The Other Side is the quintessential place to hang out with your neighbors; it's like being at a block party with great food and drink specials.

During the warmer months, the front windows open for prime people watching on Clark Street. In the winter, you can snuggle up at the back tables with a cheap pitcher of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale or one of the many other beers on tap while enjoying tunes from the digital jukebox. You can also play the the Silver Strike Bowling game, if you're willing to wait in the typically long line.

The Other Side is all about its customers, and for good reason; most nights of the week, the same faithful faces are smiling and doing shots. Don't be surprised if John Cusack is one of 'em, as he's a regular.

Conveniently attached to the bar's south side, The Pasta Bowl offers plenty of mouth-watering dishes like gnocchi with rosemary gorgonzola sauce. If you're not up for a full meal, the Other Side has all the normal pub grub, including chicken wings (free from noon-3 p.m. on Saturdays!).

Centerstage Reviewer: Pasha Carroll