Bucktown's The Corner has just about everything a bar needs to be considered a dive: cheap drinks, outdated songs on a non-digital jukebox, a mysterious basket snack called "pub mix" and patrons ranging in age from just-became-legal to not-sure-if-they're-alive.

Aside from being the type of place where it doesn't matter how you're dressed, The Corner's best feature is the cheap, no-frills drink. Want a fancy martini? You've come to the wrong place. It's doubtful the bar even owns martini glasses. Vodka on the rocks? No problem (and only a few bucks). While The Corner's definitely the spot to get more for your money (it offers $1 steins of Old Style), most people seem to come here to relish the old-school charm. The bar is a massive hunk of oak and the room gets mostly of its dim light from neon beer signs. There's no need to wait for the Tamale guy when you get hungry: the bartender will throw a frozen pizza in the oven upon request. Who needs a full, overpriced menu late at night, anyway?

Centerstage Reviewer: Jamie Murnane