Howl At The Moon

Hours: 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday

Cover: $3 Wednesday and Thursday; $5 Friday and Saturday.

Signature drink: The insanely large "Trash Can Punch' is an $18, 64-ounce bucket of mind-numbing alcohol. Three different rums are mixed with various fruit juices and served in the middle of the table with very long straws for everyone. We don't advise trying one by yourself.

What to wear: Anything you want. Seriously. The usual dress is casual but nice.

The scene: Howl at the Moon reminds us of the days of having friends over, playing games, singing, dancing, and acting silly all night long. Only these guys find a way to make it happen in a public venue. It's a nightly routine of music, comedy and laughter with several hundred of your closest new friends.

The crowd: This joint caters to anyone with a pulse and reasonable sense of humor. Patrons range in age from 21 to 75 … as long as you're ready to party, they make it happen. Of course, the true revelers come out later in the evening, so don't get too crazy with the Trash Can Punch early on.

Specials: Wednesday is ladies night, so women get in free and drink free Bacardi drinks from 8 to 11 p.m. Beer fans take note: Wednesday also offers $5 all-you-can-drink Miller Lite drafts. Thursday is bucket beer night; $10 buys a bucket of five domestic brews, $15 gets you five imports.

The scoop: Howl at the Moon is a dueling-piano bar that opened in Channelside in 2001. It's a nightlife venue that blends the best of live music, comedy and crowd interaction into a frat party for everyone.

The focus of the club is a stage featuring a pair of baby grand pianos. The piano players are the main attraction, responsible for creating the excitement and craziness that goes along with the party atmosphere. Patrons can request music of all generations while the musicians use their personalities to get the crowd singing along. If you aren't careful, they tend to roast the occasional reveler as well.

By the end of the evening, most have left their seats to shake their booties. At Howl at the Moon, the musicians provide the entertainment on stage, but it's the audience that truly is the show.

By Doug Van Sant