Best Neighborhood Bar in Palm Beach

Having celebrated its fifth anniversary in April, this joint rocks on. With its funky, Hawaiian-themed décor -- surfboards on the walls and television sets showing big-wave videos on a loop -- the Surf Café seems the perfect spot to hang ten -- or just hang out. (It also ain't bad for the FAU college crowd to take a breather from all those tests.) And you don't even have to wear a Quicksilver shirt or carry a Jensen backpack to enter. Secretaries, construction workers, and just folks come in after work for their happy-hour fix (served 4 through 8 p.m. daily, till 10 on Friday), which includes a variety of beer, shot, and wine specials. As evening progresses into night, there's no need to go elsewhere. On most Thursday through Sunday evenings, the café transforms into a nightclub, with local rock, reggae, and alternative bands as well as electronic, hip-hop, and underground DJs. The place also offers a grill, three pool tables, homey couches and sofas, a small stage for the bands/DJs, and plenty of seating so you can kick back and enjoy the show.