The Five Best Bars in Syracuse, New York for 2009

Syracuse, New York may be best known for basketball and snow, but there are also hundreds of great bars offering the best in live local entertainment.

Here's a list of the top five Syracuse bars for 2009.

5. Shifty's (1401 Burnet Ave.): Established in 1969, Shifty's has retained the look and feel of a corner bar, but has become a Mecca for live music aficionados. There is no cover charge and music ranges from rock to pop to roots. In 2009, Shifty's introduces a Sunday night music event featuring Dave Frisina's live TK99 Soundcheck broadcast. Shifty's also offers a great menu and reasonable prices.

4. Mac's Bad Art Bar (1799 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale): Mac's came into its own in 2009, becoming one of the best venues for local bands in the 'Cuse. Along with local bands, Mac's offers a weekly acoustic open mike night on Monday, karaoke on Tuesday, and Beer Pong on Wednesday featuring $6.50 pitchers of beer. On weekends, Mac's rocks the CNY music scene and best of all, there's no cover. The bar offers ample parking and a wide variety of legal beverages.

3. Bull and Bear Pub (125 E. Water St.): Located in the Armory Square section of Syracuse, the Bull and Bear has survived while many other bars have come and gone. What makes this bar special is the great menu, wide selection of beers, and dedication to presenting great live music. The atmosphere is relaxed and the bar draws a mixed crowd of urban professionals, college students, and locals.

2. Al's Wine and Whiskey Lounge (321 South Clinton St.): Al's has it all - great drinks and a comfortable atmosphere that is conducive to conversation and relaxation. Drinks are ample and reasonably priced, and the bar also features great live music with no cover charge.

1. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (246 W. Willow St.): Voted the best barbecue joint in America in 2009, the Dinosaur has become a CNY landmark. Best known for its food, the Dinosaur offers entertainment from local and national acts seven days a week. A visit to Syracuse is not complete without a stop at this local gem of an establishment. In 2009, the Dinosaur expanded, opening up the top floor for special music events and parties.