The nightlife in Mendocino is like molasses in winter. Visitors have three options: 1) Have a casual cocktail in the elegant bar and lounge at the Mendocino Hotel; 2) knock down a few beers with the locals at Dick's Place (45080 Main St.; tel. 707/937-5643), the town's oldest bar; or 3) get in the car and head up Highway 1 a bit to the Caspar Inn, the best nightclub on the North Coast. Everything from rock and jazz to reggae and blues is played live every night starting at 9:30pm. Check its website calendar for upcoming shows and bring a designated dancer and driver. It's located at 14957 Caspar Rd. (take the Caspar Rd. exit off Hwy. 1, 1?4 mile north of Mendocino; tel. 707/964-5565; www.casparinn.com).
