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.

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.

It doesn't get any better than sports and strippers, and Topeka Sports Cabaret features both. The wood-paneled, 8,200-square-foot club (formerly Snafu's) boasts a 30-foot bar, two stages for dancers, two VIP rooms and a 15-foot big screen among its array of TVs. There are daily drink specials, a food menu ranging from corndogs to ribeye steaks and a Friday food buffet ($7) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Take a break from the bowling lanes -- or a family feud -- and enjoy the big-screen TV with a cold beer or mixed drink. Hatfield's full-service bar -- with food close by -- is the perfect place for keglers and sports fans. If the younger family members get restless, send them down the concourse to McCoy's Arcade. Hatfield's and McCoy's, get it?

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.

With eight flatscreen TVs and your favorite brew on tap, Spanky's is sports bar heaven. The neighborhood feel and friendly staff will make you feel comfortable, while the full-service bar and generous food menu offer a multitude of options. Look for a non-smoking section and new paint soon!

The bar at On the Border has six beers on tap, plus a variety of bottled beers, including domestic and Mexican, and mixed drinks. Half-price appetizers are served from 3-7 p.m. Smoking is allowed only in the bar, and a patio is available.

Bowling and beer are almost inseparable, and Gage North's bar won't disappoint there, but mixed drinks are available, too. Let a lane waitress save you steps and a sticky approach. Order something tasty from the snack bar and point the kids toward the arcade.

Hooters' decor is rustic beach scene, delightfully tacky yet unrefined, with Christmas lights up year round and pictures of different celebrities. This is a place to get beer and chicken and look at hot girls. Children are welcome. There are kids menus.

The strip-mall space got a facelift two years ago and is a great place to catch big games. Just about everything looks good on the two new 60-inch HDTVs. (There are four other TVs, too.) The 20's West replicates much of the original place but with food. Don't overlook the 10-ounce KC Strip with salad, baked potato and roll for only $10. (Updated 7.22.09)