With tastes changing so quickly, and with new people turning 21 every day, it's important for clubs and bars to stay fresh. Within the past few weeks, two staples of the Rochester nightlife scene from opposite ends of the spectrum have done just that.

The space formerly known as Nasty D's (and prior to that, known as RJ's) at 140 Alexander St. is under new ownership, and now called 140 Alex Bar and Grill. The name and space are equally utilitarian, with the inside of the venue being largely wood and exposed brick, giving it the neighborhood-bar feel the new owners are trying to enhance. Regulars from Nasty's will still feel right at home, and if they miss the new sign out front, might not even notice that anything has changed.

While the place has a reputation as an LGBT hotspot, it is certainly not exclusive: people from all walks of life find their way through the doors. As Lisa Boshnack, one of the four new owners, explained that the bar sometimes draws comparisons to Cheers.

When I first arrived the bartender was quick and accommodating, surprising me with a glass of Magic Hat for only $2.50 - one of the bar's specials. There's also a kitchen that serves more than the usual bar munchies. A full menu offers finger foods, burgers, pastas, and salads from opening at 4 p.m. until 9 p.m., when the kitchen closes.

You can get to know the locals around the dartboard or two pool tables. Entertainment is provided by a jukebox, although Boshnack told me that there are plans to reopen the upstairs dance floor. For now you'll have to forego dancing in favor of Tuesday and Saturday karaoke nights, where the bar gets packed and everyone sings along, sometimes even on key.

140 Alex Bar and Grill is open Mondays through Saturdays 4 p.m.-2 a.m., and Sundays 2 p.m.-2 a.m. There is no cover. For more information call 256-1000.

Follow Alexander Street down until you hit East Avenue, where Soho East has been remodeled and reopened as Heat. I checked the club out on a recent Thursday night, and after a minute in line eavesdropping on some interesting conversations, I made my way in. The cover for over-21-year-olds on this particular night was $5, which unfortunately depleted my cash resources just enough to not be able to get a beer. If I had, it seems like it would have been a relatively pain-free process. A huge bar wraps around two walls, and although the place was very busy, it was easy to move around, and the bar wasn't crowded. That's the advantage of having a large open space to work with.

Heat has made the most of the space with a new layout: in addition to the large bar, a VIP section with garage-door-style windows that roll up to alleviate, well, heat takes up a third side of the room, and the final wall provides an entrance to the massive patio with seating and another small bar.

The club presents an upscale, big-city atmosphere where patrons dress to impress and DJs spin a mix of Top 40 and time-tested club classics. "Baby Got Back" was a fitting soundtrack for those dancing on the raised platform in the middle of the floor, complete with a pole which, as we were informed over the loudspeaker, is for ladies only. And I thought I had finally gotten the chance to show off my moves...

Heat is located at 336 East Ave., and is open Thursdays and Saturdays 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Ladies 18 and older and gentlemen 21-plus are welcome, with a $10 cover for unders and $5 for overs. On Friday nights, the club is available for private parties. More info can be found at viphappyhour.com.