File photo A classy spot that may do damage to the pocketbook, you'll feel on top of the world — or at least 601 feet above it — at Bar 601.

WHAT: Bar 601

WHERE: Tower of the Americas, 600 HemisFair Park

THE DIGITS: (210) 223-3101

GET YOUR DRINK ON: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; open late New Year's Eve

HOTTIES QUOTIENT: Not so hot. The bar attracts mainly tourists, conventioneers and local businesspeople. The cool thing is, the Chart House restaurant one level down rotates 360 degrees all night, while Bar 601 remains stationary. That means you can look down and watch the dining crowd revolving slowly for your viewing pleasure.

WALLET HANGOVER: High. Domestic beers cost $4.75, and specialty and import beers cost $5.25. Wines by the glass cost $7.95-$19. Cognacs and whiskeys cost $8.25-$195 (for Richard Hennessy cognac.) Martinis, frozen margaritas and specialty drinks cost $8-$9.50. Appetizers such as crab cakes, lobster spring rolls and calamari cost $8.99-$16.50.

THE 210 TAKE: The sleek, intimate Bar 601 — so-called because it's 601 feet in the air — offers the best views of downtown all year long. On New Year's Eve, it also has the best view of the fireworks set off during the city's annual Celebrate San Antonio party. That's because the midnight fireworks are launched from the base of the tower. Combined with the yummy drinks and food — we recommend the 601 Zombie and the crabmeat fondue — and the excellent service, it's the place to be on Dec. 31. Just make sure to get there by 10:30 p.m., before the base level closes for the fireworks show; it reopens at 12:30 a.m.

Jessica Belasco | 210SA Contributor