‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the clubs not a man was taken, not even the cubs. The patrons looked hung with socks placed with care, in hopes that a hot twink named Nicholas soon would be there.

Yes, this fabulous time of the year brings us two things: the holidays and scarf season! Which means it’s cold outside. Although our friends who have migrated to San Diego can only laugh at my interpretation of cold, us “native” San Diegans certainly recognize a cold San Diego night (like, less than 60 degrees out). To combat the cold, I’ve compiled a list of just a few of my favorite San Diego nightspots to stay warm in.

It’s certainly neither hip nor modern, and it isn’t equipped with the latest and greatest sound equipment, either. But the Red Fox Steak House is a San Diego gem, hidden in the northeast corner of the newly renovated Lafayette Hotel on El Cajon Boulevard in North Park. This is one of those rare places rich with burgundy vinyl booths, dark wood-paneled walls, a menu full of red meat and live piano entertainment. Patrons are welcome to grab a table for dinner or just grab a cocktail at the bar.

Stepping into the Red Fox is like stepping back into the mid-20th century. It’s great fun to watch the quirky old man on the piano with his muted trumpeting sidekick belt out classic tunes like “Pennsylvania 6500,” “In the Mood” and “Jukebox Saturday Night.” Patrons occasionally witness a pair of swing dancers or the occasional 70-something-year-old woman who rips the microphone off the stand and belts out a tune by the Andrews Sisters.

The Red Fox always draws a diverse, fun crowd. It’s a great mix of young hipsters, middle-aged suburbanites and the occasional octogenarian coming to relive years past. This bar and steakhouse is always full of energy, has a warm vibe and is really something worth checking out. I did once and I keep going back.

The Red Fox Steak House is located at 2223 El Cajon Blvd. and is open seven nights a week for cocktails and late-night dining.

Modus is another place with a great bar and lounge that offers a late-night grub menu. The owners say it’s a “casually sophisticated supper club [that] features a sleek, seductive setting, exceptional wines, serious cocktails and organic, modern European cuisine.”

Out jogging down Fourth Avenue in Banker’s Hill one evening, I just happened to notice the fairly nondescript exterior of Modus. I peeked inside and knew that I had to check the place out. The following Friday, a friend and I stopped in. Upon entering, the sleek ambience immediately caught our attention. Everything from the décor to the demeanor of the staff was exactly as the club is described – sophisticated but casual. We spent some time around the bar and were impressed with the selection of fine wines and other tasty libations. Not being very adventurous (and also the designated driver), I just had a Coke, while my girl sampled the Ruby Slipper (a mix of raspberries, gin, sugar and lemon). I did catch a sip of her slipper, and it was one tasty piece of drink! The staff was extremely attentive, and the DJ filled the air with cool, loungy beats. After some time at the bar, we got hungry and grabbed a table. The food, service and overall comfort were impressive. Modus includes a full bar, lounge, dinner menu and heated patio. Modus’ atmosphere is definitely a cool place to keep warm. More information about Modus is available at www.modusbarlounge.com.

Another cozy bar in San Diego is the Plaza Bar inside the magnificent Westgate Hotel. In fact, the Plaza Bar was voted San Diego’s Best Piano Bar by San Diego Magazine. It’s a great place for after-theatre edibles, including an assortment of pâtés, international cheeses, tempting pastries, specialty coffees, cappuccinos, espressos and much more. Of course, there is a full bar. And whatever’s your pleasure, they are happy to make it. A favorite of ours at the Plaza is the Cosmopolitan. Something about the ambiance makes us feel like it’s the right drink for the location. And the scenery is absolutely beautiful as the hotel reflects an 18th-century French décor. Surprisingly, though, the atmosphere is very laid back, and there is no need to dress up to visit this bar (although I recommend toning down the “ho” attire a bit for this one, boyz). Check out www.westgatehotel.com for more information.

So those are just three of my favorite spots for keeping warm during these cold nights. Something about the holiday season just gets me in a mood to visit these more sophisticated, comfortable bars. But that doesn’t mean the fun doesn’t continue at the Barfly favorites: Rich’s, Club Montage, Flicks, Urban Mo’s and the four Bs – Bacchus House, Baja Betty’s, Bourbon Street and The Brass Rail.

The buzz around town is Deborah Cox’s live performance at Club Montage on New Year’s Eve! A couple of my friends when told of Cox’s show were like: “That’s so cool. I’m so there… but which one is Deborah Cox?”

So for those who have heard of her but aren’t quite sure who she is, the song that you’ve probably heard is “Absolutely Not.”

Visit www.clubmontage.com for more information or check out page 10 in this issue of Rocket magazine.

Also of note on New Year’s Eve is Rich’s “NYE ’07” event. The club promises two DJs, two packed dance floors and hundreds of hot guys. Rich’s is always a fun place to be on New Year’s Eve. Check out www.richssandiego.com for more information.

Be safe, and have a happy New Year!