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.

Located across the street from St. Francis Health Center, Chuckster's is a warm and friend neighborhood bar that aims to take care of its customers. Stop by the full-service bar for a cold beer or mixed drink -- perhaps even a signature Funky Monkey. If you're hungry, try a pork tenderloin sandwich anytime or a grilled ribeye steak Friday or Saturday evening. (Updated 7.28.09)

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.

A Topeka classic where time stands still. Porubsky's has the same weathered bar signs and packs the same lunch crowd ranging from the everyday worker to governor. Chili season -- from October to April -- marks the start and end of winter for many, and a county judge is among the servers. The founder's son, Charlie, runs things now, and serves up beer from bottles, cans and kegs.

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.

Varsity Blues became the College Hill Tavern in March 2010.

If one of the best beer lineups in the city doesn't convince you try College Hill Tavern, the food menu will. Their motto is "Come as you are to our neighborhood bar."

Applebee's is a laid-back, casual grill and bar, featuring full line of cocktails, beer and food. The bar includes eight beers on tap, two longtime bartenders and numerous regulars who have their names on plaques overhead.

Whether it's a pint of Guinness or a grilled Reuben sandwich you're after, you'll find it here. Want something else? Choose from among the 14 beers on tap or a wide range of bottled imports. A food menu full of authentic Irish and American cuisine is sure to ease those hunger pains. Catch Rich Stevenson, the Irish Rebel, live on Friday and Saturday nights.

Food is the main attraction at this restaurant featuring buffalo wings, chicken fried steak and a classic cheeseburger along with eclectic selections like fried green beans. Still, if you need something to wash down the grub, Boulevard has a full-service bar in its fresh new interior and serves a wide variety of drinks.