Since I moved here last year, I've had a lot of beer at a lot of different drinking and dining establishments in Port Townsend.

Aside from ruined kidneys, a lack of gas money and a general sense of confusion regarding what happened to all of my Saturdays, this beer drinking of mine has netted me plenty of information about Port Townsend's nightlife. And I'd like to share it with you.

For a small town, Port Townsend has some pretty outstanding bars and venues for dancing and music. You can find just about anything here, from a quiet conversation over a glass of wine to a frantic night of dancing and drinking Irish "car bombs."

For lively drinks and dancing on a Friday or Saturday night, downtown pubs are the way to go.

Sirens, 823 Water St., is a classy joint with low lighting where you can find just about anybody - retirees, sailors passing through town, or one of the seven single women under the age of 40 we have here. Sirens has great live music every weekend, a balcony overlooking the bay, a pool table, and some comfy seating areas for laid-back conversation. It's a sure bet for a bang-up night out.

Water Street Brewing, 639 Water St., is a bright, happy bar that's sure to be hopping Thursday through Sunday, and there's something happening there pretty much every night of the week. The free pool tables upstairs are a popular attraction, as is the brewery's all-original beer. The restaurant and pub hosts plenty of highly danceable live music and throws great parties throughout the year, the biggest of which is the annual Strange Brewfest.

If you're looking for a sit-down dinner and live music, check out The Upstage, 923 Washington St. This restaurant and theater has been bringing in big-name national acts in recent months, particularly blues bands. It's an intimate, stadium-style venue that fills up quickly, so it's usually a good idea to buy your tickets in advance.

The Public House, 1038 Water St., has great burgers. It's another place to grab dinner and a few beers and hear light live music.

Port Townsend Brewing Co., 330 10th St. in Port Townsend, serves its popular local beer until 7 p.m. (9 p.m. on Fridays), and has occasional festivities throughout the year.

The Ajax Café, 21 N. Water St. in Lower Hadlock, is a relaxed and offbeat restaurant featuring live music on weekends. Patrons are invited to put on a funky hat of their choice while eating.

For cheap beer, free popcorn and bar games, check out the Valley Tavern, 21 Chimacum Road in Port Hadlock. It's a laid-back, friendly bar where friends gather to watch sports - a definite local favorite.

For a southern barbeque meal washed down with a beer, check out Macadoo's Barbeque, 600 Sims Way in Port Townsend.

Also on Sims Way are longtime establishments the Highway Twenty Roadhouse, 2152 Sims Way, which serves food, and the Hilltop Tavern, 2510 Sims Way, where you can enjoy a game of darts.

If you've got a hankering to perform, or you think you might after knocking back a few, there are a couple of options:

The Hadlock House, 141 Chimacum Road in Port Hadlock, hosts karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays. TheUptown Pub, 1016 Lawrence St. in Port Townsend, has an open mike session every Tuesday night. Sirens and The Upstage also host open mike sessions on Wednesdays.

Since the statewide ban on indoor smoking went into effect, the American Legion is now the only place in Port Townsend you can smoke inside while you enjoy a beer. Most places, however, have convenient smoking areas just outside the bar. The Valley Tavern even has its own "butt hut."

If you find yourself hiking or clamming in the South County area, check out the Geoduck Tavern or Logger's Landing.

Whatever you decide to do, enjoy exploring. Remember to have a designated driver (unless you're partying within walking distance of your boat), or call Peninsula Taxi at 360-385-1872 if you need a lift.