Bars Games are no bull By Brian W. Crichton SPECIAL TO THE POST-DISPATCH Thursday, Dec. 08 2005 Out of all the bars in St. Louis, I would say that well over 50 percent offer some form of entertainment other than TVs and a cute bartender. Some places have pool tables, dart boards, video games, foosball, or something that requires getting up from the stool. I've usually walk in, order a beer, grab the darts or pool cue, and enjoy a couple games. That is the norm. Beer...a game...another beer...another game. It is simple and keeps people from staring at themselves in the mirror behind the bar. I rarely find a place that catches me off guard. Even if I go to a new place, I have a pretty good idea of what is in store for me. But recently, I walked into a couple establishments and was pleasantly surprised because they offered options that appealed to everyone in the crowd or brought something new to the table. I entered the Stratford Bar & Grill, located at 800 South Highway Dr. in Fenton, and was struck by the size of the place. It is huge. The place hosts many bands, ranging from national acts like Brett Michaels and David Allan Coe to local tribute bands. The size started to make sense. Besides live shows, the Stratford offers a multitude of bar games. There are four pool tables and four foosball tables, which are used regularly for tournaments. Darts also are available, with leagues as well. The standard video games, like Golden Tee golf and MegaTouch, are available, but you'll also find free Xbox (that is a first in my bar excursions). One can also get into a Texas Hold'em poker game on Mondays at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. That would be enough for any bar, but not for this place. Step outside for sand volleyball; tournaments are held continuously. If you don't like bar games, video games or working from a laptop on their free Wi-Fi, then just come by for the food and drink. The bar fare is well worth a trip considering burgers, sandwiches, brats, kabobs, and a number of appetizers are less than $7. The half-pound burger and the brat are only $1.50 each, and the fried shrimp and chicken wings are 39 cents a pop. Free happy hour buffets go from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily and are mixed with daily drink specials ranging from 50 cent drafts on Mondays to a $10 college night on Wednesdays. If you can't make it by soon, be sure to at least check out one of the best-priced New Year's Eve parties -- two bands and a DJ, with dinner, for 30 bucks.