BEST BARS IN AUSTIN

 This bar is under a parking garage on Congress. Back in the '90s it was filled with drunken patrons, crayon drawings stuck to the walls, and a lack of any sense of time. You came here to drink before "going out," and six hours later you're crawling out of the place. It has been around since the '60s, and it is worth your time.

 Today, there's a similar vibe, but with karaoke. You walk in the door, and the bar is on the right with a stage to the left. There's a mega flat-screen TV against the wall for singing, and two pool tables in the back.

 You will like the atmosphere. Its filled with open, friendly participants and they are enthusiastic about karaoke. During the week the attitude about singing gets more serious, and you'll forget that you're sitting on office chairs, sporting roller wheels.

 The crowd is cool. They are mainly groups in their mid-twenties to thirties, although you won't be out of place if you are older. And you'll be surprised at the number of attractive people who come here. Even more surprising is the lack of pretension, so if you like karaoke or just hanging with friends, stay awhile: You will have fun.