A dive with downtown prices, the Boss Bar is a neighborhood place where boys will be boys. So who's the Boss at this Near North Side bar? Well, that all depends on where you happen to be looking. If your eyes fall on the imposing black-and-white murals of Richard J. Daley, there's little doubt that "Da Mayor" is running the show. But once your glance arrives at the Coyote Ugly-esque barstaff, you'll see that the ladies are in charge. The women doling out the suds at Boss Bar are usually the only hints of estrogen in the place, and that's just fine by the clientele. Mostly businessmen trolling on happy hour, or blue-collar types unwinding over a game of pool, the crowd at Boss Bar seem to have only two common threads: 1) they are all men and 2) they're not looking for anything other than a beer, a shot and perhaps the ear of a bartender.

Marked by an enormous vintage neon sign, the Boss Bar offers zero-frills. Inside, exposed brick walls and high ceilings add a loft-like touch to this dive, while a jukebox pumping through classic rock and '90s alternative provides the soundscape to many a workday after-party. Don't let your surroundings fool you; expect to pay downtown prices for any of the large selection of beers on tap. Flat screen televisions pipe in the games, but people-watching proves to be more entertaining—especially after the day-trader types have had a few, and are attempting to pick-up whichever unsuspecting female has accidentally wandered into the joint.

Centerstage Reviewer: K. Tighe