User's guide to Uptown nightlife

2911 Hennepin Av. S., www.williamsminneapolis.com

Opened: 1974

Prime time: 10 p.m. to close

What to order: Beer by the liter

Atmosphere: Uptown's oldest bar attracts a young crowd. Upstairs, backward-capped bros shoot pool surrounded by preened princesses, while peanut shells cover the basement floor like an unkempt frat house.

2919 Hennepin Av. S., www.socialhousempls.com

Opened: 2011

Prime time: 8 p.m. to midnight

What to order: 100 Proof Hustle (house-infused espresso vodka, Tia Maria, Kahlua, Frangelico, house espresso)

Atmosphere: Amid Lagoon and Hennepin's bro-bar alley, this lounge-y fusion joint is a date-spot oasis. The Social House pairs well with the nearby Uptown Theatre and Lagoon Cinema.

1400 Lagoon Av., www.uptowntavernmpls.com

Opened: 2012

Prime time: 11 p.m. to close

What to order: Indeed Midnight Ryder/beer-tub domestics

Atmosphere: The renamed Drink is still an Uptown party bar: loud, sloppy and flirtatious. But its beer list is surprisingly solid. Lines are common.

1348 Lagoon Av., www.barlouieamerica.com

Opened: 2012

Prime time: 10 p.m. to close

What to order: Badger Hill Minnesota Special Bitter

Atmosphere: This posh pub puts a casual spin on Miami chic. There are beer choices aplenty and an attractive (but bro-ish) crowd at one of Uptown's hottest new hangouts.

1300 Lagoon Av., www.barabilene.com

Opened: 1998

Prime time: midnight to close

What to order: Tequila shots

Atmosphere: The Tex-Mex danceteria, with its windows-onto-the-street dance floor, is one of Uptown's few places for hip-shaking. A strong late-night crowd turns Abilene from sleepy to steamy.

2916 Hennepin Av. S., www.chinolatino.com

Opened: 2000

Prime time: 6:30-10:30 p.m.

What to order: the Chino Bomber (sake shot dropped in beer – samurai headband included)

Atmosphere: This attitudinal fusion joint packs enough pizazz for trendy suburbanites. It's the locale of choice for large dinner parties to springboard their night out with clanking sake bombs.

3001 Hennepin Av. S., www.primebarminneapolis.com

Opened: 2012

Prime time: 8 p.m. to midnight

What to order: Lift Bridge Hop Dish

Atmosphere: This modern sports bar in the space forever to be known as ''the former Figlio" boasts more than 50 taps and a slew of "SportsCenter"-tuned TVs. The music is kept at a conversational volume — something its mature-by-comparison crowd probably appreciates.

3001 Hennepin Av. S., www.republicmn.com

Opened: 2012

Prime time: 7 p.m. to midnight

What to order: $3 beer of the day

Atmosphere: Uptown's beer-bar-to-beat, in a dimly lit second-floor space that formerly housed the Independent, offers ample seating and zero fist-pumping. That, and a very good burger.

3001 Hennepin Av. S., www.uptowncafeteria.com

Opened: 2010

Prime time: 5-11 p.m.

What to order: Totchos (tater-tot nachos) ($5 during happy hour)

Atmosphere: Like rooftop rival Stella's, this souped-up diner's patio is the main post-dinner attraction. Still, the frisky mess hall attracts a mixed crowd year-round.

1400 W. Lake St., Mpls., www.stellasfishcafe.com

Opened: 2005

Prime time: 5-10 p.m.

What to order: $1 happy hour oysters

Atmosphere: In warm weather, the clattering restaurant's late-night action revolves around its rooftop patio, but happy hours stay bustling through colder seasons.

3001 Hennepin Av. S., www.famousdavesbluesclub.com

Opened: 1996

Prime time: Music often starts around 9 p.m.

What to order: BBQ combos (when just-rescued-from-a-deserted-island hungry)

Atmosphere: One of the only places to catch live music in Uptown. Famous Dave's older crowd usually calls it quits early. Tuesday salsa nights heat up nicely.

MICHAEL RIETMULDER