This bar, ready-made for genuine hipsters, dishes some amazing music (in the first half-hour I heard Sleater-Kinney, Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins in succession). Reasonably priced quality brews (Woodchuck Cider, Goose Island 312) tempt a trendy, but not obnoxiously so, crowd; less regal beer (Schlitz, PBR) sates those who like to get drunk very quickly. Either way, you'll get your money's worth.

In addition to a blackboard that announces the month's drink specials, the front half of the bar is clad with edgy artwork; if you aren't comfortable with viewing the human form in all of its glory, you probably should skip this area and go directly to the back. There, you will find exposed brick, a pool table, arcade and pinball games and a television, perfect for whatever your definition of "casual entertainment" encompasses. Hanging Barbies dangle by their necks; round wooden tables invite you to pull up a chair; and light snacks like Zepp's Chips fill hungry bellies for a handful of change.

Centerstage Reviewer: Jon Graef