Avalon has gone through many changes over the years, as its owners have changed its name and decor every decade. It was Boston-Boston in the '70s and Metro in the '80s. With the most recent makeover, it's now bigger, badder--and the closest thing to a big-time New York club you'll find in Boston. Up-to-date music blares from a first-class sound system, accompanied by lots of lights. The stylish crowd is evenly divided between students and professionals.

Catch a rock band early in the evening, go home and change, then come back after 10pm to dance until 2am. Thursday's International Night lures a large foreign-student crowd, while on Fridays "Avaland" features top-notch local and acclaimed national DJs (Paul Oakenfold, Armand Van Helden). More local DJs pump up Saturdays, and Sunday's Gay Night is legendary, as seemingly all of Boston's most beautiful gay men show off their ace dance skills

A short walk to El Pelon Taqueria (and its mighty burritos) is perfect for pre- or post-concert snacking

Be prepared to wade through some attitude; black-clad staffers and gussied-up patrons make for a vibe that's more edgy than ecstatic

While there's no official dress code, most clubgoers spare no expense. Leave the sweater and sandals at home.