Tropical flair colors this lively restaurant, which sports bright interior murals and rhythmic Caribbean music. The cuisine follows suit, from crisp sweet potato chips to zesty jerk chicken, tropically-flavored fresh fish, conch fritters, steaks, and Cuban pork. After you've indulged, move out to the spacious, brick-paved patio, which sports its own large bar. Woven armchairs and sheltered areas add comfort in the open air, and folks often gather to drink and listen to weekend bands.

Best known as the club where John Michael Montgomery wowed local folks before he got his big break in country music, Austin City has a reputation for regaling C&W fans with lots of great music. Boot-sporting patrons take to the dance floor to show off their practiced skills, while more adventurous cowboys mount the mechanical bull for a rambunctious ride. Karaoke events also find plenty of takers, and nightly drink specials keep the gears of sociability moving smoothly.

Situated just off the Radisson's lobby, this upscale bar boasts slate floors, comfortable leather chairs, and an impressive, carved bar. Its large windows offer views of Triangle Park, and sidewalk seating provides an even better vantage point during warm evenings. Professionals find BBM an ideal place to sample a martini and a premium cigar while winding down from the day, and live music on weekends adds a note of relaxation. Sunday evenings are especially busy as folks look for one last chance to kick back before the week starts in again.

If your style is more Wranglers than Range Rover, Cadillac Ranch is sure to guarantee a good time. Folks come in looking for fun and find it in line dancing, two-stepping, mechanical bull-riding, live bands, pool tournaments, and drink specials. The pace never slows down, and crowds of patrons make it easy to mingle, hang out, and just enjoy the time away from work and responsibility. The house band, Saddletramp, performs Wednesday to Saturday, and bikini-top bull riding takes place each Thursday.

Pub ambience colors this local mainstay, especially in the front room, dominated by a large bar, wood paneling, and memorabilia from days past. The back room looks out on the patio and features exposed brick and artwork. Both venues attract frequent downtown crowds, who come for well-prepared pub fare and great draught and bottled beers. Sample a tavern battered halibut sandwich or maybe a smoked turkey reuben or a steak hoagie. Salads, soups, and daily hot entrees make appearances too, along with beef and veggie burgers. Cheapside also boasts an awesome, two-level patio, and live bands play towards the end of each week.