Not all season tickets are held by corporations and doled out according to office rank. Some individuals actually own their own seats, and have done so for decades. These are the kind of guys hanging out at Bernie's Tavern, the ones who can actually name the Cubs starting roster. Knowledgeable old-timers fill the bar for the moderately priced beer and cooked-to-order dogs, brats, burgers and chicken sandwiches.

Even though Bernie's gets just as crowded as some of the other Wrigleyville/Clark Street bars, it seems less so because most of the patrons find themselves standing outdoors, spilling out onto the adjoining patio or, in some cases, the street. Sure, you may have to wait in line for what seems like hours for the bathroom and you may not find a bartender easily, but as far as Chicago sports bars go, this is a classic.

The AM sports radio crowd trades loud rock music for post-game chats. That means conversations can actually be understood without yelling and you can strike up a Cubs-related debate without a female fan chiming in with, "I like Mark Prior because he's cute." You can't find a more casually-paced bar this close to the friendly confines.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Larry Majewski