This one surprised me. Though it's rightly billed as yet another packed-to-the-gills and pleasantly rowdy 4 a.m. bar, Burton Place turned out to be a happy anomaly. Located in Old Town just a few blocks from the Gold Coast, this is a down-home sports bar that sees pleasantly quiet after-work crowds that gives way to shoulder-to-shoulder action come midnight.

The space is trodden and small (an upstairs space provides a little more breathing room) and the bar is one of those neato! circular numbers. TVs are viewable from every angle, and food (club sandwiches, pizza, jalapeno poppers) is served until 3 a.m.

I figured it was just another place to blend into the woodwork, but our chatty bartender ended up buying us several rounds, and when I hesitantly ordered a bloody mary (figuring this wasn't the place to get more than Blue Moon or rum & Coke), I was presented with a giant pint glass stuffed with a lettuce leaf, celery, pickles and olives. Now that's a drink...and it's not the only one. Cocktails are stiff and served in pint glasses.

You've been warned.

Centerstage Reviewer: Kate Schwartz