Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Appleton North, WI

DOWNTOWN. Sporting a '70s-era lounge motif that includes red-painted walls, red-and-white floor tiles, and a key-shaped...

DOWNTOWN. Sporting a '70s-era lounge motif that includes red-painted walls, red-and-white floor tiles, and a key-shaped bar area, Dr. Jekylls is an easy favorite with the local student contingent, as sorority pix adorning back walls and risqué posters in bathrooms no doubt attest. Above the chatter of the youngish crowd, you can hear a diverse array of music, from Michael Jackson to Squirrel Nut Zippers. If you get hungry, a movie-style popcorn machine usually works overtime to keep the crowd "well kernelled." Dartboards and foosball are found in the back room.

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

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

DOWNTOWN. Urban and hip, this comfortable cocktail lounge on College Avenue is a terrific after-work watering hole for...

DOWNTOWN. Urban and hip, this comfortable cocktail lounge on College Avenue is a terrific after-work watering hole for the downtown crowd. Chic, 1970s-era red couches and chairs offer cozy seating, and the sophisticated but low-key music and decor give the place an adult-friendly air conducive both to winding down after a day on the job or engaging in one-on-one conversation.

Hours: Tue-Thu 8pm-2am; Fri-Sat 8pm-2:30am

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

DOWNTOWN. Bazil's maintains a special place in the hearts of Appleton residents. The decor is quintessential watering...

DOWNTOWN. Bazil's maintains a special place in the hearts of Appleton residents. The decor is quintessential watering hole, with a narrow seating area flanked on one side by a stained-wood bar with a saltwater fish tank. Not only a great joint for a post-work cocktail or brew but also a wise choice for lunch ­ the deep-fried haddock plate and grilled burgers are just what the doctor ordered. Be sure to take a glance ceiling-ward before you leave ­ long-time regulars have colorfully decorated the panels with magic markers. A friendly place to hang out and rub elbows with locals.

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

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

DOWNTOWN. Billed as Appleton's "World Famous Cocktail Lounge," Cleo's is one of those quirky little nightspots...

DOWNTOWN. Billed as Appleton's "World Famous Cocktail Lounge," Cleo's is one of those quirky little nightspots you'll never forget having visited. The place is always decorated for the holidays ­ that is, all holidays, since the eclectic decor includes Christmas lights, Valentine hearts, plastic Santas, and jack-o-lanterns. Otherwise, this classic downtown lounge features a long bar, tall bistro-style tables, and a friendly staff and clientele who are quick to engage newcomers in chatter about current events.

Hours: Mon-Tue 2pm-1am, Wed-Sat 2pm-2am

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

DOWNTOWN. This quirky corner eatery and watering hole is one of downtown's favorite gathering spots, thanks in part to a...

DOWNTOWN. This quirky corner eatery and watering hole is one of downtown's favorite gathering spots, thanks in part to a rustic bar area decorated with trophy animals, hubcaps, and Packers' memorabilia. The main dining area downstairs recollects New Orleans with high arches and French Quarter-style architecture. Upstairs, the cozy attic-library showcases the owner's book collection ­ "He has thousands of them," joke the staff. The menu features a veritable "who's who" of American pub favorites, from classic double-cheese burgers and tavern-battered cod and mushroom-stuffed tenderloins.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

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

APPLETON. Downtown's self-described "Tave on the Ave" sports a casual atmosphere and is popular with friends...

APPLETON. Downtown's self-described "Tave on the Ave" sports a casual atmosphere and is popular with friends catching up and families grabbing a bite before heading to the Performing Arts Center. As far as food goes, burgers are Spat's specialty. Indeed, they serve up 20-plus different types, in addition to tasty items like crab-stuffed shrimp and center-cut chops. How's a Berlin Burger with kraut, Swiss cheese, and Spat's sauce sound? How about an Italian Burger with mozzarella and marinara sauce? The patio area, open when it's nice out, is a good place to sip a brew and watch College Avenue bustle with activity.

Hours: Mon 11am-2pm, 4:30pm-9pm; Tue-Thu 11am-2pm, 4:30pm-9:30pm; Fri 11am-2pm, 4pm-10pm; Sat 4pm-10pm; Sun 4pm-8pm

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