Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Lexington, KY

AIRPORT - LEX. Best known as the club where John Michael Montgomery wowed local folks before he got his big break in...

AIRPORT - LEX. 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.

Hours: Wed-Sat 7pm-2:30am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

DOWNTOWN. Taking the place of past establishments that weren't so attentive to customer needs, Al's is an unpretentious...

DOWNTOWN. Taking the place of past establishments that weren't so attentive to customer needs, Al's is an unpretentious dive bar that is making a name for itself with new owners, great food, and a sunny attitude. The no-frills place is ideal for enjoying frosty brews, delicious burgers, and other tasty fare crafted from local ingredients. Live music is also a weekly staple, and as the clientele grows, so does esteem for Al's.

Hours: Mon-Tue 6pm-1am; Wed-Thu, Sun 4:30pm-1am; Fri-Sat 4:30pm-2:30am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover

Able to accommodate practically any after-dark challenge, this large complex spreads across several buildings and offers...

Able to accommodate practically any after-dark challenge, this large complex spreads across several buildings and offers a ton of nighttime options. Live bands, sports television, dancing patrons, and folks just hanging out and drinking are among the activities you'll see and be part of, depending on where you choose to spend your time. A sand volleyball court also handles local leagues, and beer specials satisfy good-timers who just want to get away from it all. A concert hall is also on the premises.

Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-Midnight; Fri 9pm-2:30am; Sat 7pm-2:30am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

CHEVY CHASE. When you step inside, pause for just a moment to give your eyes time to adjust. This is, literally, the...

CHEVY CHASE. When you step inside, pause for just a moment to give your eyes time to adjust. This is, literally, the darkest pub ever. It's also a comfortable haven, thanks to loaded bookcases along the walls and a host of garage-sale sofas perfect for lounging. A few fireplaces also add ambience and a small measure of light. The food, mainly pub fare, is terrific, from great burgers and fries to luscious patty melts and fish sandwiches. Add a cold, iced Bud, and everything's good. A juke box churns out classic rock, a TV captures whatever's interesting, and a back patio serves as an awesome hangout. A favorite with local college folks, especially on weekends.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-1am; Fri-Sat 11am-2am; Sun Noon-Midnight

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

DOWNTOWN. Tropical flair colors this lively restaurant, which sports bright interior murals and rhythmic Caribbean...

DOWNTOWN. 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.

Hours: Tue-Thu 4pm-1am; Fri-Sat 4pm-2:30am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Occupying space once devoted to a 1940s speakeasy, this alternative club is one of the area's most...

DOWNTOWN. Occupying space once devoted to a 1940s speakeasy, this alternative club is one of the area's most established. A showroom, a lounge, and an upstairs dance floor offer a variety of venues, and three bars make sure everyone, gay or straight, is accommodated. Pool tables and darts are available, and karaoke performances take place mid-week. Thursday is amateur drag night, and Friday and Saturday are given over to professional performers. IDs are checked stringently, and only those 21 and over are admitted.

Hours: Sun-Wed 4pm-Midnight; Thu-Sat 4pm-2:30am

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

CHEVY CHASE. As if it didn't serve terrific brews and some of the region's most celebrated burgers, Lynagh's is also a...

CHEVY CHASE. As if it didn't serve terrific brews and some of the region's most celebrated burgers, Lynagh's is also a visual feast, thanks to tons of memorabilia and suspended bikes, boats, and other gravity-defying objects. Known for huge sandwiches (try the turkey and avocado!) and enormous O'Rounds (thin-pounded burgers), the place attracts a large contingent of college folks, who drink, fraternize, and kick back in the dim surroundings, grateful for the time away from books. Full of character and plenty of good food and drink to back it up!

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-2:30am; Sun Noon-2:30am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Stylish, much-loved Bellini's cultivates a faithful following, who appreciate its well-prepared fare and...

DOWNTOWN. Stylish, much-loved Bellini's cultivates a faithful following, who appreciate its well-prepared fare and romantic ambience. Aside from the restaurant's cuisine, its adjacent bar, which features solid wood paneling and the restaurant's same pressed-metal ceilings, has become quite a leisure-time destination. A portion of the clientele are diners waiting for tables, but many patrons come for the appealing atmosphere alone. Downtown professionals are prominent, and cocktails are pricey but well-mixed.

Hours: Mon 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; Tue-Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-11pm; Sat 5pm-11pm; Sun 5pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Thanks to its great, two-level patio ­ which has its own bar, outdoor heaters, and plenty of greenery...

DOWNTOWN. Thanks to its great, two-level patio ­ which has its own bar, outdoor heaters, and plenty of greenery ­ Cheapside attracts frequent downtown crowds. Folks also pour into the interior, which boasts a commanding bar, a TV, and plenty of neon beer signs and memorabilia. On tap, you'll find Guinness, Fosters, Bass, and AmberBock. Bottled imports, wine, martinis, single-malt scotches, and small-batch bourbons are also ripe for the picking. Live bands play towards the end of each week, and Tuesday's trivia night has its share of adherents as well. Plenty of upscale pub fare and hot entrees appease folks who stop in for food or need an accompaniment to the alcohol.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2am; Sat-Sun 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. A green exterior gives ready notice of McCarthy's Irish tendencies, and inside, Emerald Isle memorabilia and...

DOWNTOWN. A green exterior gives ready notice of McCarthy's Irish tendencies, and inside, Emerald Isle memorabilia and Jameson's prove the point. Lexington's heritage also plays in, as racing photographs and the bar's small brass plaques (inscribed with the names of local horse farms) attest. Cozy and dark, the pub is a self-proclaimed locals' place, the sort of well-loved destination that folks come to when they need to kick back and get away from it all. An outdoor patio is available, as is a TV over the bar. No food is served, but you can order food in from a nearby restaurant.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-2:30am; Sun Noon-2:30am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express