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LOOKING FOR BUCKHEAD NIGHTLIFE but want to avoid the strip? Check out Electra, one of Atlanta's only smoke-free bars. Located between Peachtree Road and East Paces Ferry on a quiet street lined with houses, bistros and upscale gift shops, it's a bold step at turning the reputation of Buckhead bars around.

SCENE: The setting is more lounge than club, with a neon glow greeting you at the door. There's also vinyl furniture and private booths draped with scarves, creating intimate meeting spots. You won't find velvet ropes with bouncers choosing who gets in, but rather a mix of ages (ranging from 21 to 40) coming to unwind.

Jenni Girtman/AJC (ENLARGE)
Electra, located on Shawdowlawn in Buckhead, offers a patio and full bar
Jenni Girtman/AJC (ENLARGE)
Matthew Stratford, Helaine Coletti, Daniel Kubis and Nichole Hudon (from left) enjoy drinks at Electra, a Buckhead spot known for its nonsmoking policy.
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"From young professionals to service industry folks, people check their attitudes at the door and just come to have a good time," says bartender-manager James Beckedorff.

Many give the club a try for the clean air alone. But to keep the smokers happy, Electra offers an expansive front patio with easy access to the bar.

TUNES: Like the crowd, the music changes nightly. It ranges from R&B and retro mixes to funk or European house. Open every night except Sunday, Electra also features themes such as International Night, where you'll hear Latin or French music the first Saturday of every month; and School, where people show up in old prep school uniforms and listen to disco and '80s classics.

PRICES: There's generally no cover charge unless there's a special event. When you get thirsty, well drinks start at $6, and draft beers are $5. But the signature martinis are the hottest sellers, costing $8-$14. There's plenty of free street parking, and dozens of free spots in nearby lots including one directly behind the club.

NOTE: The only thing more retro than the décor is the Web site — while cool in design, the info is dated. The best way to find out about weekly specials or events is to sign up for e-mail blasts.

• THE 411: Electra, 3081 E. Shadowlawn Ave., Atlanta. 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays. 404-627-8464, www.electralounge.com.

— Adina Kalish Neufeld