This downtown nightspot stays thumping late with music every night and some of the most entertaining bartenders in town. Wednesdays start with open-mic poetry and comedy shows. Thursdays are 25 and older night. Fridays are college night. Saturdays are 21 and older night.

Formerly McB's, Reed's Lakeside Bar & Grill, attracts regulars as well as people from neighboring Lake Shawnee who want relief from playing baseball, golfing, fishing or swimming. Relax in Reed's cushy chairs, enjoy the food and drink from the bar while watching sports on one of many TVs. Local boxer and bar owner Damon Reed also owns Reed's Ringside Bar just north of Topeka.

Boss Hawg's added Pigskin's next door in 2003 as a separate bar but with same great food. It has a sports decor with wood furniture, lots of character, several beers on tap and smoking. It's a great place to watch a game -- and check out the half-price menu from 10 p.m. to midnight. "Beer, sports and barbecue go together real well," the late owner Hank Lumpkin once said.

Jeremiah Bullfrogs is a great place to watch sports in Topeka. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere with lots of space for your whole group to enjoy the big game.

Let your Irish side show and the Guinness flow with a visit to this authentic Irish pub. Featuring 14 beers on tap and a variety of bottled imports, you're bound to quench your thirst while watching one of the 20 TVs. Try an Irish Car Bomb (Guinness and a shot of Irish cream) and listen to Rich Stevenson, the Irish Rebel, on Friday and Saturday nights.

Get cozy at this small neighborhood bar where you're bound to meet the wide range of people who go there. Sunday jam nights draw a crowd and all sorts of music -- reggae, rock, blues and jazz. Bands play a couple times a month. Find an open spot along the long wood bar and ask bartenders about special drinks they’ve been formulating with UV Vodka. Sip five vodka varieties and "taste the rainbow."