You know you love oxymorons. So come join those who feel the same way and drink the night away at Wise Fools. As the bar's slogan says, "Let's all make some bad decisions."

Wise Fools doesn't seem like a place that regularly features live music, but it does. The main room's high ceilings gives the space an expansive feel, but not so much that you feel like you're in a large hallway. One look at the wall decorations and you might think you’ve stepped into an alcohol-advertising convention. But the cool blue lighting and exposed brick behind the massive bar remind you that you're not. The blue hues continue throughout the space and contrast nicely with the red candles on the tables. You'll do more standing than sitting here, but it makes sense because of huge crowds here on music nights. Think you can rock like the live acts? Come on Wednesdays for Guitar Hero and $2 drafts of Coors Light.

Wise Fools sports an extremely intimate viewing area in its second room. There's another bar and a few tables here, but the compact stage in the back corner jets out very closely to the nearby tables. While you take in the tunes, knock back a few drinks from the huge beer selection—like, 30 taps and 45 bottles huge. If the music doesn't suit you, watch the game on one of the many TVs scattered throughout the bar.

Cover for the shows usually runs no more than ten bucks, and on Tuesdays there's a free open-mic stand-up comedy night as well as $1 drafts of Old Style and $3 well drinks. These acts are hit-or-miss, but once you have a few drinks, anyone can be funny, right?

Centerstage Reviewer: John Kristoff