The first thing you see upon entering the Lincoln Tap Room is a giant black-and-red Statue of Liberty mural painted propaganda-style with "In Tap We Trust" printed next to it—possibly something we should consider for our currency. Continue looking around and you'll see a variety of other amusing things—a neon light shaped like a video-game alien, an old-fashioned photo booth and a big sign above the bar claiming "If you give us your car keys, we'll sell you the fifth drink."

As you settle into one of the comfy retro leather chairs, you just might find yourself wanting to make that deal. With most of the "lounges" in the area designed for anything but, the Tap Room is perfect for sitting-and-staying. The soft red light makes it very cozy, and the pool tables and arcades in the rear will keep you entertained should the conversation wane.

The Tap Room has plenty of beer on tap, of course, but doesn't making a big fuss over the number of names or styles. There's lots of good, micro-brewed and foreign beer for the snob, but also plenty of mass-produced, canned beer for the anti-snob (or self-consciously ironic).

Try a Hamm's for cheap (cheaper on Tuesdays) or a nice can of Stroh's. Daily specials guarantee you'll never be forced to pay full price, and on Wednesday night you can play pool for free. With a low-key atmosphere in a high-key neighborhood, the Lincoln Tap Room is the kind of place you won't want to leave. Especially if they've got your car keys.

Centerstage Reviewer: Mac McCormick