Jester’s is a big bar with a small-town feel, the sort of place where many customers are greeted by name, just as in a certain TV show.

And just as in a popular Billy Joel song, the bartender is quick with a joke and light for your smoke.

For nearly a decade now, Jester’s has been a throwback to the good old days of popular neighborhood bars.

It’s impossible to be bored here. There are a variety of diversions, placed evenly around the two-section room: darts, pool, pinball, electronic games, air hockey and TVs of all sizes.

On Sundays, a blues band sets up in a back corner, where customers on Fridays belt out karaoke as the MC jams amusingly on an inflatable guitar.

A domestic bottle of beer runs about $4, a value considering the lack of cover for live entertainment. Service from well-staffed bars is fast and friendly.

Jester’s has two large island bars, giant affairs with lots of dark wood, including wood beams in the ceiling. The smoky room is softly lighted but not dim; it has a hubub but isn’t raucous, and conversation is easy even when live acts are playing.

Customers on a recent Saturday night ranged from 20s to 50s, most in jeans and T-shirts.

The only thing lacking from a place as large as Jester’s is a kitchen, but customers and staff alike order out from a nearby establishment.

Nightlife news

Tonight: Don’t miss Miami’s Giorgi presenting her first live performance in her hometown, previewing her single A Boy Like That, at State, 320 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach (786-621-5215).

Saturday: Attend the official DVD/ Video release party for Humbert at Billabong Pub, 3000 Country Club Lane, Pembroke Park (954-985-1050). The band will perform with Whirlaway and Bling Bling. In addition to live music, the pub has pool tables, dart boards, foosball, golf and bar-top games, plus 18 beers on tap and more than 100 bottled beer varieties.

Sunday: Treat yourself to the show at Brazilian Tropicana Restaurant, 410 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach (954-781-1113). Samba dancing, authentic Carnival costumes and capolera martial arts performances are featured.

Monday: Catch the band Breeze playing cool music after 9 p.m. at O’Hara’s, 722 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954-524-1764).

Tuesday: Arrive by boat or car to enjoy the waterway vista and nearby marina while listening to Jimmy Maltese perform from 7-10 p.m. at Deerfield Beach’s Cove Restaurant, 1755 SE Third Court (954-421-9272).

Wednesday: Visit Alligator Alley, a live music venue and restaurant located at 1321 E. Commercial Blvd., Oakland Park (954-771-2220). It’s owned and operated by musicians for local music fans. Shortstack performs at 9 p.m., playing punk, funk, hip-hop and metal-influenced music.

Thursday: Let Bluefire with Randi the Violinist lift your spirits at O’Hara’s, 1903 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood (954-925-2555).

Staff writer Jeremy Lang can be reached at or 954-356-2338. Joan Brazer Durante, a freelance writer based in Plantation, writes the nightlife news portion of this column. Please fax news concerning local entertainment events and performers to 954-835-2347, e-mail or mail to Joan Brazer Durante, Entertainment Department, Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-2293.

JESTER’S SPORTS BAR

801 Cypress Creek Road,

Fort Lauderdale

954-776-1526

Entertainment: blues Sundays

Hours: 8 p.m.-1 a.m. (4 a.m. close)

Cover: no

Minimum: no

Dress: casual; after 8 p.m., no bandanas, flip-flops or sleeveless shirts on men

Parking: free lot