INTERNATIONAL DRIVE. A taste of the Islands ­ in Orlando! With a selection of more than 50 beers and numerous tropical drinks (such as their signature Bahamarita) it's no wonder that locals flock here. The restaurant doesn't accept reservations, and there tends to be a wait. Just order a drink, settle yourself on the roomy porch, and listen to the live reggae band. Casual attire.

DOWNTOWN. Christmas lights and an array of sports and travel memorabilia add flavor to the interior of this relaxed hangout, where you'll meet all types. Live acoustic bands frequently grace the stage, and on weeknights, the after-work crowd gathers on the patio to unwind over Casey's famous concoctions. A great place to mingle with the locals!

INTERNATIONAL DRIVE. If you enjoy watching a soccer match while sucking down a Guinness and nibbling a Scottish egg, plan a stop at the Cricketers Arms. This friendly, cozy pub is full of locals ­ a sure sign that the warm ambiance and authentic fare are genuine. There are 15 domestic and imported beers on tap, with a wide representation of ales, porters, lagers, bitters and stouts. The pub munchies include all of the traditional favorites from steak and stout pie, to bangers and mash, to fish and chips. Casual dress.

WINTER PARK. Dexter's truly feels like a neighborhood bar "where everybody knows your name." Live bands, often covering oldies or classic rock, play here Thursday through Saturday nights, and the food ­ ginger-orange braised beef short ribs, for example ­ is more haute cuisine than bar munchies. Plus, the bartenders, who have a faction of adoring regulars, shake up the best margarita ("The Golden") you'll ever taste.

WINTER PARK. Trivia-minded patrons regularly gather for these entertaining nights, which test folks' breadth of obscure knowledge. You can play solo or team trivia, and the opportunity to combine useless facts with alcohol consumption means that the "no blurting" rule is broken at least once. It also guarantees that everyone has a blast. The winner typically takes home a $25 or $50 gift certificate from the organizing restaurant/bar. Fiddler's Green hosts the fun from 5pm till 7pm Monday through Friday. Call for additional locations.