Club Paragon
3578 S. 108th St.
(414) 541-9270
www.clubparagon.com

Another starting-off point lies further west, straddling the border between West Allis and Greenfield. A cross between an "Up North" hunting lodge and a sports bar, Club Paragon gives you a slightly younger crowd and a much livelier atmosphere. It can be hard, sometimes, to get a beer at the bar, but the wait staff is usually pretty large (in numbers) and a better choice. The shuffle-puck table in the back is some prime real estate; get the early, it's yours for the night and makes an outstanding icebreaker. There are plenty of TVs, and if you're one of the many who don't; Paragon has both the Big Ten and NFL Networks in HD. In the summers, the place is packed with softball players. The food isn't bad, either. For $8.95, the all-you-can-eat fish fry lives up to it's billing as the most underrated in town. If you're making Paragon a late-night destination, the grill is usually open pretty late.

Paulie's Pub & Eatery
8031 W. Greenfield Ave.
(414) 257-2854
www.pauliespubandeatery.com

If your crew is hitting up 'Stallis, stop in to "party with Paulie" for a bit. It disguises its size fairly well. It looks like a simple bar with some restaurant seating. Walk around the bar, past the bathrooms and there is a whole new room on the other side of the wall with plenty of space for dancing. The beer selection is very good; 15 draft beers with a rotating, featured microbrew each month provide variety. Wednesday night is Karaoke Night, so bring your voice.

Painted Parrot
8028 W. National Ave.
(414) 257-1012
www.foodspot.com/paintedparrot

The Painted Parrot is open five days a week at 11:30 as a regular restaurant with a unique, Caribbean-themed menu. By evening, the lights are off, the sound system is cranked and the bar turns into something along the lines of a dance club. Like most bars, Painted Parrot has a Friday Fish fry -- and a really good one, at that, with mini potato pancakes -- so it has the potential to turn into an all-night destination.

Town Bar & Liquor
903 S. 84th St.
(414) 476-9922

This pleasant hole-in-the wall is located right across from the swine barn at State Fair Park and is a favorite haunt of fair-time chaperones once the kiddies are off to bed. (It's called the nightly "Prayer Meeting") If you're looking to hide out for a night, this is your place. Cheap drinks that don't skimp on the libation and frozen pizzas cooked up fresh. Plenty of room for a round of darts with your friends and there's a liquor store attached (open, of course, until 9 p.m.).

Doyle's Milwaukee Inn
7335 W. Greenfield Ave.
(414) 456-1000
www.foodspot.com/doyles

You can be in West Allis and be classy at the same time. Doyle's Sunday brunch is the perfect antidote for a hangover. The establishment is a full-service restaurant but has a bar open on the weekends and a great happy hour that runs 5-10:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. This isn't a place to come tear a few off with the boys, but it's the perfect spot for a first-date bite and drink or to schmooze a new client.

Magoo's
8911 W. National Ave.
(414) 329-1477

It's a party bar that has some of the best wings in town. Magoo's has nearly a dozen TVs to watch the games, pool tables and dart boards. Monday night is Karaoke and Wednesday nights are saved for open jams.

Boz's
1325 S. 70th St.
(414) 443-9337

Boz's opens at 6 p.m. during the week and is a home to many local dart leagues. It is a true sports bar; if you want to see a game, chances are it's on one of the TVs. It can get a little crowded on weekend nights and sometimes, it's a little imposing. Get there early if you're just looking for a place to shoot some darts, play a little pool and have a few pitchers or a combination thereof.

YesterYears Pub & Grill
9427 W. Greenfield Ave.
(414) 476-9055

There's a cover on the weekends (usually about $5) to hear some band or DJ. Consider it a poor-man's and less-classy version of Victor's. If that's possible. Good spot to watch a race, if you're into NASCAR. There's also plenty of space and a party room available, so not a bad spot to host a small gathering.