This low-lit hotel bar is high-energy after work (especially Thursdays and Fridays), when business travelers mix with local lawyer types. An oversized clock represents time, and "Timeless Cocktails" play up the theme with names (translated from French) like "5:00 to 7:00," "After Midnight" and "35 Hours," signifying France's work-week. A block of six TV screens is more art than activity.

With the average age closer to 31 than 21, this spot differs from typical Gold Coast bars. Eight tables surrounded by wide chairs attract those looking to gather and gab. If it's mingling you want, snag a stool at the bar. If you have to wait for a seat, head to the large couch-filled lobby nearby or the intimate "library" just in front of the bar, where a fireplace is flanked by two shelves filled with artsy coffee table books

After-work crowds can be hearty, but weekend evening crowds get even bigger, sometimes so densely packed it's tough to squeeze through--which isn't necessarily a bad thing