• BEHIND THE BAR

Who: Raci Farris

Where: Chances, 1100 Westheimer, 713/523-7217, www.chanceshouston.org.

This month: On February 14, Farris will tend bar during the Chances Secret Admirer event. Romantics can participate for $1 each. Proceeds will benefit the Women's Flag Football League.

• HOUSTON BARS & CLUBS

BOCADOS

On Wednesday nights, women pack this Mexican restaurant for dancing and socializing. Sunday brunch starts at 11 am and lasts till 3 in the afternoon. 1312 West Alabama • 713/523-5230.

BRAZOS RIVER BOTTOM

The BRB, Houston's leading country-western bar, is located in Midtown, just outside Montrose. Expect to see some fast and fancy two-stepping. Great benefit shows often take place on Sunday night. 2400 Brazos • 713/528-9192.

BRIAR PATCH

One of the oldest gay nightspots in Houston, the venerable Briar Patch moved in January to a new Montrose location. Show tunes at the piano bar are the main attraction. 2312 Crocker • 713/665-9678.

BRICKS II

This neighborhood joint boasts a jukebox loaded with country music, busy pool tables, cold draft, and the occasional cowboy hat. Regulars rule in this low-key atmosphere. 617 Fairview • 713/528-8102.

CHANCES/NEW BARN/G-SPOT

This three-in-one women's bar provides a place to two-step, rock, and sit down and talk-all under one roof. On Thursday night, Nancy Ford and the Vulvamatics perform.1100 Westheimer • 713/523-7217 • www.chanceshouston.com.

CLUB BIG YO

With the motto "This is an all girls production; our male friends are welcome," this Southwest club offers evenings including Thursday talent night. Male and female dancers strut on Sunday. 6305 Skyline • 713/953-0268, 281/322-0394 • www.clubbigyo.com.

CLUB INERGY

A nightlife institution for 12 years, this Southwest club offers an eclectic mix of Latin rhythms, mainstream dance, and hip hop. Sunday is the special show night. 5750 Chimney Rock • 713/666-7310 • www.clubinergy.com.

CLUB KALIPSO

This Spring Branch club offers hot Latin music, including cumbia, merengue, ranchera, and salsa as well as Latin and English pop. Male dancers strut their stuff every Sunday night. 6806 Long Point #F • 713/688-6562.

CLUB RAINBOW

Welcoming a mixed lesbian crowd, this bar is located on the Westheimer curve in Montrose. The Glow Girl dancers perform on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. 1417-B Westheimer • 713/522-5166.

CLUB XCAPE

Located in South Houston, Club Xcape offers special nights including Monday Madness with MC Jenny Craig. Ghetto Fabulous Friday, featuring rap, hip-hop, and bootie music, marks the end of the week. 2612 South Richey • 713/944-7663.

COUSIN'S

On weekends, drag fans pack this club in the heart of Montrose for its campy shows. 817 Fairview • 713/528-9204.

DECADES

Celebrating its fourth year in business, this casual neighborhood bar packs lots of local color. Decades regularly hosts pool tournaments and benefit events. 1205 Richmond • 713/521-2224.

DIAMOND JIMM'S

A few minutes north of the Loop, Diamond Jimm's offers many regular events. Every third Thursday, the monthly Miss Diamond Jimm's show benefits the Community Center. 13331 Kuykendahl (just off I-45) • 281/875-3330 • www.DiamondJimms.com.

EJ's

Located on the western fringe of Montrose, EJ's retains the charm of a local colorful hangout. Nightly shows, including community benefits, pack the stage. The upstairs martini bar offers a quiet retreat. 2517 Ralph • 713/527-9071.

GUAVA LAMP

Every Thursday is Cabaret Night, featuring Glynda McGinnis, at this stylishly kitschy Shepherd Plaza club. Karaoke fans show up on Wednesday and Sunday nights. 2159 Portsmouth • 713/524-3359 • www.guavalamp.com.

INCOGNITO

The host club of Houston Splash (www.houstonsplash.com), the major annual event for the African-American community, this nightspot is located in a three-level space in a historic Midtown building. 3704 Fannin • 713/237-9431.

J.R.'s/SANTA FE

This Montrose standard offers features from pool tables, table dancers, to karaoke. Look for Carol Gilford and George Konar, named best bartenders in the 2002 Gayest & Greatest OutSmart reader poll. 808 Pacific • 713/521-2519.

KEYS WEST

Named best piano bar in the Gayest & Greatest poll, this nightspot near downtown features regular performers and guest entertainers. The two-level deck provides a knock-out skyline view. 817 West Dallas • 713/571-7870 • www.keyswest.com.

MAIN STREET DEPOT

Formerly known as the Venture-N, this spot is located in the Midtown area on the Metrorail line (launching 2004). While the rail is under construction, patrons can enter from Fannin. 2923 Main • 713/522-0000.

