Bar Review - Cue up at Miss Q's

Weekend nights, the single gay set gets gussied up to head out to bars all over Midtown. That's all fine and good if you're looking for mucho ogling. But an alternative to the Clinique-crew is located in the Shops at Amsterdam at the unassuming pool and darts bar Miss Q's. It's a place to hang your hat when you're not looking for much more than a beer and a place to relax. Four pool tables flank the entrance, and it's affordable to play a few games. You can even play for free Monday-Friday 4-6 p.m. The rest of the evenings, it ranges from $2.50-$3.50 for a half-hour up to $5-$7 for a full hour of stick action depending on the date and time. If the balls aren't your thing, a line of electronic dartboards line up along the back of the bar. There, the loose-wristed reign supreme as they compete to see who can really stick it to their opponents and hit the bull's-eye.

Q's has a lone big-screen TV, usually turned to popular evening programming, and rec-room type couches to crash on. Some show up just to zone out in front of the boob-tube or see who's getting ousted on "American Idol."

The biggest drawback to the space is the smoke. It can be hard to see through the fog on busy weekends, but during a casual weekday, it's possible to enjoy a longneck at the bar and talk without screaming or hacking on the smoke.

If you're on a budget, show up for Redhead Thursdays. Carrot-tops can get a Rolling Rock for just a $1.50. If you aren't even close to being strawberry blond, don a bozo wig and try and get the same deal — you'll be the center of attention for a bit and also get your two-for-the-price-of-one beer in the process.

Miss Q's, 560-B Amsterdam Ave. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 4 p.m.-4 a.m.; Sat. 4 p.m.-3 a.m.; Sun. 3 p.m.-midnight. 404-875-6255.