I don't make it down to Olympia as often as I'd like, but when I do, I make it a point to hit up two of the city's most well-talked about bars: The Brotherhood Lounge and Le Voyeur. Each has its own personal charm, and I had an opportunity to revisit both recently. Here are my findings:

For a Friday night at the Brotherhood, the crowd was relatively light, which is not a bad thing. While a fine bar, the BroHo can certainly want for space. With pool tables, rows of booths, pinball and shuffleboard, having a relatively light crowd is a relief, and makes for easier moving. I ordered my standard, a shot of whiskey and a PBR (adventurous, I know), and the total was $4.50 - a price I found shockingly fair. On previous visits, I've ordered mixed drinks, and my experience has shown them to be mixed lovingly stiff. I brought my shot and beer out pack to the smoker's patio, which was seemingly even more abuzz than the din inside the bar. Adorned with twinkling Christmas lights, the patio out back is the perfect place to spend a boozy Friday in Olympia.

Giddy from the BroHo's atmosphere and a couple more cheap drinks, I made my way to Le Voyeur. What I know about Le Voyeur is that the bar has nearly nightly music shows starting at 10 p.m., and that they're almost always free. So, I knew I'd see something, but I didn't know what. It's fun to walk in on a strange band. Tucked away in the cramped back room reserved for shows was a pop-punk band whose name I didn't catch. I sipped away at a $4 beer whose name I didn't catch. Everyone crowded in tight and exploded when the music started. Seeing a show at Le Voyeur almost replicates the feeling of going to a house show. Outside of that back room, Le Voyeur is basically another world-a brightly colored cafe that serves very tasty sandwiches, which I might add are much appreciated at the end of a Friday night in Olympia.

[The Brotherhood, 119 Capitol Way N, Olympia, 360.352.4153]

[Le Voyeur, 404 Fourth Ave. E, Olympia, 360.943.5710]

Other recommendations from Volcano staff...

Now, keeping in mind that every single one of us has the devil inside, (thanks for the catchy reminder, INXS) a casino might be a good place to explore. There are vices galore, plus you can counteract every whiskey shot and double-down with a hefty tip to your dealer or cocktail waitress ... you know, to spread the wealth around a bit and keep the ol' conscience clean. The casino trifecta that surrounds Olympia is - Little Creek in Shelton (91 West State Route 108, Shelton, 360.427.7711), Lucky Eagle in Rochester (12888 188th Ave. SW, Rochester, 360.273.2000) and Red Wind in Nisqually (12819 Yelm Hwy. SE, Olympia, 360.412.5000) - are all hosting house bands and cash give-a-ways.

Or...

McCoy's Tavern (418 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.352.0696) will offer KOZO, AKA and Free Whiskey blowing eardrums and minds for $2. Lots of naughty goes on at McCoy's, so it's up to you to try and bring the nice.

Jakes on 4th (418 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.352.0696) will be having a party with champagne toast, snacks and a DJ. Hit the dance floor with your best moves and some Jell-O shots and a guaranteed outcome of questionable behavior will be yours to ponder.

Big Whisky Saloon (425 Franklin St. SE, Olympia, 360.357.4721) will offer a hoedown and drink specials. Here's a bar to practice your double-sided chivalry; open doors for the ladies, say please and thank you ma'am, pull out all the polite stops, all while knowing you, too, are in the cosmic balance - because there's at least some minor ulterior motive in those nice actions. You know you want some of that Honky-tonk Badonkadonk. Yee Haw!

And down at Hannah's Bar & Grill (123 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia, 360.357.9890), karaoke will be in full swing, so bring on the banshees! Sing something sweet and inspirational to bring in the New Year, or tap into that devil inside - your call.

Whatever you do, remember: This night may be your New Year's Eve ever, so have fun, get dirty and party hard!