Karaoke night (Thursday!) is the only solid reason to go to the Dry Bean. It's a big stage with big sound (not like the Karaoke Kid), so you kind of feel like a rock star if you get up and sing. On the other hand, if you get up and suck, well..there's a lot of people to hear it. But, I'll just say: Singing "Sweet Caroline" and having a huge bar *full* of people sing along was one of the most fun experiences ever. :) It's also good because the dance floor is pleasantly full on those nights, so you can boogie without judgment.
Otherwise, the Dry Bean is more sports bar/country bar-oriented. They have some good local bands come through, but those events get too packed for my liking. The crowd tends to get weird and seedy by 1 in the morning. The drinks are WAY too expensive (I'm talking $6 for a rail gin & tonic-expensive). It's hard to get service, because the bar area tends to be so crowded. Etc, etc.
But, I do have a soft spot for the Bean. Too many good times were had there!