I have been to Fat Dawg’s a few times since it opened about a year ago. It has the typical smokey bar atmosphere and the customers seem to be folks just looking to drink a few cold beers and have a good time. If you show up on a Friday or Saturday night you will notice one common sight in the parking lot, a lot of motorcycles. Fat Dawg’s is definitely a place the motorcycle enthusiasts like to hang out, but they are there for fun, not trouble. Fat Dawg’s loves the bikers so much that they have the occasional “Bikini Bike Wash” outside the business. If you like motorcycles or bikini’s, this is the event for you! They are also very helpful if you decide to host a birthday party at the bar. In fact, they will decorate free of charge for you. You can’t beat that, free decorations and a load of fun.

Formerly known as the OSB (O’Farrell Street Bar), 800 Larkin has a dark seductive style, plenty of space to unwind in comfortable leather couches and lounge chairs, and a varied clientele. Drinks are reasonably priced, and you can’t beat the two-for-one happy hour. The bar is clean, but not overly sterile. 800 Larkin keeps its edge, and offers a nice alternative to this emerging scene.

Like many bars, Fat Dawg’s has a newer juke box with all types of music. I’m the type of person that will slide in a couple of dollars to play some rock music when all I hear coming out of the juke box is country music. Country music is fine, but sometimes you just have to rebel and play a little rock-n-roll. Fat Dawg’s also has 2 pool tables, darts and a new outside patio that is already becoming the popular spot.

A further unwritten rule of dressing for stand-up is “Don’t use shorts to a comedy club.” Comedy clubs want to set on a specialized stand-up comedy present and they are inclined to search down on even brand name new comedians who walk on stage donning shorts. If you’re walking on stage at a comedy club often use pants… (I suggest very long pants).

The plan is to snatch these big bands up as they come through I-75, or “route through,” because other than Louisville or Cincinnati, there isn’t really a place to stop between Knoxville, Tenn., and Chicago, Ill., or even from Nashville, Tenn., to Indianapolis, Ind.

The bartenders at t-shirt country are some of the best I’ve encountered, both here in North Carolina and Virginia. They know how to make a drink, at that, one that isn’t just ice with a splash of liquor. The biggest selling point would have to be their prices. Tap beers are usually $3, PBR is always on special at $2 Sundays-Thursdays and $2.50 Friday and Saturday, house liquors are usually $4-$5 and whatever concoction on special is under $5. It’s hard to complain when $25 can go such a long way.

Better known as Zotts, although I’m not really sure why, this little hideout in Portola Valley just off Interstate 280 in the South Bay is one of a kind. Between the rectangular burgers, giant sausage sandwiches, and 40 ounce beers – that’s right, big, old school 40s – it’s impossible not to enjoy yourself at Zotts. Oh, and while the beer garden is absolutely huge, it will fill up on nice weekend days, so get their before noon.