10 great places to forge fun

Middlesex Lounge
Cambridge, Mass.
“Cool without being pretentious, this popular Cambridge hangout takes on a different shape nightly – literally – as lounge lizards customize the room’s low, movable benches and tables to suit their fancy,” Grossman says. The rocking rotation of entertainment, from hedonistic dance parties to techno/house DJs, reigns here, so the rhythm rules the furniture placement. DJs keep things jumping, “occasionally encouraging revelers to move their tables aside to form an impromptu dance floor.” 617-868-6739; middlesexlounge.us

Billy Bob’s
Fort Worth
“Since opening in 1981, the world’s largest honky tonk has offered up a truly unique assortment of nightlife options, all under one roof,” Grossman says. “At night, guests can catch a big-name country music act, shoot some pool, join in a line dance, take a dance lesson, watch live bull riding, chow on some authentic BBQ, or shop for cowboy gear – all with a drink in hand.” Space is rarely an issue: At 127,000 square feet, Billy Bob’s can handle more than 6,000 guests at a time. And with more than 30 bars, patrons rarely have to wait for a drink. 817-624-7117; billybobstexas.com

Beauty Bar
San Diego
“This small national nightlife chain provides the beautiful and beauty-minded with a stylish spot in which to enjoy a mani/pedi or other salon service while partying with the cool crowd,” Grossman says. “Vintage hair dryers and other atmospheric accoutrements make for a retro-chic setting.” Pampered party-goers also can visit locations in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Austin and Brooklyn. 619-516-4746; beautybar.com

Bar at Times Square, New York New York Casino
Las Vegas
“It may sound kitschy, but this always – and often rowdy – Vegas homage to NYC is a must-visit for fans of dueling-piano bars,” Grossman says. “After a drink or two, most patrons find themselves pouring their hearts out while singing along with a kaleidoscopic array of tourists from all over the world.” A pair of pianists rip into everything from classic rock to rap. 702-740-6466; nynyhotelcasino.com

24:London
London
“In a city full of scene-chasing options, London’s 24 ups the ante when it comes to futuristic nightlife,” Grossman says. This club dubs itself the world’s first interactive bar, and nearly every aspect can be controlled by scene-seekers. Interactive projection screens allow bar-goers to choose the images on the floor-to-ceiling backdrops in private booths, as well as on the table tops. “Even the tables are interactive, as an empty glass, when placed down, sends out an alert to the bartender,” Grossman says. 24london.eu