Foley's is a small bar, but a proud one. It makes no claims and offers a square deal for a mug of suds. Local types dot the bar, drinking up deals (a bottle of domestic was a mere $2.25). Everywhere you turn in this bar, there's something quaint to catch your eye: It's framed with mirrors that are strung with twinkling Christmas lights; cases of trivia cards are on the bar for patron's reading pleasure; the jukebox rocks out with good ol' American tunes like Tom Petty, James Taylor and Bruce Springsteen.

There's a warm neon glow from the plentiful beer signs and a great people-watching view of Irving Park (stools included). The shelves behind the bar are a muddled stack of liquor bottles; signs proclaiming Jello Shots for $1 are hung sporadically on the wall. And even if it's not necessarily in your neighborhood, it can be: The L is within rumbling distance.

Centerstage Reviewer: Erin Brereton