Infinity and beyond Block E will lose another glitzy nightclub when the Infinity Room shuts down in the coming months (Escape closed last summer). Located inside the Graves 601 Hotel, Infinity was one of downtown's premier nightclubs when it opened in 2003. But don't fret, as the hotel has plans for the space. While a wine bar was initially reported, the new lounge will tap into the mixology trend to bring in "something that Minneapolis doesn't have right now," said managing director Ben Graves. It will pair food with fancy mixed drinks, a concept that is just starting on the coasts. (Of course, there will be plenty of wine, too.) But until plans are finalized, you can still get your chic on Fridays and Saturdays at Infinity. (601 1st Av. N., Mpls. 612-677-1100. www.graves601hotel.com)

52 drink-up As our beer scene gets better and better, it was only a matter of time until something like www.brew52.com came along. This fun website is basically an online beer-tasting festival that rates a different Minnesota brew each week. Creator Rett Martin came up with the idea after a fun day last October at the Autumn Beer Review. The 26-year-old Web designer put his stylish site online Jan. 1. Each week he picks a Minnesota brew and then users (so far there are 100-plus) get the beers themselves and upload their responses. Last week, Surly Furious (in a can) rated a 3.5-out-of-5 average. The reviews range from gushing beer geeks who talk of flavor "notes" to the average beer drinker's ringing endorsement of just plain "awesomeness." Martin is inviting users and newcomers alike for some face-to-face beer-drinking Wednesday at the Herkimer (6 p.m., 2922 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls.). For more details, e-mail him at rett@brew52.com.

Zagat jumps into drinks The trusted folks at Zagat, who produce those slim city-focused restaurant guides, have started an online guide to cocktail destinations. At Drinkwell, users can review restaurants and bars based on their drinks. So far, about a dozen Twin Cities spots have been rated, including restaurants common to Zagat's usual guides (St. Paul Grill, Kincaid's, 20.21, Vincent, etc.). If the website is going to get serious we need ratings for cocktail outposts like Azia, Solera, Town Talk and Chino Latino. Check out the site at www.idrinkwell.com.