Smack dab in the middle of a quiet neighborhood, ROCKS Lincoln Park is the neighborhood bar that everyone wishes they lived next door to. The drinks are plentiful, the food is several notches above average bar grub and the atmosphere feels as warm and fuzzy as the ones that only exist on TV (I'm looking at you, "Cheers"). It's my new favorite and the perfect place to relax after work or to bring an old friend for lots of beer and conversation.

Inside, ROCKS is clean, spacious and filled with enough televisions to meet all your sports-watching needs. Just outside, you'll find one of the best beer gardens in the city. But what impresses me most about ROCKS is the food. The lengthy menu offers some mouthwatering appetizers, salads and sandwiches, as well as eight (you heard right: eight) kinds of fries, from tater tots to sweet potatoes. Other goodies include the fried mac & cheese and a deep-fried Snickers bar.

The booze logs some equally impressive numbers: Take your pick of 16 drafts, 20 vodkas and more than 30 scotches and bourbons, all of which are served in heavy glasses with one big cube of ice. Now that rocks.

Average cost: $21-$30

Centerstage Reviewer: Ashley Hamilton