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Riche
While both bars here are hugely popular, the smaller Lilla Riche is the current choice of Östermalm's hip parade. Buffed bartenders mix the drinks, skilled DJs mix the music and a tightly packed crowd of media types and celebrities flirt, flaunt and step on each other's manicured toes. The adjoining Riche restaurant is one of Stockholm's best for Swedish-Mediterranean cuisine.
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Rival
You'll find this sleek Art Deco number, complete with swish circular bar, inside designer hotel the Rival (co-owned by Abba's Benny Andersson). While not Söder's top choice for atmospheric toasting, its architectural prowess merits a quick trip.
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Scandic Anglais
The successful re-launch of Scandic Anglais hotel in 2006 has added another swank hotel bar to the scene. A quick hop north of Stureplan, the place is the current 'it' spot for after-work drinks.
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Solidaritet
If you're into house tunes, here's your new hangout. Some of the scene's biggest names have manned the decks here, from Sweden's Stonebridge, Sebastian Ingrosso, Axwell and Steve Angello to imports like Amsterdam's DJ Santito of Sorobon party fame. The queues are long and the bouncers are picky. Good luck.
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Spy Bar
The former ice-queen of the club scene has re-invented itself. Gone are the reality-TV brats and stuck-up staff, and in their place is a mock-baroque look and chilled-out combo of media types and indie fashionistas for whom well-mixed drinks and smooth electro tunes matter more than Prada mules and sports cars. It's not as cool as it used to be, and that's a good thing.
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Storstad
Years later, the queues are still going long and strong at this slinky resto-bar. Could it be the fab French grub, killer cocktails or smooth sexy tunes? Personally, we think it's the infamously flirty crowd. Once again, head in early or join the queue.
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Sturecompagniet
Swedish soap stars, '80s-inspired glitz, and look-at-me attitude set the scene at this sprawling party playpen. Dress like the Beckhams, (try to) charm the bouncers, and slip your way oh-so-subtly into the VIP room to the left of the entrance for ab-fab antics.
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Tennstopet
Had a Swedish version of Cheers ever been scripted, it would've been taped here. Venerable oil paintings, gilded mirrors and winter candlelight set the scene for a loveable cast of wizened regulars, corner-seat scribes and melancholy dames. Watch the show with a soothing öl (beer) and a serve of soulful husmanskost .
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Terrenos Vinotek
This slick Italian-style wine bar sells its wares by the centilitre, which is just as well considering the fine wines on offer. Sip your way from South Africa to Spain, and enjoy the trip with rustic Italian cheeses or a serving of carpaccio.
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Torget
For camp and Campari, it's hard to beat this sparkling gay bar - think rotating chandeliers, mock-baroque touches and different themed evenings, from live burlesque to handbag-swinging schlager. The sparkly crowd is a good source of info on upcoming underground parties, so grab yourself a champers and chat away, sweetie.
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Viola
Chic and just a little camp, Viola is a chi-chi combination of champagne leather booths, mini chandeliers and flouncy floral wallpaper. Glam up and join the gorgeous for perfect cocktails and a healthy round of air kissing.
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White Room
No, Stanley Kubrick did not design the interior, but the excess of white drapes, white tablecloths and white space-age lounges will have you thinking so. Lounging on the latter are Stockholm's rich kids; cashed-up hunks and Paris Hilton look-alikes who strut here after midnight to guzzle champagne and pose to decent beats.
