Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Eau Claire, WI

DOWNTOWN. "Dig your beak" into a cold one or your favorite cocktail at this downtown watering hole, whose...

DOWNTOWN. "Dig your beak" into a cold one or your favorite cocktail at this downtown watering hole, whose Barstow entrance is easily visible to its big, green awning. Inside, rather unexpectedly, you'll find tropical themed murals depicting dozens of parrots that sport eye-patches and shades. The focus here is on relaxing with a few brews after a hard day on the job ­ an art the regulars at this joint long ago perfected. For those with more active pursuits in mind, Clancy's always features electric dartboards, a pool table, and a Golden Tee arcade game. A final tip: the happy hour drinks are served in canning jars are among the best deals in town.

Hours: Sun-Thu 4pm-2am; Fri-Sat 3pm-2:30am

Payment Methods: Cash Only

WATER STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT. The sign behind the bar reads, "Men: No shirt, no service; Women: No shirt, free...

WATER STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT. The sign behind the bar reads, "Men: No shirt, no service; Women: No shirt, free drinks." Indeed, the wide-open floor and long bar leave little to the imagination: when school's in session, UW-EC co-eds flock to this corner location to mingle and gulp down cheap beer ($1 drafts are a fixture). Yes, occasionally, dancing does break out at the Pickle, and good times are always on the agenda. Dartboards, a pool table, and video games are available for who show up early and want and need something to do something before the place gets jumping.

Hours: Daily 8pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

WATER STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT. Rub elbows with the college crowd at this Water Street dive, which tends to stay packed...

WATER STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT. Rub elbows with the college crowd at this Water Street dive, which tends to stay packed year round. Narrow and cozy, the aptly-named Joynt is somewhat of a local legend, due in large part to its homey atmosphere. The interior walls are decorated with black and white photos of American pop culture heroes, mostly magicians, and behind the long bar is an impressive collection of beer cans, most of which are probably older than many of the regulars. If you need a marker to point you in direction of The Joynt, look for the gothic gargoyle that overlooks the front entrance from his second-level perch.

Hours: Sun-Thu 1pm-2am; Fri-Sat 1pm-2:30am

Payment Methods: Cash Only

WATER STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT. This collegiate tavern, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, earned its...

WATER STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT. This collegiate tavern, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, earned its name because it sits on the corner of Pioneer and Water. A popular gathering spot, the Pioneer features a marble-top bar, a stuffed elk head on one side of the bar and a bison head on the other, and weathered walls decorated with an eclectic mix of college cult heroes, including posters of "Eraser Head," Bob Dylan, Mia Wallace from "Pulp Fiction," and the Cure's "Boys Don't Cry." The patio area out back is a good place to catch some fresh air, and darts, foosball, and pool are available for those wanting to work off some calories.

Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-2am; Fri-Sat 5pm-2:30am Contact for Specific Dates and Times

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express

WEST GRAND. Located just around the corner from the Eau Claire County Courthouse, this friendly little neighborhood pub...

WEST GRAND. Located just around the corner from the Eau Claire County Courthouse, this friendly little neighborhood pub offers a comfortable setting for an afternoon burger or after work brew. The place looks to have changed very little over the last 50 years or so, still boasting black and white floor tiles, a pressed-tin ceiling, rustic wood beams, and walls decorated with old photos of downtown Eau Claire. If you're staying downtown, the pub is easily accessible via a pedestrian-only bridge that crosses the Chippewa River.

Hours: Daily 10am-2am

Payment Methods: Cash Only