After watching their biker bar in Emmett go up in flames in June 2009, Jona and John Rupnicki found a new location for Ruffnecks Bar in downtown North Topeka. With plenty of cold beer on tap and Jona's Indian tacos featured on Mondays, there's no better place to unwind. The bar's pace picks up with karaoke on Fridays and live music once a month on the weekend. (Updated 11.24.09)

This roadhouse honky-tonk serves cold beer and a complete lineup of cocktails and mixed drinks at its full-service bar. The Thirsty Camel is big on Karaoke and Pool with 5 pool tables. On Friday and Saturday, Karaoke starts at 8pm. You'll find occasional national acts and you can view their calendar at http://calendar.yahoo.com/thethirstycameltopeka

Where can you enjoy a daily drink special and the great outdoors at the same time? Jax, of course. Tucked away in the Walmart, I-470, water tower neighborhood in south Topeka, Jax offers awesome drink specials -- starting with $1 off anything over $3 on Mondays -- as well as an outdoor recreation area featuring volleyball, horseshoes and basketball. A tasty food menu will curb your appetite.

Midwest Elks Lodge 1441 has been in Topeka for more than 55 years. Members must fill out an application and pay dues. There are regular club meetings, and women's section and men's section. The nonprofit organization has talent contests and fundraisers for scholarships.

Every Saturday night is steak night, with servings of KC Strip, Ribeye, grilled salmon, hamburgers and chicken strips. It's a complete meal with homemade green beans, rolls, salad and drink. Jimmie Lillard was a local military hero who was killed while serving his country in wartime.

Opened in May 2008, this sports bar has TVs, poker, karaoke, live bands on occasion, a pool table, ice cold beer, several beers on tap and pizza. Janice Tidwell is the owner.

This place has a warm homey feeling, where everybody knows your name. It's a small-town bar and information center, where you can find out what's going on in town. You're welcome here. Families and bikers and anyone connected with life on Highway 24 may want to stop in here for a few laughs and good times.

Lane's Barbeque closed on Dec. 11, 2009.
Warm up by one of two fireplaces and add fire to your belly with Lane's special chocolate-covered cherry shot, a house specialty since the BBQ joint added a bar in early 2009. Play pool and jam to local bands or get cozy on one of Lane's couches. Look for the same menu full of finger-licking BBQ. Owner Harold Lane is a state legislator.

This is a classic neighborhood bar, off the beaten path, established around 1970. Patrons come here on a regular basis for a cold beer, to share stories with friends or to watch a sports game on the TV.

Pull up to the bar and chat up the locals by the soft glow of neon bar signs. Poor Bill's offers daily specials from its full bar. The White Russians are especially popular, but pale in comparison to beer's draw.