Nick Moore breaks the bar scene down for the newbies and those returning to the capital city.

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A friend of mine once said there were only three reasons why people live in Fredericton: to govern (it's the provincial capital after all), to learn (two major universities plus other post-secondary choices abound the city limits) and sadly, to pass away (the old folks early bird special is a staple at many restaurants here).

My friend may claim to be wise in his local observations but I won't let this little adage become the definition of Freddy Beach's scene (you see, it even has a hip nickname). While Fredericton can sometimes feel like a big town rather than a small city, it's certainly got some eclectic offerings up its sleeves.

The best indication of how "with it" Fredericton is would be to take a quick glance at what the city's nightlife has to offer, highlighting a few stops that should be taken. Odds are there's something that will suit your taste, style or pleasure. The prime bar and/or night club locations span between Campus Hill and The Tannery (Fredericton's downtown bar district).

Let's begin our (partial) tour now!

20/20 Club / The Right Spot - Dorothy, Sophia, Blanche, Rose...is that you? Perhaps a reference to The Golden Girls isn't all that accurate when describing the environment of this drinking hub. Then again, there's a reason why the 20/20 has developed such nicknames like the 40/40 or the 20/40/60. The cougars await you as music from the 1960s blare. It's all in good fun because it's certainly not uncommon for students to drop in for a drink or two or 12. Who knows, maybe drinking with some seasoned drunks can teach you a thing or two about having a night out on the town the right way. Go here if you're missing your grandparents.

boom! - Fredericton's celebrated gay bar has a fan base that attracts all sexual orientations. Perhaps one of the most welcoming bars where one can be who they want to be, the philosophy at boom! is rather simple...dance, dance, dance! It's a small multi-level location but this is the place to go if you've always dreamed of being a dancer type on MuchMusic's long gone Friday night program 'Electric Circus.'

The Capital / The Phoenix / The Wislers Room - It's a three-in-one type of bar, but each section deserves their own special mention. The Capital's is almost exclusively for live music with different acts dropping by each week. Furthermore, The Capital has some consistent musical offerings with its monthly Indie Pop Night.

Follow the stairs up to The Phoenix and you're presented with more live music options. Wednesday's are Reggae Night and weekends offer some more mainstream musical flare, though a 1980s type Madonna track is never usually more than a few minutes away. Next door to The Phoenix is The Wislers Room. Sunday night's at Wislers offers the Sunday Night songwriters circle but always available is a large selection of beer on tap (including micro-brew Picaroons from Fredericton). Each of these bars offers their very own outdoor patio overlooking The Tannery. Go here if the weekly top 40 isn't so much your thing but hearing something different puts a smile on your face.

The Cellar - This establishment derives its name from being located below ground level inside the UNB Students' Union Building. Sometimes there's live music but mostly this is a prime establishment to have an easy night sitting back with friends while swigging down a few drinks. The Cellar is a suitable place to converse in between late afternoon or evening classes and a reliable place to get drinks and/or some pub style grub. While you may initially intend for The Cellar to be a stopover before moving on to your next class you may eventually decide that class is for suckers, so beware. On the other hand, seeing people study at The Cellar isn't unheard of or frowned upon. Go here if you don't want your academics to get in the way of your drinking.

Dolan's - This Irish pub (and proud of it) offers a menu of food with good helpings along with live East Coast musical performances between Wednesday and Saturday. There's probably no better place to be in Fredericton on March 17 than Dolan's but don't wait until St. Paddy's Day to experience this locale. Located in The Tannery, Dolan's is a great starting point for any evening out.

Nicky Zee's - This place is affectionately nicknamed 'Sticky Knees' or 'Sketchy Zee's,' but it might just the most happening bar in the city. A lot of that has to do with the options this establishment presents. Downstairs is a bar type area which sometimes offers live music, lively karaoke on Sunday nights (look for crowd favourite Terri-oke) and a TV tuned to the latest game. Upstairs is a dance floor with a bar and even bigger TV set, accompanied with some seating. There's even a dancing pole calling out your name. An outdoor deck overlooks The Tannery and offers prime viewing for any fights that might break out. Go here if your group can't come to a firm decision on where to go or what type of bar environment to partake it. You might not all be together throughout the night, but at Nicky Zee's you're still officially under the same roof.

Rockin' Rodeo / Sweetwaters II - It's a two in one kind of deal at this establishment and the differences are worth pointing out. Let's start with the section affectionately referred to as the 'Hodeo.' Country music fans can find solace at The Rodeo with both new and old twang blaring throughout the night. The Rodeo even offers seating for you and yours to sit and drink between you're barn dancing. Go here if you feel like giving (or witnessing) a drunken public performance of Reba's Fancy. For good measure, performers should learn the words beforehand because "here's your one chance Fancy don't let me down." Right next door is Sweetwaters II. One of the allures of Sweets is that it's quite spacious and the atmosphere makes it one of the most modern looking dance bars in Fredericton. There are even elevated cages available for patrons to dance inside. A word of advice though: don't be a cage hogger! Go here if you're an urban hick or feeling like being a little city with the option of being country (or vice-versa) later in the night.

The Social Club - If you hear your friends saying that they're off to dance the night away at the 'S Club,' don't get excited and start YouTubing some forgettable British bubble pop band. Located on the top floor of UNB's Students' Union Building, The Social Club is a great choice for res kids who want to stay close to their dorm beds while getting the bar experience. There's a dance floor on the go and also bar seating available. Go here to begin a Friday night right with the Buckets promotion ($9.50) between 2 and 6 p.m.