to join in on the revelry.

NORTH AUSTIN. A great source of fun, Dallas really packs them in, and the dance floor stays busy all night long, whether you're tuned in to Keith Urban and Gretchen Wilson or the renegade Vanilla Ice flashback tune. A mixed crowd mingles effortlessly, as do novice dancers and more accomplished folks. Several bars take care of drink orders, and you can also score beer from stand-alone troughs or shots from roaming servers. If you need something quieter in the midst of the motion, try your hand at pool, or simply take advantage of terrific people-watching opportunities. Affordable and fun.

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. Spacious and trendy, Element incorporates all the features of modern urban clubs including top-of-the-line lighting and sound systems. Spread out over 13,000 square feet are two dance floors, three bars, a full VIP area and plenty of cozy nooks and crannies for a quiet chat with someone special.

PFLUGERVILLE. North of Austin, this mega-club definitely lives up to its purpose. A jack of all nightlife trades, it clusters a variety of venues under one roof and lets patrons have their pick of the litter for a set cover charge. Denim & Diamonds features C&W songs, Club Z offers pop hits, and Choppers is a biker-themed bar with tunes from the '70s, '80s and '90s. If you're ready for audience interaction, consider Alley Cats, the karaoke bar, or Wild Cats, where comely servers mingle with club-goers. Finally, the Live Room presents local bands, and a diner offers expected fare to help folks with sustenance for the night.