Armadillo Palace is, depending on how you look at it, either a Disneyesque homage to Texas or a cartoonish farce. No matter which, we’ll take Jim Goode’s Western-themed joint, whose presence is trumpeted by a giant stainless-steel armadillo out front, over most other downmarket bars-and-grills in town. Even if you have a hard time not giggling at the rows of saddles, the longhorns, and the paraphernalia at every glance, the live music is killer, the service is smiley, and some of the waitresses are drop-dead Texas gorgeous. It’s the sort of place you can’t help but bring out-of-towners: you’ll all hang out on the relaxing patio, drinking beers and downing outdoor food. Also, Aggies will find friends here.

Most people order just apps, our favorite of which is the smoked chicken-and-cheese flautas, which are crispy and satisfying. Buffalo wings are decent, fairly moist and appropriately vinegary, although the blue cheese dressing is more like ranch. We don’t mind the green chile empanadas, but we don’t like them, either. Still, they’re better than the boring, brittle nachos with a smear of mediocre refried beans, and the venison chili that doesn’t have enough depth of flavor; nor does it lend itself well to nachos. Burgers are passable, but nothing special. The draft beer selection could be better, but hey, it’s a fun party every night, and the $6 weekend cover’s hard to argue with.