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Sports bar: A species of bars usually defined by pool tables, dart boards, decorations one might find in dad's "den" and a whole mess of sports nuts and enthusiasts posted up under ESPN glare.

Prospect Bar and Lounge, the former Excelsior of La Jolla, claims to be a part of the "sports bar" clan, but some may be confused, as none of the formerly mentioned characteristics, minus the sports nuts, describe this new Prospect hangout.

Set above Prospect Street, this new-again venue reigns over downtown La Jolla seven days a week. Prospect has managed to bring the favorites from varied nightlife settings into one, chic coastal lounge. Upscale, but semi-casual, Prospect beckons to college students, young professionals and sports nuts as well as the local La Jolla elite that gather to relax, grab a martini and enjoy the calming views of the cove. With a variety of happy hour specials that run everyday from 4-8pm like half off appetizers and two for one drinks, Prospect is the first choice for a post-work aperitif.

Daytime and evening are not Prospect's only hours of operation, as the Excelsior soul is still present and raging after the sun goes down. Prospect's sleek but soft décor, from patent leather lounge chairs to red velour bar stools and long panel flat screen TVs glowing above the bar, leave no signs of the sports bar cast, but rather create a new nightlife genre that radiates with La Jolla class and charm. Each week Prospect brings in an array of entertainment from DJs to special events that evoke the Gaslamp spirit, making it easier for some of us to satisfy our downtown fix without the expensive cab fare.

Insider Tip: If you can't make it to Seduction Thursday at the Ivy, Prospect Bar and Lounge throws a Social Thursday bash each week which includes happy hour specials alongside Guitar Hero and Nintendo Wii for all you addicts out there.