I got to thinking about moderation recently when a friend of mine, who shall remain nameless, got really sick after about a month of going out six to seven nights a week followed by early mornings and long working hours.

Typically, this guy works a long day, stops by happy hour after work, goes home for a “disco nap,” then hits a hot spot, usually staying out until at least 2 a.m. He then wakes up the next day at about 6:30 a.m. and heads off to work again. On weekends he spends the day at popular drinking spots or pool parties, with disco naps in between, and late nights out. He repeats this routine week after week.

Of course my friend is an extreme case, but when there are fun places to go every night of the week, it’s difficult to resist friends who call up and say, “Hey we’re going out – come with us!”

Tempting as this is, over the years, I’ve seen people fail classes, drop out of school, lose jobs and mess up relationships because they like to party just a bit too hard. So take care of yourself and take a few nights off every so often! Our clubs and bars are amazing places that provide a great service to our community, but when enjoyed in moderation, they are even more exciting!

That said, here are some of my favorite spots for each night of the week:

• I am frequently asked “What is there to do on a Monday?” Believe it or not, Monday is one of the hottest nights in town, since Manic Monday was created last year! The Brass Rail packs in the crowds every single Monday for its ’80s-themed night, offering cheap drinks, cheap cover and a fun atmosphere. For something different, I like to head over to Mo’s on some Mondays for Noches Calientes, which includes a Latino drag show and dance night.

• Tuesdays are a mixed bag, and any of the bars around town that are open offer various specials and events. It is a quieter night out but always fun. Lately, like many others, I have been hitting up Fiesta Cantina for the fabulous Taco Tuesdays! The drinks are cheap, and for $5 you get all the tacos you want. I am also a big fan of Baja Betty’s $2 Tostada Tuesdays – so tasty!

• Wednesday night, for a long time, has been one of the most popular nights around town! Everyone knows about the “circuit,” which includes South Park and cheap drinks at Flicks followed by a quick stumble down the block for dancing and Bianca’s Hot-Boy Contest at Rich’s. Also fun are the Latino nights held at both The Brass Rail and Bacchus House, each including a show and dancing.

• If I go out on a Thursday, it is typically for wine and cocktails. I like to check out different wine bars around town, or stop by Lei Lounge for the half-price happy hour from 5-7 p.m. Splash Wine Bar is currently my favorite wine stop. Also, if you haven’t been to Splash, it is definitely worth checking out! The bar has a unique concept, where you buy a pre-paid “Splash” card that deducts from the balance each time you select a splash. Splash has hundreds of wines and a comfortable atmosphere. Splash is located at 3043 University Ave. in North Park.

• On Fridays the masses start heading out, and there are a number of options. Rich’s and Universal are my Friday favorites. Top of the Park, Bourbon Street, or Bamboo Lounge are fun starting points, and Numbers’ ¡Pan Dulce! party is a lot of fun.

• Saturdays are also big nights out, and the clubs around town often host rotating special events. Again, Universal, Rich’s, Numbers, and The Flame all host cool events, and The Brass Rail offers one of best Latino night options of the week. I like to start my Saturday nights out at Se San Diego’s rooftop Siren Lounge in Downtown or Martinis Above Fourth.

• Finally, there’s Sunday Funday. Some like to spend the day at Mo’s or Fiesta Cantina; others brunch all day. There is a fun Sunday night circuit, which includes stops at Mo’s and Rich’s. But I usually like to end my weekend with a nightcap at the relaxing Number #1 Fifth Avenue, sipping cocktails with the “Daddy” of the bar, Ed.

As you can see, there is something fun to do all seven days of the week (and the list above is just the beginning). But remember to take a night off here and there – there is always “tomorrow night”! Have fun and be safe!