Figlio-A Restaurant & Bar   

Staying at the peak of local hipness has been harder for Figlio because many of those who wouldn't be caught dead anywhere else have moved on to the next place. It's still the best watch-and-be-watched location in Uptown, however, because there isn't a better corner for doing just that. At an inside or outside table, loud voices or street rackets will smother hushed conversations. If you actually go to Figlio to eat, you'll find a good assortment of Italian-styled meats and pastas that won't bust your bank account. Hand-tossed or Roman cracker crust pizzas are a good bet, as are entrees and specialties that come with a house salad and cost $15 or less. Recently added to the menu are ''cicchetti,'' Venetian snack samplers that go for $3-$5 a plate. The bar scene at Figlio is pretty crazy most nights, and you'll encounter more styled leather than T-shirts. Happy hour is serious business here, going from 4-7PM weekdays and noon-7PM Sat. and Sun.