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 downtown north Topeka bar is huge but filled with cozy spots to enjoy drinks with friends in a smoke-free space. It features a main bar and second-floor Harley-Davidson decorated mezzanine bar to hold a combined 200 people. Upstairs, there’s banquet space for gatherings of more than 200. Bar features top shelf tequilas and frozen margaritas. Cameras and security escorts are focused on safety.

American Legion Post 400 is a private club with live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Veterans are welcome to join. The club offers bingo and snack bar on Monday and Thursday nights. Food is served on Friday and Saturday nights. The post has been around for more than 40 years. The hall is used for private parties and wedding receptions.

Once the most popular dining, drinking and dancing destination in the city, the Moose Lodge remains a vibrant social and service club with nearly 1,300 members. It offers full-service dining and live bands three nights a week, bingo three times a week and karaoke on Sundays. The Moose supports veterans activities and the JROTC program at Topeka High. And, yes, there's a moose head in the ballroom!

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.