Bottleneck   

Any self-respecting college town is going to have a bar like Bottleneck. Since 1985 this joint has been giving bands a chance to ramp their way to the big time, while KU students get a glimpse into music's future. Not only local acts like Paw saw their stock rise here, the Bottleneck grabbed bands like 311, Semisonic, Jewel, Cracker, Soundgarden and Lucinda Williams before they were household names. That list tells the story about the kind of music you'll hear, mostly rock and roll with some alt-country, folk and bluegrass. But the bar also books hip hop, reggae and jazz acts now and then. In fact, if it brings in college students then the band will get booked. If you're the gambling type, head in for open mic and karaoke nights. If the music takes a break, head into the game room for pinball, pool or darts.