And for a Night on the Town . . .

Summer’s over and you couldn’t be happier about the diminishing heat waves, smog alerts, beach closures and sweaty traffic tie-ups. Breathe a sigh of relief that it’s all behind you now . . . for the most part anyway.

It’s time to forget your troubles, get happy and get out on the town for a night of cool breezes (these places are air-conditioned), groovy tunes and high-energy night-lifers. Just keep our list of hot spots handy and you’ll please your party palate every time. And remember that in this era of belt-tightening, a swell time doesn’t have to cost you your Raiders season tickets.

ROCK

The Whisky a Go-Go, 8901 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 652-4205. The original hard-core rock-house in the City of Angels--though not many stop by here.

Spice, 7070 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 460-7070. Newer, less legendary, more intimate rocker hangout. Your nonstop hosts Meredith and D.K. aren’t done with you here; ask what they’ve got next up their sleeves.

DANCE

Al’s Bar, 305 S. Hewitt St., downtown Los Angeles, (213) 625-9703. Extremely bohemian boys and girls swig beer, play pool and scream back at the screaming band members on stage.

Maxx, 6423 Yucca St., Hollywood, (213) 463-9661. Manager April Larue and hubby Christian Farrow oversee the trendiest, celeb-packed dance club in years. Saturday night is a must-arrive-early kind of thing.

More, 836 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 960-5172. It’s after-hours on Friday night and you don’t know what to do with yourself? Wait till 3 a.m. and come here for the mixed-crowd techno-fest.

1970, 836 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 669-1000. The address is familiar but the crowd definitely isn’t. Billy Limbo keeps the polyester-clad decade discoing along with a crowd born just barely in time to do the Hustle.

TBA, 643 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 289-8808. Coming this fall on the site of the old, pink La Cage aux Folles, this still unnamed club promises to be the latest on the not-so-upscale eatery/dance club scene.

MEN’S

Rage, 8911 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, (213) 652-7055. Different theme nights throughout the week where you can meet anyone from a frat boy to a punk to a gym queen.

Revolver, 8851 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 550-8851. Most likely the world’s first neighborhood video bar and originator of craned-neck socializing. Tuesday is girl night in the back bar.

WOMEN’S

Club Banshee. Joani Weir’s Banshee girls move around throughout the week, so the best way to find these lipsticked ladies is to call the hot line at (213) 288-1601.

Palms, 8572 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 652-6188. Hangout for more traditional lady-likers in the oldest women’s bar in West Hollywood.

TRENDY BARS

T Room, 5657 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, Bret Witke’s long-awaited latest foray into night life; a star-gazer’s paradise.

The Bar, Cosmo Street, Hollywood, (213) 380-8400. There’s almost always a deejay in this smoky pool-tabled joint. You can’t miss it--it’s the only thing alive on this street.

CABARET

Atlas Bar and Grill, 3760 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 380-8400. This is Mario Tamayo’s great, big, ultra-fabulous tribute to the days of glamorous supper clubs. Eclectic mix of entertainment allows punks to dine next to stars.

The Rose Garden Performance Center, 665 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 854-4455. What used to be a little joint with an ‘80s feel is now more New York-like with Erika’s upstairs and Ellington’s at the Rose below.

JAZZ

Catalina Bar & Grill, 1640 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 466-2210. Like a lot of jazz joints, this is relatively small, but relatively big names play. A definite hot spot for the jazz aficionado.

Vine St. Bar & Grill, Vine Street, Hollywood, (213) 463-4375. Legendary haunt of the best in the business. Be sure to make a reservation at this bit o’ jazz heaven.

LATIN

El Cid, 4212 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 668-0318. Most original flamenco spectacle in L.A. It’s been there forever.

La Masia, 9077 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 273-7066. On the tip of Beverly Hills, you’d think you’re on the coast of Spain.

BLUES

Harvelle’s, 1432 4th St., Santa Monica, (310) 395-1676. Groovy little joint with live shows every night.

Sunset Social Club, 8210 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 654-1001. Newer and more trendy than Harvelle’s. Beat-generation devotees of any age are welcome.