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 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.

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

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.

El Azteca Club at S.E. 6th and Lake offers traditional and contemporary Latin music. In 1997, Jorge Munoz and his family purchased the building and started rennovating the place. The family, with deep roots in Mexico, also own Los Portales restaurant across the street. El Azteca plays salsa, Reggeton, Merengue, Cubia's, Norteno, R&B and Hip Hop.

Fancy a pint? Find a bit of Ireland in this cool limestone storefront in downtown Topeka. This bar serves all the great Irish beers -- Smithwicks, Harp and Guinness -- from a long wood bar. Fill your belly with Irish classics like shepherd’s pie or a Reuben sandwich. The Fox draws a varied crowd, from area regulars to state lawmakers. It also books parties.

Enter this ultra-chic sophisticated bar through red velvet curtains. There's space for 12, making it a cozy spot for drinks for two or guests waiting for tables at the upscale restaurant above. Like the rest of the RowHouse, the bar retains the old home's charm with an old fireplace, but it mixes in a contemporary, cool vibe. A great place for good wine or ask about the specialty cocktails.

In addition to having eight beers on tap, 22-ounce drafts, every liquor you can think of and daily drink specials, there's live entertainment on Friday nights. The food menu features Creek Stone Black Angus beef from Arkansas City, and state workers receive a 10 percent discount.

Known by regulars as The Trap, this dimly lit place, with beat up floors and worn wooden fixtures, give the impression this place has been thoroughly used and enjoyed by its patrons for years. Live bands perform on the main floor while customers play pool on the second floor. Bartender Elaine Appelhanz says life at The Trap is "awesome," people of all walks of life are welcome.

A quirky little place in a cool refurbished downtown storefront where you can buy a bottle of beer, hot dog, espresso drink, ice cream and grilled panini -- among other things. There's a pool table, 15-foot screen projection TV, wireless internet and a small convenience store. As the place's name implies, it's a great spot to escape work for a few minutes. (Or more!)