Got Plans? Redux: What's nightlife worth to you?

Yesterday's chat touched on one of my favorite subjects: how much to spend on an average night out. A reader asks:

D.C.: Gurus, in these tough financial times going out is sometimes a bit of a downer when it comes to spending money -- at least for me in my mid-20s and not being totally financially set yet.

Gurus and readers, how much do you think the -average- person (in the "just getting established" age range) spends (or plans to spend) on drinks for a weekend night out with friends in one of the main going-out areas? Just purchasing drinks -- not dinner. (I know there is a huge range of price points in D.C. nightlife, from fancy hotel bars/wine bars down to dives.) How much is enough so that you don't have to feel like a cheapie all night holding a glass of water but not so much that you will drain yourself financially?

Fritz and our colleague Lavanya weighed in with a figure in the $30 to $40 range if you're heading out to a mid-range bar, but they both noted that it's all relative, depending on where you're going and what kind of scene you're looking for. Read their responses here, in the transcript. Speaking for myself, I often find one or two crumpled up receipts in my purse -- and unfortunately for my bank account, they're usually way more than $40. Which brings me to my question: How much do you guys spend on an average night out?

We'll be back next week for our pre-Thanksgiving discussion.

-- Julia Beizer