WHAT IS A PUB CRAWL (or bar hop, for some)? We decided it was a traveling drinking party consisting of a few essentials: A designated driver, an area with bars in close proximity of each other, a group of friends and a fistful of cash. To help you test it out, we wandered around metro Atlanta neighborhoods to create a few bar hops of our own. Of course, it goes without saying that you should always drink responsibly, avoid drinking and driving and be careful as you're walking to different venues.

LOUIE FAVORITE/Staff (ENLARGE)
In East Atlanta, Michael Kennedy goes for the recreation at Graveyard Tavern.
T. LEVETTE BAGWELL/Staff (ENLARGE)
In Vinings there's Garrison's Broiler and Tap, where the liquor and good times flow.
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DIVE RIGHT IN

No one cares what you wear when you wander East Atlanta. Just make sure you look like you don't care, either. Attitude is everything, but everyone is welcome.

1. The EARL

The lingering cigarette smoke should be the only slight deterrent to stopping in. But you're in a great dive bar, what do you expect? Slip into the back for some of the best live music in town.

• THE 411: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-midnight Sunday. 488 Flat Shoals Ave. 404-522-3950, www.badearl.com.

2. Mary's

Populated primarily by boys who like boys and girls who like girls, Mary's welcomes the straights, too. "We call them tourists," says bartender Jacob Barker. Saturday night "Mary-oke" packs the house.

• THE 411: 5 p.m.-3 a.m. 1287-B Glenwood Ave. 404-624-4411, www.marysatlanta.com.

3. Flatiron Restaurant and Bar

Flatiron shoots for a surly vibe (a recent bartender quote of the day chalked on a sign read: "Why don't you go quote yourself?"). But it fails wonderfully despite the dark red walls, Iron Maiden-esque logo and bathroom walls with reading materials for days.

• THE 411: 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m. Monday-Friday, noon-3 a.m. Saturday, 12:30 p.m.-midnight Sunday. 520 Flat Shoals Ave., East Atlanta. 404-688-8864, www.eastatlantavillage.net/flatiron.phtml.

4. Gravity Pub

The slightly sassy bar staff, graffiti walls and distinct seating belie the welcoming heart of Gravity Pub. Expect to hear a mix of '80s new wave, Charlie Daniels classics, and on a recent night, an a capella version of the Crash Test Dummies "God Shuffled His Feet" that was spot on.

• THE 411: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-4 a.m. Friday, 4 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday. 1257 Glenwood Ave. 404-627-5555, www.thegravitypub.com.

5. Graveyard Tavern

Think Outback Steakhouse or Longhorn's — if they were slightly divey. Massive booths line the open space and surround the giant bar. Slightly jazzy bands play live, while the Pixies, the Smiths and Willie Nelson are on the jukebox.

• THE 411: 5 p.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday. 1245 Glenwood Ave. 404-622-8686, www.graveyardtavern.com.

DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE

Don't forget to enlist a designated sober driver. If there are no volunteers in your group, save some dough for cab fare. While fares vary depending on pickup and dropoff locations, generally, it's about $2.50 to get into a cab, then $2 a mile. Most take credit and debit cards as well.

Callzingo.com: 404-679-4646. Drivers come on collapsable bikes and then drive you and your car home safely. $20 pickup fee plus $2 per mile (tip not included). 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Wednesday; 9 p.m.-4 a.m. Thursday-Sunday

SITTING AND SIPPING

Georgia weather can be beautiful, even hot, in the summer. And what better way to enjoy it than sitting outside with a cold beverage? At Vinings Jubilee (4300 Paces Ferry Road, Vinings), a shiny outdoor mall in Vinings, there's tons of shopping and outdoor seating.

1. Garrison's Broiler and Tap

Don't be put off by the masculine look. Despite the dark wood and plush leather stools, women are definitely welcome.

• THE 411: 11 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday, 12:30 p.m.-midnight Sunday. 770-436-0102, www.garrisonsatlanta.com.

2. The Grape

Don't expect many Usher sightings here; he reportedly stays at his own Five Points locale. But this is the original and has lost none of its charm. Best of all knowledgeable wait staff will help you choose just the right glass of wine for your mood.

• THE 411: 5-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday. 770-803-9463, www.yourgrape.com.

3. SoHo Restaurant

While this isn't quite New York, it is in an elevated location (physically). So sip on a drink and pick your next stop by surveying the options below.

• THE 411: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5:30-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5:30-11 p.m. Friday, 5:30-11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-9 p.m. Sunday. 770-801-0069, www.sohoatlanta.com.

4. Mellow Mushroom

For something a bit more laid back, head across the street from Jubilee and snag a beer from the extensive list at this ever friendly and chill spot.

• THE 411: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-10 p.m. Sunday. 2950 New Paces Ferry Road. 770-435-5949, www.mellowmushroom.net.