HOUSTON. Thanks to a relaxed setting at this family-run bar and grill, folks are put immediately at ease. It doesn't hurt that they're treated to everything from chicken-fried steak to catfish and burgers, courtesy of a well-considered menu. A full bar makes liquid refreshment easily accessible, and a dozen TVs deliver all the sports action you can handle. If that's not your style, there's live rock on Thursdays and Fridays, not to mention karaoke, pool, darts, video games, and even impromptu dancing. Great, affordable fun.

GALLERIA/UPTOWN. Located near the Galleria, this multi-faceted sports bar is a terrific place to meet up with old college chums and catch a game on the big-screen. Champps' interior is noteworthy for its sleek jagged bar, tile floor, and exposed brick walls, giving the place an upscale appearance that makes it a favorite with the young business crowd. Folks not wishing to go the TV route can wow the crowd with their prowess on the karaoke mic. The kitchen serves tasty bar food ­ nachos, wings, etc. ­ as well as surprises like crab bread (French bread layered with crab salad) and a Shanghai steamer (shrimp, chicken, and pork dumplings served in a bamboo basket).

MIDTOWN. With its loft-like appearance, graphic furniture, and expansive patio, this upscale sports bar gets lots of support from local business people. They make it a weekday hangout when the work whistle blows, and a well-attended happy hour shows them the love in return. Affordable drinks, pub fare, and plenty of TVs offer ample reason to kick back and relax. If no good game is on, shoot a round of pool, or take in the energetic tunes of live bands from Wednesday to Friday.

HOUSTON. One thing this sport bar doesn't lack is televisions ­ big screens, small screens, and a few in-between screens ­ all 200-plus of them strategically positioned for prime viewing, no matter where you happen to find yourself. Typical sports bar-themed decor abounds ­ of course, here, the Texans, Rockets, 'Stros, and area colleges get ample wall space. On Friday nights, the place gets jumping with live Texas tunes. It also boasts the popular COD Oyster Bar, where fresh-boiled crawfish are an art form.