By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Feb 11, 2010 at 5:04 AM

"Bar Month" at OnMilwaukee.com is back for another round! The whole month of February, we're serving up intoxicatingly fun articles on bars and clubs -- including guides, the latest trends, rapid bar reviews and more. Grab a designated driver and dive in!

The votes are in and the winners have been selected for OnMilwaukee's Best: Bars & Clubs, 2010. Find readers' results in 50 categories, including an editors' pick, in this series of articles that run daily in the Bars and Clubs section of OnMilwaukee.com.

The primary function of a hotel bar is to provide an oasis for weary (and often thirsty) travelers.

Of course, locals are welcome, too.

In the opinion of OnMilwaukee.com readers, the most welcoming hotel bar in town is located in County Clare, a quaint Irish inn located at 1234 N. Astor St.

Guests can cozy up to the Waterford wood-burning stove in the Saint's Snug and grab a pint of the "freshest Guinness outside of St. James Gate itself."

County Clare offers authentic Irish food, including root soup, shepherd's pie and an outstanding corned beef and cabbage. The bar offers live music and lively conversation in a relaxed atmosphere that has earned raves from The New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle and Washington Post.

Branded, a very cool space in the Iron Horse Hotel, finished second in the reader's poll, followed by Metro Bar and The Pfister Hotel's Blu, which was the editors' choice because of its combination of an outstanding view and delicious snacks.

OnMilwaukee.com editors' choice: Blu

Runners up:
2. Branded (Iron Horse)
3. Metro Bar (Hotel Metro)
4. Blu (The Pfister)
5. The Knick (Knickerbocker)
6. Miller Time Pub (Hilton City Center)
7. XYZ (Aloft)
8. Pfister Lobby Bar (The Pfister)
9. Astor Bar and Grille (Astor Hotel)
10. Envoy (Ambassador Hotel)
11. Clear (InterContinental)
12. Bar 333 (Hyatt)