Four reasons to stay out past twelve
by Kimberly Murphy
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

Life involves more than hitting the books. Life involves socializing. With the following nightlife ideas in mind, the stress of those final exams are left behind.

Boaka Bar 1010 Prairie, (713) 225-6372.

Sitting adjacent to The Mercury Room in a set once home to the Isis Theater, Boaka Bar plays up the location's theatrical heritage in an oddly intimate yet dazzling setting. The name, which loosely translates as the Russian word for vodka, conjures up images of Imperial Russia in the early 1800s. The music selections fit its sensibility; dance remixes. Boaka suits the mid-to-late-twenties crowd, which dresses to impress.

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium 705 Main St., (713) 228-7468.

Flying Saucer is more like a San Francisco district pub than a Houston hangout. Patrons can settle in at the long bar, cozy up onto a comfy couch, nuzzle against a table or hangout upstairs in the more private area. Flying Saucer is a large, but intimate pub that offers 85 taps that range from remote lands to just down the road. More than 120 different bottles of beer are also available. Flying Saucer also offers a full-bodied root beer on tap, along with a thoughtful selection of wines. Special events that take place at the Flying Saucer include singer-songwriter night on Tuesday, an open mike for musicians, and Brewery Night on Wednesday.

Davenport 2115 Richmond Ave., (713) 520-1140.

Big chairs, big sofas and big martinis gives Davenport a "Rat Pack" environment, but with an urban '90s spin. During the day patrons can listen to the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennet and at night listen to upbeat music from techno to U2. The crowd ranges from young hipsters to upscale professionals. Televisions play videos of underwater sea creatures in this small, dark lounge. Dim lighting, dark glass windows and vintage furniture accentuate the blue lighting that follows the curves in the bar. Davenport's specialty is its selection of more than 50 vodkas, 60 single malt scotches and 50 martinis, including a Godiva dipped rim, chocolate martini. Recommended is the award-winning Costa Rican martini, made with Stoli Vanil vodka, Kahlua, Frangelico and creme de banana.

The Continental Club 3700 Main St., (713) 529-9666.

The Continental Club originally opened in Austin in 1957 as a private supper club featuring touring groups like the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Houston's Continental Club grand opening was July 7, 2000 and has come into its own of becoming a hangout for the hip downtown work crowd, college coeds and legendary local Bluesmen. It is also where many regional and nationally known artists and rockers congregate. Performances range from Blues, Country, Bluegrass, Jazz, Latin, Rock and Swing.