As long as the Northwest and Southwest sides of the city continue to exist in their current configurations, the classic Chicago corner tavern as depicted in Mike Royko's Boss will not go extinct. Suffice it to say that the Gathering, a corner bar in the South Lawn neighborhood, is just such a beast. On a mild day, when a gentle breeze blows from the south, you can literally smell the stale beer, nicotine and disinfectant cleaner from a half-block away.

Your eyes will take some time to adjust to the darkness here, but when they do, you'll notice that you've walked into a tavern that any Bukowski wannabe will love. A thin Formica bar runs snakelike along nearly the entire length of the Gathering. The back bar is one of those classic wooden beer coolers, with taps and drain troughs fitted into the fixture. Miller Lite drafts run $1.25, and highballs here cost no more than $4. An internet jukebox and flat screen televisions indicate that ownership is living in the 21st century, and trust us, you haven't lived until you've seen Steve Wilkos in high-definition. Pool and darts round out the entertainment options.

Centerstage Reviewer: Chuck Sudo