THE FEDERAL CAFE (HARTFORD)

a hartford staple, the federal feels like the tavern that once starred in the old TV series "the untouchables." federal cafe is a landmark on the corner of church and union streets, and is the oldest saloon in town. not for the faint-hearted who leave the city at quitting time, the federal attracts a clientele as gritty as the bar itself. on any given day, this tiny sports bar's TVs are locked to the game schedule. regular patrons, some who look like they were around for the bar's first anniversary, toss peanut shells on the floor and cheer loudly for the red sox, yanks, bruins, patriots and huskies. on tuesdays and saturdays, live music competes with the televised sports above the bar.

THE STANDING STONE (HARTFORD)

on most nights after 10pm, expect UoH students and civic center eventgoers packing the joint. brick walls and vintage bar furniture adorn this traditionally decorated irish space. the bar runs the length of the room, offering plenty of room for drinkers and their friends to score a spot. in addition to 24 beers on tap imported from the british isles, the pub prides itself on its unique array of irish whiskeys. after throwing back a couple of drinks, revelers hit the stage for wednesday's open-mic night. most tote their guitars and play tunes unplugged. local musicians play acoustic sets on saturday nights, while the jukebox churns out anything from classic rock to hip-hop the rest of the week to keep up with a younger crowd's tastes. there's never a cover charge at the standing stone, which makes it a popular stop during the weekends.

OTHER BARS (HARTFORD)

BLACK EYED SALLY'S (NEW HAVEN)

stunning original portraits of blues legends like muddy waters, stevie ray vaughan and buddy guy add authentic art to the gritty, folksy decor. there's not a better setting to listen and dance to the blues. wn excellent array of southern specialties like po' boys, etouffee and jambalaya hit the spot. slow-smoked rib meat falls right off the bone. the hurricanes (vodka, gin, rum, triple sec, sloe gin, cherry brandy, fruit juices and sour mix) are so strong, customers are cut off after two. there's plenty of beer on tap like red hook, sam adams and guinness. if you stay late enough, maybe you'll be hooked into games of poker and black jack by the waiters on night shift.

CITY STREAM BREWERY AND CAFE (NEW HAVEN)

question: what's better than watching the big game at home enjoying a beer? answer: 30 different microbrews, 11 televisions, and ribs, wings, poppers and skins. with cast-iron railings and millwork salvaged from the original 1877 building, this multilevel brewery has a chic look and great beer. come for the brew ha ha comedy club on weekends or relax on the balcony with your favorite cigars and after-dinner drinks. beer is the main attraction, advertised by the five fermenting tanks in the front window, but there's a great food too. house specialties like potato-crusted fresh sea bass bring gourmet class to a menu of american favorites. hot and cold sandwiches, wraps and pizzas tempt along with decadent desserts like hand-cranked ice cream.