X Lounge, Charlottesville, Virginia

A stone's throw for Charlottesville's charming downtown pedestrian mall, the gay-friendly X Lounge (links, 434-244-8439) is a popular hangout both for dining and cocktails, pulling in a mix of students, trendy types, artists, yuppies, and foodies. The dramatic, glass-walled and patio are part of the fun, and the bar has a nifty wine list and serves up some intriguing cocktails (pear mojitos, and a first-rate traditional mint julep). On the food menu you'll find small plates and sharing portions of poutine, roast-duck empanaditas with cranberry-maple-orange sauce, plum-glazed chicken with Asian peanut-noodle salad, and plenty of other impressive treats.