DOWNTOWN. Located in downtown Buffalo, this stylish yet unpretentious corner bar is a diamond in the rough that attracts Buffalo's young and beautiful. Patrons mingle over drinks while rock, alternative and memorable 80s beats play in the background. Occassional live bands and theme nights add to the fun.

AMHERST. A pleasant outdoor patio and live blues playing in the background create an enjoyable atmosphere for trading stories and downing your favorite brew. Nineteen beers on tap (and over 150 bottled varieties) ensure that everyone's happy, and there're plenty different choices of cigars, too. Live music Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.

EAST AURORA. Housed in a charming timber-framed building, this friendly watering hole is an appealing spot to down an icy mug of beer and hearty sandwich. The kitchen's specialty, beef on weck, features slow-roasted beef, carved while you wait. Buffalo's namesake chicken wings come in a variety of seasonings ­ choose among honey dijon, Cajun, Jamaican, hot and spicy BBQ and teriyaki wasabi.

Located on Chippewa Strip, Big Shotz is a large bar with a small town feeling. The clientele are 20- and 30-somethings, and the dress is definitely casual. Live music is mainly rock and roll, and the atmosphere is laid-back and relaxed. Enjoy a casual conversation over a brew or a cocktail. Drink specials every day.

WILLIAMSVILLE. Renowned for its fabulous beer and savory grub, this popular bar's the place to grab a bite of some of the city's famous fare. Try the sampler platter, which features chicken wings, seasoned to your liking, and a mini beef on weck, or order the full-sized sandwich, stuffed with slow-roasted beef that's been soaked in ale. In addition to several house brews, there's a wide selection of beer on tap that might include Guinness, Stella Artois, Newcastle and Sam Adams.