MARY'S

One of the oldest clubs in Houston, Mary's shuttered briefly in January but reopened once purchased by Michael Gaitz, Outpost owner. Inside and outside bars stay busy at this legendary nightspot. 1022 Westheimer • 713/527-9669.

MELA'S

The crowd at this neighborhood spot drops by for the Tejano and country-western music, the women, and the pool tables. Owner Mela Contreras was a Pride parade grand marshal in 2002. 302 Tuam • 713/523-0747.

METEOR

The chic atmosphere at this Montrose video bar includes overstuffed couches, marble-topped bars, and stylish glassware. Attractive men and women gather here any night of the week for drinks and conversation. 2306 Genesee • 713/521-0123.

MICHAEL'S OUTPOST

Minutes from the heart of Montrose, this relaxed neighborhood bar hosts frequent pool and dart tournaments. On Wednesday, stop by for Rick's famous chili con queso and chips. 1419 Richmond • 713/520-8446.

MO MONG

Every Wednesday night, the guys and gals show up at this Vietnamese restaurant in droves to enjoy the martini specials. 1201 Westheimer #B • 713/524-5664.

MONTROSE MINING COMPANY

Great-looking male dancers bump and grind every night at this leather/denim spot. The two-tier back patio bar provides a perch for viewing the Pacific Street scenery. 805 Pacific • 713/529-7488.

PRIVÉ

The patio at this second-floor spot overlooks the lively Westheimer/Montrose intersection. The mixed crowd includes well-dressed gays as well as non-gays. 910 Westheimer • 713/522-2542

RAINBOW ROOM

This gathering spot north of Houston has a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. The pool tables stay busy. 527 Barren Springs off Ella Boulevard • 281/872-0215.

RICH'S HOUSTON

Even after more than 20 years, the iconic two-story danceteria still draws an energetic crowd. Techno light and laser shows add to the varied pumped-up music. 2401 San Jacinto • 713-759-9606 • www.richs-houston.com.

RIPCORD

OutSmart readers named this spot the best place to show off your leather in the Gayest & Greatest poll. Inside the bar, the Boots Leather Shop sells treasures for the leather/levi/uniform crowd. 715 Fairview • 713/521-2792 • www.ripcordjournal.com.

611 HYDE PARK PUB

On Friday and Saturday nights, this neighborhood spot offers great buffet dinners. Features include a beautiful garden-style patio. 611 Hyde Park • 713/526-7070.

SOUTH BEACH

The techno-chic sound system keeps shirtless boys pumped up late into the night. In the Gayest & Greatest poll, OutSmart readers named this spot the best club after 2 a.m. 810 Pacific • 713/529-SOBE (7623) • www.SouthBeachTheNightclub.com.

TOYZ

Latin house, hip-hop, salsa, and merengue fill this Southwest Houston nightclub. Thursday is the Hot Papi Chulo contest. 5322 Glenmont • 713/668-4892.

VIVIANA'S

This club near downtown appeals to fans of Latino music and drag alike. 5219 Washington • 713/862-0203

Note: Oz, the New Orleans nightclub, recently purchased the club Pacific Street (71`0 Pacific Street), now closed for remodeling.

• CONROE BARS & CLUBS

RANCH HILL SALOON

Located 30 miles north of Houston, this spot features daily drink specials, live entertainment, and karaoke night on Wednesday. 2111 Airport Rd. • 936/441-6426.

• BEAUMONT BARS & CLUBS

THE COPA

The hangout for Lamar University students, this two-story dance club has pool tables, a spacious stage, and a staircase that would make Norma Desmond green with envy. 304 Orleans • 409/832-4206.

MARY'S PLACE

This new club opened in October. Miss Olivia Gardener hosts Talent Night on Tuesday. On Sunday, Latino Night includes Latin music and an all-Latino illusionist show. 485 Crockett • 409/832-4944.

• GALVESTON BARS & CLUBS

BLVD SALOON

In the Gayest & Greatest poll, OutSmart readers named this spot the best Island place to show off your leather. The second-floor deck has a great view of the Gulf. 3102 Seawall Blvd. • 409/750-8571.

GARZA'S KON TIKI

Located downtown, the Kon Tiki is steps from the Strand. This spot was named favorite Island club and place to see male dancers in the Gayest & Greatest poll. 315 Tremont • 409/765-5805 • www.thekontiki.com.

JIMMY'S ON THE BEACH

The tropical décor and wall of windows overlooking the Gulf please the eyes.. The East End location makes it convenient to Stewart Beach. 904 Ave M (corner 9th and Seawall Blvd.) • 409/765-6911.

MYRA'S CANTINA

Well-known Island entertainer Myra Sanchez and her business partner Charles Peña opened this distinctly Latin neighborhood cantina. They offer beer, wine, and setups. • 813 21st (between Ball and Sealy)

ROBERT'S LAFITTE

A real neighborhood bar, this Island institution attracts a colorful crowd of regulars and travelers. The club, only two blocks from Gulf, features a private patio. 2501 Ave Q (at 25th) • 409/765-9092.