An institution of sorts, Balaclava sees executive types hanging out after work with prettily tressed girls clinging to their arms (and wallets). Born in 2001, it is the epitome of bar chic with a handsome, masculine feel, dark interiors, plush leather sofas and snazzy flat-screen TVs. Several bands play their pop tunes here on different nights, though the more popular are Shirlyn & The UnXpected, who perform on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and EIC, which performs on Fridays. A big thumbs-up for the spacious smoking area outside, which allows you to puff away without feeling like some criminal exiled to a box.