From Negril in Westmoreland to Braemar Avenue New Kingston, bars are the still the one place to sip away the daily trials and tribulations, catch up with friends and rock to the sounds of the latest music. The Observer’s Table Talk Food Awards [DEMO]his evening, for the first time, present the coolest watering hole with the ‘Best Bar’ award.

What makes a bar a really cool place to hang?

Many have told us that the place has to be right so venue has got to be pretty central. Mingles was the clear choice of many for years. The bar was an integral part of the Old Courtleigh – located for many years on Trafalgar Road. The move to Knutsford Boulevard does not seem to have the same impact by way of popularity.

Great bartenders also came up. And bar regulars do not want to have to ask for their favourite drink. A good bartender starts to pour the second you arrive.

It’ s the energy, the vibe and the people. Indeed! and ladies will hang out at a bar where interesting guys frequent and vice versa. Nibbles, Happy Hour, and a good disc jock are also just some of the additional ingredients.

Friends on the Deck grew, according to owner, Richard Spence, “out of a desire to enjoy the company of friends. We [DEMO]elocated to Braemar Avenue, changed our name to The Deck, added more clientele, and we’re still a group of friends enjoying each other’s company.”

Peppers, many admit got its start as a result of Gilbert. It had electricity and was one of the few places with ice (a scarce commodity at the time), remark and habitue. And even though Peppers has changed hands (it’s now managed by Rajiv Bakshi) it is still a popular place to relax with friends, eat a meal, and pass the time away in between sessions.

Risky Business is not just about Springbreakers, come weekends it’s the place all flock to. Seasplash, another popular spot in Negril, has revamped its bar, and is packing many patrons around the counter.

Margaritaville has got to be one of the most happening bars in Jamaica. Kingstonians add to the thrill of this bar when on the Northcoast, or drawn to events like the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival. With bars in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril, it seems just a matter of time before one pops up in Kingston.

The committee has narrowed the hot bars down to six. Which one would you pick?