Local bars are offering more and more features to attract customers - music, comedy, video games, axe throwing, you name it. But some tavern-goers prefer to focus on the fundamentals, namely DRINKING. Newcomer The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen (402 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) and its innovative self-service tap system wins first place with an impressive selection of malty brews and beverages galore. The Fire House (202 Gibson St., Eau Claire) also knows its way around a glass of liquor and pint of beer, and in third place is the area’s most notorious and historic dive bar, The Joynt (322 Water St., Eau Claire). —Eric Rasmussen