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)

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.

Opened in April 2000 by Joe and Virginia Vindiola, the bar cators to country music crowd, offering three beers on tap -- Budweiser, Bud Light and Pabst Blue Ribbon -- plus mixed drinks, with a small food menu. Many regulars like it here. Visitors who take a look, stay and enjoy it often come back, Vindiola said.

Whether you're looking for recreation or refreshment -- or both -- you won't be disappointed at Gage Center. Quench your bowling thrist with an ice-cold beer or mixed drink, and don't forget the full-service snack bar. If bowling isn't your game, check out a pool table or the arcade. Special packages for parties of all kinds, fundraisers and corporate events.

Sip a beer and sign up for one of Terry's many pool leagues and tournaments, which draw a wide cross section of men and women ranging in age from 21 to 85. Leagues play most days of the week. Drop by during regular business hours to check out the options and sign up.

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.

The pool hall also serves bar food, such as cheese sticks, fries and hamburgers. This is a neighborhood bar that allows minors in until 8 p.m. Sharon Suwalski has owned the bar for three years. She previously ran a different bar in North Topeka for 10 years.

Sporting events aren't just a hobby at Cousin's, they're an addiction. If the big game comes on early, the doors open early, too. And the six TVs and an 8-by-8-foot projection screen are warmed up and ready to go. Grab your favorite beer and your favorite shot (mostly tequila) and join the fun with owners Ed and Leonard Ramirez. Check out the wall of murals featuring their late brother, Pee Wee.