Club Directory

Sat: Free billiards, midnight-1 a.m. 3108 E. McDowell, 602-267-707.

NEXT: Nestled down the street from Cajun House, this darkly lighted lounge offers aggressive house music, a small dance area and a bar buzzing with the gym- and surgically enhanced, some no doubt judging their own assets against those of the exotic nudes that decorate the walls. Well-furnished dining areas tucked in side rooms provide serenity for the rest of us. 7111 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale, 480-970-6398.

Nifty 50s Nightclub: Early in the evening, Nifty 50s starts with classic rock ´n´ roll from the sock-hop era, and as the night progresses so does the DJ, who eventually plays from a contemporary set list. Video games, pool and karaoke are also part of this casual bar´s appeal. Thu: Live music with Sugar Band. 6767 N. 35th Ave., 602-973-2023.

Northern Lounge: The Northern Lounge is the Northern Lounge once again. Known previously as the gay-friendly Triangles on the inside (while keeping the old Northern marquee on the outside), new ownership has restored the Northern name and is in the process of transforming the club into a swank blues lounge, with its Big Mac´s Blues Zone room featuring live music. Thu-Fri: Hip-hop. Sat: Blues night, featuring live bands. 5008 W. Northern, Glendale, 623-937-0940.

North Star Lounge & Restaurant: The atmosphere at the North Star depends on the hour. By day, it´s a sports bar and off-track-betting spot, as patrons view any of 30 televisions. By night, it becomes a rollicking nightclub spot, with pool tournaments, trivia nights, karaoke and, on Saturdays, live music. Nightly: Karaoke. Mon: Pool tournaments. Thu: Open mike. Fri: Name That Tune. Sat: Live bands. 3329 E. Bell, 602-971-1013.

NOYZ: NOYZ hosted a night for beauticians when it opened late in 2002, and the clientele is as cosmetic as that promotion suggests. Well-dressed folks move to dance-pop hits under a mirror ball downstairs and sink into plush couches on a bright, wooden floor upstairs. Flat-screen televisions and an industrial-looking metal staircase create a Euro-New York hybrid atmosphere. Tue: Evolve DJ Sinbad and M2. Wed: Rebirth, house music from national and international bands. 4224 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale, 480-941-9333.

O´Kelley´s Sports Bar & Grill: A touch of the Irish in Mormon country, O´Kelley´s is a dark-wooden pub that boasts 70 televisions, a regular gaggle of bar patrons, a pool table, darts, golf arcade and full menu. It also hosts local rock cover bands Wednesdays through Sundays and karaoke Mondays and Thursdays. 2120 W. Guadalupe, Mesa, 480-756-6069.

Old Brickhouse Grill: Sitting across the street from Alice Cooper´stown, the Old Brickhouse Grill celebrated its grand opening in August, offering the immediate promise of bringing a viable live music club venue to downtown Phoenix, with hip-hop-oriented shows, poetry slams and regular band nights. Urbanites, artsy types and unpretentious bar-rock lovers all figure to flock to the Grill, which features a center bar and massive stage, as well as high ceilings and brick walls for a warehouse feel. 1 E. Jackson, 602-258-7888.

Ole Brass Rail Saloon: As the name portends, this is a neighborhood watering hole with a throwback feel that gives Arcadia locals the chance to lift a few after-work beers. Entertainment ranges from sports on TV to live blues, cover bands and, two nights a week, country and pop karaoke -- think Dolly Parton, Air Supply and other light-rock superstars. 3788 E. Thomas, 602-956-1280.

O´Mallys Sports, Spirits & Grill: Resting rather anonymously in a west Phoenix strip mall, O´Mallys is as hip-hop as the Valley gets. An odd hybrid of pool-tabled sports bar, swank lounge complete with a roped-off VIP booth and dance club, the place attracts local rap and turntable hopefuls, who congregate to sip Hennessey and Cristal, strut mightily in their best threads and celebrate urban music. Mon: Open spin night, featuring local DJs. Tue: Live hip-hop, featuring freestyle battles. Thu: Latin House Party. 3544 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix, 602-589-7180.

On the Rocks: 2515 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-947-5527.

The Other Place: A traditional steak house with Southwestern coloring, furnishings and ambiance, the Other Place attracts a boomer crowd that munches on mahi-mahi, prime rib and trout beside a beehive-shaped fireplace on a beautiful tree-covered patio. One-man band Phil Hendricks plays country, blues, jazz and light-rock faves for the patrons Fridays and Saturdays. 7101 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale, 480-948-7910.

Owl´s Nest: What came first, the Hooters or the Owl´s Nest? Patrons can bask in the irony of the fact that the two establishments share the second floor of the building at Fifth Street and Mill in Tempe. And the lively Owl´s Nest does indeed have the feeling of a roost, with few windows and a rustic, wooden dance floor. Tue: Reality shows. 501 S. Mill, Tempe, 480-967-3060.

Paisley Violin: A restaurant with a casual work lunch crowd and enormous deli sandwiches, the music, entertainment and atmosphere are the real draw of this local secret. Relax in the eclectic atmosphere, buy some of the constantly revolving art collection, or lie back on the couch and watch the scene unravel into a mecca of comfortable cool -- chic art and local street musicians are often part of the ambiance. 128 E. Roosevelt, 602-254-7843.