17 Best Nightlife in USA

This spot has spectacular views of Paradise Valley and Camelback Mountain; an upscale, modern bar lined with windows; and a relaxing fireplace-lighted patio.

Halfway between Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms sits a gleaming white Spanish bungalow so striking and solitary and surrounded by sand that you're bound to do a double-take. But it's no mirage. In fact, it's an adorable, chill oasis where you can quench two types of thirst: the morning or afternoon-pick-me-up need for coffee (and pastries) and the anytime (post-work, post-hike, celebration) alcoholic fix. There's a great patio, where patrons sometimes do yoga but usually just sip selections from the Mexican-leaning cocktail menu of margaritas, Mezcal negronis, micheladas, Bloody Marias.

Not everyone who feels like having a drink and rocking out can fit into Pappy + Harriet's, so this live-music venue with two bars, an outdoor patio, and a restaurant slinging burgers and serving up tacos and chips with guacamole is a welcome addition to the valley's nightlife scene. It's set in a renovated historical Old Town building, and its wave-shape ceiling, wood-strip walls, and cork-backed flooring make for warm, open acoustics.

Known for its chicken-fried steak, big burgers, and even bigger breakfasts, the Bear Creek Tavern is a plain-spoken fixture favored by bikers and locals. It's a 40-minute drive west of downtown Denver. The views near O'Fallon Park are spectacular.

This high-end microbrewery is on the site of the old Union Pacific Railroad headhouse—with the train paraphernalia to prove it. It's a bit expensive for a brewpub, but if you hang out after Broncos games you might encounter local sports celebrities celebrating or commiserating, and certainly you will find fellow fans.

This fluorescent-lighted, bargain-basement Mexican dive with a checkerboard floor and pool tables in the back feels cramped. Still, the limos parked outside hint at its enduring popularity: "the Pec" is where Ol' Blue Eyes used to pop in, and where visiting musicians, including the Marsalis brothers and former president Bill Clinton, still jam after hours. Cash only.

This nighttime spot distinguishes itself with two outdoor rooftop bars for dancing and mingling, and DJs four nights a week. On Sunday during the season, the flat-screen TVs broadcast the football games.

Drag queens rule the scene here on weekends, with events such as "Mary-oke" and the town's premier drag revue, all of which take place on the stage side of this restaurant/club. Other digs farther east on 17th Avenue in City Park feature a sportier, classier look than the previous location, and the restaurant crowd, gay and straight, seems to agree that this bar offers one of the town's best burgers, with tater tots as a side option. The huge patio out back is always a party.

In performances by the Impulse Theater, the audience is invited to participate in interactive improv comedy and theater, and touring stand-up comics and local acts provide entertainment through physical comedy and other routines. Previously held downstairs in the Wynkoop brewpub, the performances have been staged at Avenue Theater and elsewhere around town as Impulse searches for a new home.

Near the 16th Street Mall, Mynt Mojito Lounge has established a chichi reputation with its namesake mojitos, Miami-style pastel colors, Cuban food, and fruity martinis—try the refreshing cha-cha, with fresh raspberries.

This is a perennial favorite, thanks to its rotating special brews and reasonably priced pub grub.

Named one of the best bars in America by Esquire in 2006, this no-frills establishment on the main drag in Hoonah is the place to come if you want to enjoy a cold beer and some lively local banter. In Dungeness season, you can treat yourself to fresh crab as well.

A couple of transplants took what was at one time a gun shop and another time a beauty parlor—set in a run-down, retro strip mall—and created a small bar with a big personality that welcomes tourists but focuses on winning the hearts and minds (and hard-earned dollars) of locals. From the grandma-core art—one wall is devoted entirely to cat paintings and photos, another to black-velvet works—elevated bar food (loaded yuca fries, chilaquiles tacos), and numerous activities and theme nights (photo booth, pool table, karaoke, movies, prime-rib Thursdays), what's not to love?

A pianist-singer performs four hours of old-time music at the Wawona Hotel; call for a schedule of performances.