You can't find a place much more Irish than the South Side (except for maybe Ireland), and Western Avenue is known for its strip of mostly Irish bars that lines the west side of the street, known to South Siders as the "Western Walk." One of the more predominant bars on the scene is Cork & Kerry, a tall, woody building with a large sign bearing the bar's name painted in green and white on the north-facing side, like a beacon guiding ships home.

Cork & Kerry is loud and crowded, especially on Friday and Saturday nights past 11 p.m. when the weekend is in full swing. The actual bar area is small, and even though it's packed with as many tables and chairs as will fit, seating is still limited. But this doesn't keep the crowds from piling in. Patrons stand shoulder-to-shoulder while waiting for drinks, which makes for many a spill, but no angry reactions.

Being a typical Irish pub, Cork & Kerry sticks to the basics: beer (generally $2.75-$4), shots and mixed drinks. The bartenders don't skimp on the liquor, either, so don't let that cup full of ice get you heated. A favorite beverage is Vanilla Stoli and Coke; it's tall and delicious and easy on the wallet, because after three or so you're about done. Cork & Kerry also has a great year-round beer garden; a plastic wall seals in as much heat as possible in winter months. Another boon? A popcorn machine (free, of course) and the random free meal (it served free pizza during the World Series). Oh, and did I mention that the bartenders are really, really cute?

Centerstage Reviewer: Amy Wilschke