A Loop-favorite of chilly tourists, beer-drinking SAIC students and hardened locals who rightly own the joint, it's the kind of place that makes you wonder how the aforementioned Bennigan's still exists.

Open since 1969, the walls are clad in authentic Chicago memorabilia (heavy emphasis on the Bulls), the drinks are refilled quickly and the food is what bar food was before the hip introduction of chicken satay skewers. While very large seating areas overtake the back, the front bar is the more boisterous spot to have a yard (yep, 22 ounces) of Boddington's and munch on fish 'n chips or a Chicago-style pizza, which Robert Ebert apparently gave four stars (= thumbs up?). I take the club sandwich route: Nothing beats white bread, bacon, mayo, turkey and a giant side of fries.

Centerstage Reviewer: Kate Schwartz