Austin is by far the biggest of the Big 12 Conference cities. There are entire books written about Austin and even they have to be selective. So, given that there is no possible way to ‘cover’ Austin in a mere article, I will focus on one slice of this extraordinary Texas pie … bars and clubs.

There is bar for every inclination in Austin.

Start at the Broken Spoke, a legendary honky-tonk that feeds up chicken-fried steak and more after you build up an appetite on the dance floor. A 40-plus-year-old juke joint, it’s also one of many places to spot a celebrity because everyone who comes through Austin makes a stop there, and the owner has the pictures to prove it. (3201 S, Lamar, 512-442-6189).

Do it upscale at the Brown Bar, a swanky joint (they’re all joints down here) with black-and-brown plush decor, featuring a fab Turkish marble bar, intense malt Scotch, and wide martini selection (ever tried a Black Forest Cake Martini?). No beer on tap, but they have these jumbo shrimp baked in coconut served in a martini glass. Strappy high heels and ties set the tone. (201 W. 8th, 512-480-8330).

The Blues rule at Antone’s, and advance tickets are a wise move. Check out www.antones.com for who is playing. From B.B. King to Muddy Waters, this place does music right. (213 W. 6th, 512-332-0617).

Esther’s Follies is a musical-comedy-theater-club experience. I went back when it started in the late ’70s, and they have kept audiences laughing ever since. A “Best Comic” winner for over 10 years, it packs in the talent. For something completely different, reserve a seat in advance. www.esthersfollies.com. (525 E. 6th, 512-320-0553).

Latin-infused techno and hip hop get you moving at the Red Fez. A Moroccan-themed bar in the Warehouse District, it attracts the beautiful people. Hot singles scene. Will have lines on weekend nights. (209 W. 5th, 512-478-5120). Opens at 8 p.m.

The rooftop terrace is a draw (fountains, views and more) as well as the antique divans in the velvet ambiance of Speakeasy. Entering through the alley sets the tone. Posh, upscale, as dressy as Austin gets. speakeasyaustin.com (412D Congress Ave., 512-476-8086).

Sometimes it is straight out of Animal House, but Cain and Abel’s is a Greek hang, student hang, and where to go to watch the game if you don’t have tickets. Noisy, brash, beer garden, patio, music and grill. (2313 Rio Grande, 512-476-3201).

Stubbs Bar-B-Q is famous for juicy meat and creamy slaw, but its outdoor amphitheater is so fine on a cool autumn night with a blanket and brew. Get here early for music, make reservations for Sunday brunch. Bring home a bottle of Stubb’s sauce. It’s not just a place … it’s an experience. (810 Red River, 512-480-8341).

Maggie Mae’s is a Sixth Street Staple. Southern rock and a great mix of college-tourist-business-types make this place a hit. Rooftop deck. www.maggiemaesaustin.com (323 E. 6th, 512-478-8541).

Threadgill’s is Austin music. It started in a gas station on Lamar in 1933 where Janis Joplin used to hang out before she became Janis. Now in two locations, but the big one for music is on Riverside, with a stage in the restaurant and another in the beer garden. The walls are a lesson in music history. (301 W. Riverside, 512-472-9304).

And, of course, while every outlying strip mall in Austin has its own special bar, for visitors with just one night to explore, you cannot ever go wrong doing a park-and-walk along Sixth Street. Lined with bars and restaurants, it feels like a street fair every weekend of the year.

— Susan Kraus is author of “A Game Day Guide to Towns of the Big 12,” available in local bookstores and spirit shops, Student Union bookstore, Amazon.com and www.gamedayguide.com.