Kings of beers

The Bulldog is Jackson's destination for beer lovers. With over 50 beers on tap, no other bar in the area comes close to offering the variety of drafts The Bulldog does. With origins in its two original locations in the heart of New Orleans, it's no secret The Bulldog is serious about beer, with daily happy hour, weekly specials like free pint glass night on Wednesdays, and a members-only club for the serious barley hound.They've also got an extensive menu of pub-friendly food to wash down with your frothy suds.

Located across from Hal and Mal's, Martin's always delivers with an anti-mainstream plethora of bands that are well worth the $5-$10 cover. Established in 1953 and open since, Martin's takes pride in not being a upscale, pinky-raised martini bar, but a little rough around the edges with a truckload of character. A landmark ladies night with $5 all you can drink wells, wine and beer make every Wednesday special. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights always promise a good crowd out for the live music. Martin's also serves lunch and early dinner during the week with a famous buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The after-work crowd are what make Martin's the self-proclaimed "adult day-care" with the younger set turning out for the 10 p.m. shows.

Hal and Mal's is Jackson's most well-known restaurant and bar and is a popular destination for tourists and townies alike. Located in the old train depot on Commerce Street, Hal and Mal's has been frequented by famed Mississippians like Willie Morris, state politicians and the various movers and shakers of Jackson since it opened in 1986. The establishment's namesake is its owners, brothers Malcolm and Hal White. Malcolm White, who now serves as president of the Mississippi Arts Commission, has been a longtime supporter of live music and the arts in Jackson, and established the Mal's St. Paddy's Day Parade in 1982 which is now one of the city's premier annual events and one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the country. Hal White is the head chef of the restaurant, and his culinary creations which combine the best of the South from cajun food to good old fashioned home cooking are what keep people coming back. Hal and Mal's is also the city's premier music venue, with four separate stages to catch a band. There's the "big room," the high-capacity hall in the back of the building that hosts a number of national acts. There's the "red room" a cozier, neighborhood bar-style venue that hosts local acts as well as touring underground acts and others. There's also the restaurant, which often features local talent for free playing acoustic rock, jazz, bluegrass and more. Finally, there's the brewpub and patio area which also hosts live acts and is rented out for parties, not to mention having a killer jukebox and pool tables. Over the years, countless big name music acts have stopped by Hal and Mal's, as well as Mississippi's own favorites.

This classic sports bar in northeast Jackson has been in business for half a decade and has earned loyal customers with its comfort food and laid back atmosphere. Among its more unique menu items are footlong hot dogs named after baseball teams, such as the Diamondback with queso cheese, chili, jalepenos and onions.

Sal and Mookie's is a triple threat to the restaurant world. Inside the restaurant, customers can eat an authenic Italian meal, choose dessert from the on site ice cream parlor and get a night cap from the Pi(e) Lounge. The Pi(e) lounge is a rich, smooth, and sensuous environment, with a highly differentiated look and feel from the hustle and bustle of Sal and Mookie's. Walking through the beaded curtains into Pi(e), guests are transported into another world much like ducking into a hip nightclub on the Upper East Side of New York City. Flat screen TVs project old black and white movies and movies involving New York themes. A second component to the digital side of Pi(e) is the music soundscape. A surround sound system plays a custom soundscape created by Chris Crothers, former owner of MusiQuarium. The Pi(e) soundscape, coupled with the thematic black and white movies, creates an otherworldly ambiance - the perfect environment to relax and connect with friend over great drinks and bar snacks.

Owners Ron Savell and Chris McDonald dreamed of opening a place where people could come and enjoy great food, games, and drinks all in one and in 2004 Mugshots was born. The bar and grill offers machine bowling and golf as well as touch screen photo booths to capture all the good times. Mugshots has something for everyone whether is open mic night on Wednesdays, live entertainment, quarter well and draft drinks, or the signature 3 8 oz. patty Mugshot burger.