Redwing Bar & Grill, in North Park

One of a handful of fun, friendly, and relaxed neighborhood bars in North Park, the cheerful Redwing (4012 30th St., 619-281-8700) keeps things interesting with its karaoke on many evenings (including all weekend), Tuesday night Latin parties, and multiple diversions: pool, darts, sports on TV, an attractive patio, and so on. There's also that second part of its name, grill - the Redwing serves genuinely tasty, straightforward pub fare. There's a nice selection of cocktails and beers, too, at very reasonable prices. The crowd is diverse, somewhat bear-ish and otter-ish depending on the night, and very welcoming of women and men.