Why do bars still enjoy so much popularity despite the establishment of high-end discotheques that serve fancy food and drinks and attract a steady stream of customers? Perhaps it's the laid back feel, the quiet after a hard day's work that appeals to many.

Back when bars were small establishments that accommodated less than two dozen people, the clientele consisted mainly of the working class who couldn't afford to frequent expensive hotel bars. They were havens for people who wanted to relax with a good drink, good company and no frills and fancies. As the popularity of the bar grew, so too did its number.

Over time, bars began to split into different types to cater to different clientele. Those who preferred dressing up for a night of dancing and merrymaking could frequent nightclubs while others (mostly men) who wanted to enjoy a game along with like-minded fellows began to visit sports bars. Today, there are several types, all appealing to different mindsets and tastes. Which is your favorite?

Sports bar

As explained, it's a place where people can enjoy a game, whether football, basketball or anything else on big screen TVs with comfy seating and an actual bar. Light food is part of the parcel.

What's great about a sports bar is the informal atmosphere so if you don't like to dress up, don't fancy the glitz of a nightclub and love sports, it's for you. Just be prepared for plenty of excitement if a team scores, wins or loses.

Nightclub

It's filled with energy, music, noise, mixologists (bartenders) whipping up exotic cocktails and people in their 20s and 30s. Strobe lights are standard as is a DJ. Themed nights are also regular with examples like Halloween, '60s, futuristic and so on.

Together with the glitz is a high tab as nightclubs are generally expensive. An entry fee is common though women can usually get in free.

Irish pub

Modeled along old Irish public houses that invited a clientele oppressed under British rule, modern Irish pubs are also designed like the buildings of yore with Irish food and drink. They're charming places with a warm atmosphere and are so popular that they've been replicated the world over. Dress is casual and the company is great.

Lounge

For a completely relaxed evening, a lounge is the answer. It's fancier than a sports bar and an Irish club but without the noise of a nightclub. Dim lights, spacious seating and soft music allow for easy conversations. Dress code is not casual in keeping with the ambience and the price of beverages which is on the expensive side.

Cigar bar

Cigar bars are similar to lounges in ambience, lighting and formality. The difference is they carry a selection of cigars for cigar lovers. Not a place for non-smokers, frequent visitors will undoubtedly love the aroma of fine rolled tobacco. Like lounges, cigar bars are upscale and pricy and with the addition of bartenders who know a thing or two about cigars.

Dive bar

Casual, inexpensive, and underrated, dive bars were associated with the riff-raff of society. All this has changed though you will come across a few that stick to the reputation. They attract interesting visitors from young to old, eager for company, solitude or the comforting glass of a favorite drink.