NIGHTLIFE: What to do when the sun sets

Now what?

Time to relax, have a top-shelf cocktail, enjoy some dancing, and live music.

Fortunately, Southwest Florida offers everything from dives with friendly locals to four-star restaurants offering cuisine to trendy cocktail bars. In other words, area nightlife is a lot like the shells found on it's cozy shores: just take your pick.

DOWNTOWN

Kick things off in downtown Sarasota at Ceviche's (1216 First St.) as well as Horsefeathers Grill & Lounge (1923 Ringling Blvd.), both of which offer plenty of drink specials and upscale ambiance, a trademark of downtown nightlife. The Selva Grill’s Pisco Bar & Lounge (1345 Main St.) is a nightlife newcomer gaining popularity.

If dancing to Top-40 hits and smooth jazz among the more experienced set is your thing, then look no further than The Gator Club (1490 Main St.), which is housed in a rustic brick building, across from Mattison's City Grille (1 N. Lemon Ave.). Mattison's also offers live music in an open air setting.

What sets these downtown locations apart is that not only is the price of admission nearly nothing but management puts a tremendous emphasis on quality drinks and local entertainment.

BAYFRONT

Now if your plans call for a seaside atmosphere, then Marina Jack (2 Marina Plaza) offers spectacular views of Sarasota Bay, as well as upscale cuisine and cocktails. Neighboring O'Leary's (5 Bayfront Drive) mixes tiki flair with Old Florida food; most nights features local musicians performing Jimmy Buffett tunes or folk originals.

Still searching for a classy place to sip a colorful beverage? Pull into the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota (1111 Ritz Carlton Drive), which features one of the area's most upscale entertainment experiences, with the posh Ca D'Zan Lounge being the jewel.

ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE

Head over the Ringling Bridge to St. Armands Circle and shake a leg to Latin rhythms at 15 South Ristorante (15 S. Boulevard of the Presidents) or grab a seat at Hemingway's (325 John Ringling Blvd.), a second-floor oasis from the shoppers and tourists strolling the circle with a friendly staff sure to get you what you need. Or sip a glass of wine and enjoy piano music under the palms outside the Crab & Fin (420 St. Armands Circle).

GULF GATE

If central Sarasota's nighttime activities aren't enough, then take U.S. 41 south to the Gulf Gate entertainment district, which features more than a dozen bars, taverns and dives. The most well-known being Sarasota Brewing Company (6607 Gateway Ave.), which makes its very own ales and lagers, with Sequoia being one of the most popular.

Other highlights in the district are the cheap pool games and beer at the Boar's Head Lounge (6523 Gateway Ave.), live music offered by Pastimes Pub (6540 Superior Ave.) and the colorful locals at Hurricane Mike's (2639 Mall Drive).

SIESTA KEY

Beyond downtown, there are plenty of notable area offering more of a laidback beach vibe. No. 1 on my list would be Siesta Key's Ocean Boulevard.

Now, locals like to knock Siesta for the constant tourist traffic, but what else brings snowbirds to the area besides fun in the sun? And the perfect place to start is the Siesta Key Oyster Bar, or simple SKOB (5238 Ocean Blvd.), which offers loads of live music from local artists. Next door, the refurbished Daiquiri Deck (5250 Ocean Blvd.) has memorable drinks (hence the namesake), as well as interesting seafood and traditional American dishes. Other notable establishments include nearby Beach Club (5151 Ocean Blvd.), offering everything from music to bikini contests.

BEYOND SARASOTA

Outside of Sarasota, the party doesn't stop. Far from it, in fact.

If you're looking for a less tourist-heavy beach vibe, check out Manatee County. Bradenton's The Distillery (108 44th Ave. E.) and Rasher Tierney's Irish Pub (5106 14th St. W.) offers plenty of live rock from local bands. And heading to the Holmes Beach's D. Coy Ducks (5410 Marina Drive) will not disappoint with its never-ending drink specials and live music.

Sure, Sarasota seems like another quiet little beach community, but when the sun goes down that's when the real party starts.