The bar: Kapow! Noodle Bar, in Boca

The scene: Boca Raton’s Mizner Park has worked hard to wedge a little bit of nightlife cool into the well-manicured lawns and tony outposts for those ladies who lunch. Kapow! Noodle Bar, the Asian fusion-inspired brainchild of the same folks who brought you The Dubliner, Respectable Street, Dada and other cool venues, is one of those hip culinary kids. Long and narrow, it hosts the after-work, before-clubbing and every other crowd at the shaded bar that opens up to the shared courtyard with The Dubliner. The vibe is chatty, vibrant and comfortable … but not so comfy that you won’t check your lipstick.

The drink: The Spicy Lover ($11) is a witty, pretty, and, as the name suggests, quirky situation, where Partida Reposada tequila flirts with cucumber, has an intimate relationship with cilantro and green Tabasco, and hangs out with agave nectar and lime. Scandalous but sublime.

Other noteworthy libations: The Kiwi Caipiroska ($10), with vodka and sake and kiwi (oh my!), and the Tequila Mockingbird (ha!) a deliciously literary cocktail for $12.

Bar bites and deals: Monday through Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m., features an eclectic collection of mostly $3 morsels, including the steamed Nishiki Rice with bits of fried garlic, the empanada wontons and the delicate, flavorful steamed vegetable dumplings, and a few $4 ones, including the spicy Panko-fried Shishitou peppers. Also, half-price craft draft beer, house wine and sake, as well as all call liquor.

Info: Kapow! Noodle Bar, 327 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; (561) 347-7322

C O C K T A I L

Spicy Lover

3 English cucumber slices peeled

Sprig of cilantro

1 ounce regular agave nectar

1 ounce fresh lime juice

1 ½ ounces Partida Reposado

1 drop green pepper sauce

Muddle cucumber, cilantro, agave nectar, and lime juice in a pint glass. Add ice, tequila, and green pepper sauce. Shake vigorously and double strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with either a cucumber wheel.