See Nola

The Perfect Fit

1355 Saint Bernard Ave. (7th Ward) 504.322.2608. Credit Cards. Thursday through Sunday: 5pm to 'till. Fridays bring an honest 2 for 1 happy hour special. From 5pm to 10pm their $5.00 mixed drinks double, and we're grateful. This bar and grill on the edge of the historic 7th Ward is run by the family that owns "The Wisdom" catering hall next door (check out the video on the Wisdom website). The Perfect Fit sports two bars, flat screens, clubby couches, natural wood, a large dance floor and bartenders in formal wear. It's a lush, premium atmosphere that captures -- without fake cast-iron and plastic oleanders -- the graceful and relaxed, yet serious and historic attitude toward drinking and socializing in New Orleans. There is a dress code (no tennis shoes, white shirts, shorts), but we've broken it a couple of times to no effect. Old school hits. Food. Professionals. No smoking. Video Poker.

Mahony's (Poboys)

3454 Magazine St. (Uptown) 504.899.3374. Monday through Saturday: 11am to 8pm. Prices are somewhat high (they can reach $10.00), and gourmet portions (small) feel somewhat out of place in a poboy shop, but care with certain details like fresh cut french fries and delicate, weightless onion rings make this place difficult to criticize. Popular poboys include the Grilled Shrimp with Fried Green Tomatoes and The "Peacemaker" (Fried Oysters, Bacon and Cheddar Cheese). The shop is housed inside a light-filled, New Orleans bungalow. A comfortable, natural wood bar runs alongside the main dining room, and the flat screen TV hanging over the bar is perfect for sports. We enjoy the two tables on the front porch -- easy targets for losing time and drinking beer. Subdued atmosphere and convenient location. Counter service.