Fancy a pint? Find a bit of Ireland at The Celtic Fox, 118 S.W. 8th. This cool limestone storefront in downtown Topeka 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.

DECOR: The Fox feels like an Irish pub because it is. A rustic, renovated downtown space has been perfectly restored into a comfortable, sometimes rowdy drinking spot. The long bar on the right as you enter has a dozen comfortable bar stools, and tables and chairs on different levels dot the rest of the place. A stage near the kitchen hosts lots of live music each week.

ATMOSPHERE: While there are TVs located in a variety of spots, The Celtic Fox seems like much more of a pub than a sports bar. When it is crowded the place gets loud and boisterous. Don't be surprised to see a kilt-clad bagpiper wondering amongst the regulars.

DRINK OPTIONS: Irish beer. lots of it.

AT A GLANCE: This place has been an anchor in the Topeka bar scene for years. A new city parking garage just east of the bar makes parking in foul weather easy and dry. An outdoor seating area out front is a perfect spot for a late afternoon cocktail before the fun and rowdy bar and live music area gets cooking later in the evening. One of the best bar views of the statehouse in town. The place is literally less than 100 yards away.

Sporting events aren't just a hobby at Cousin's Tavern, 1211 S Kansas Ave., 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.

DECOR: A large horseshoe-shaped bar greets you upon entering Cousin's and you'll find the walls packed with signs and lights from your favorite sports teams, including a spectacular neon KU Jayhawk. A checkered floor with a pool table sits on one side, and a large party area on the other. On the back is a drinking porch that is the perfect spot to relax on a warm summer night.

ATMOSPHERE: Cousin's has a something for everyone, starting with the popular bar that seats about a dozen people. You'll find TVs to keep you up-to-date on the latest sports news as well as ample seating for larger groups.

DRINK OPTIONS: At first glance, you might peg Cousin's as a beer bar. Not so fast. While they do sell a lot of beer, they also can mix you a stiff drink or a cocktail if you're in the mood.

AT A GLANCE: Cousin's Tavern is a Topeka tradition, and while they have an established group of regulars (try getting a seat at the bar at 4 p.m. on a Friday afternoon), they are also very welcoming to first-timers looking for a new place to chill. Oh, and don't forget the party porch. Always a good time.

Cheeseburgers made with hand-rolled patties are the real draw here, but the cold beers (3.2 domestics) served at The Shack, 2842 S.E. 29th St., can hit the spot after a trip to neighboring Lake Shawnee for a round of golf or game. Just about everyone goes here. There are doctors and laywers in suits and construction workers with bits of concrete clinging to their jeans. Nothing fancy but certainly friendly.

DECOR: A neighborhood bar feel. Dimly lit with plenty of seating at booths and tables.
ATMOSPHERE: The Shack is one of those tucked away gems that dot Topeka's bar scene. The drive down a gravel road and ample parking lot give way to a burger bar that caters to an eclectic mix of customers. Don't be surprised if you see construction workers mingling with legislators.
DRINK OPTIONS: Beer, mostly domestic, served ice cold.

AT A GLANCE: The Shack is a Topeka treasure. Whether you are at Lake Shawnee and are looking for a refreshing beer and tasty burger or you make a special trip, the food and drink will not disappoint.

MORE INFO: http://splash.topeka.net/bars/neighborhood/shack

With blues fans congregating from across the state, Uncle Bo's located in the lower level of the Ramada Hotel at 420 S.E. 6th, offers live, nationally recognized acts Friday and Saturday nights. Look to Uncle Bo's Web site for a listing of shows. It's first-come, first-served, and the place can fill up fast. If you've got something special to celebrate, book the VIP room just off the stage.

DECOR: Uncle Bo's looks exactly how you'd expect a first-class, live music blues bar to look. Tables and chairs are squeezed into the intimate space with plenty of seating near the large bar and a row of booths that line the back of the room. As you'd expect, a large stage is the center of attention with numerous national touring blues acts performing on the weekends. A recent expansion added more seating and a larger stage.

ATMOSPHERE: Uncle Bo's has without question, the nicest, hardest working bartenders and waitresses in Topeka. When Bo's is packed (which it is often), it is easy to imagine yourself at a first rate Chicago blues joint. The bands are among the best you'll see anywhere and the venue is perfectly suited to showcase the music. You simply won't find a better sound system anywhere in the area.

DRINK OPTIONS: While they have a variety of beers on tap, and an impressive number of imports in the cooler, Bo's serves up killer cocktails. The bar is a great place to hangout, enjoy a drink and visit with friends.

AT A GLANCE: Uncle Bo's is arguably the best live music venue in Topeka. It is the type of place you'll be hooked on after your first visit. Come early (sometimes REAL early) if you want to get a seat to see a popular band. It is not uncommon for shows to sell out and you'll find people standing outside the door waiting for a chance to get inside.

MORE INFO: http://splash.topeka.net/bars/music/uncle-bos-ramada-hotel
www.unclebos.com