Compared to the colorful Boystown bars and the more polished Andersonville joints, Star Gaze may seem no-frills at first. But what this neighborhood bar lacks in pizzazz it more than makes up for in size and a sense of community. A large horseshoe-shape bar divides the dim, loft-like interior into two distinct areas, with a dance floor on one side and pool tables and seating on the other. Outside, a shady beer garden with plenty of seating provides yet another option for kicking back with a cold one and some new friends.

Though the crowd is usually a mix of those looking to dance, shoot pool or mingle over drinks, patrons here tend to be a bit older. There's a strong Latina crowd on Friday nights, when salsa dancing is the main attraction. Sunday night's karaoke fills the space, with house music played on Saturdays and darts and free pool on Tuesdays. On Thursdays all well drinks and domestic beers are only $2.

The Star Gaze menu is as split as the bar itself, with one section devoted to traditional bar food, such as mozzarella sticks, beer-battered mushrooms and chicken wings, and the other offering full entrees, such as broiled salmon, pork chop cutlet and linguine alfredo.

Centerstage Reviewer: Kate Rockwood