The Buzz:

For a city-slicker like me, Nick's isn't even close to a nightclub. It's a honkytonk, albeit one with a few more rooms and bigger speakers than you might be used to.

The Scene: Everyone's friendly. Everyone's low-key. If you like to talk to strangers over a couple of longnecks, this is the sort of bar for you. Nick's draws a sizeable crowd from the area's military bases, so expect to meet people from around the country.

Live country bands take over the front rooms on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and some Thursdays. The dance floor is filled with people two-stepping or line dancing. The bar offers dance lessons on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but ladies, you technically don't need to take them. Several gentlemen around the "club" will be happy to lead you around the floor. Check out country karaoke in the back room on most nights. You'll hear a lot of Sugarland hits, too many Rascal Flatts anthems and, sadly, only a few tunes by the great George Strait.

Price Points: Nick's charges a cover when there's live music playing. Generally, it's $7 for guys and $5 for gals. Most beers cost less than $5. Sandwiches -- primarily of the Southwest pub-grub variety -- are less than $10.

-- Julia Beizer (Sept. 22, 2009)