The bar may not be unknown, especially to residents of the Wrigleyville area, but it is indeed underground. One of the more intimate bars around Wrigley Field, the Underground Lounge holds up an honorable reputation as the best area alternative to the after-Cubs-game scene.

What the space lacks in natural, or even artificial, light it makes up for in seating. A small stage, accompanied by a dance floor, hosts local and lesser-known bands on nearly every weekend (Thursday included) night.

The long bar is amply stocked with import beers, a surprisingly appealing collection of drafts (including Hooegarten and Stella) and a Jameson dispenser. The premium beers are decently priced around $5 on a regular night, and weekly specials—such as two bucks for any beer on Monday and $3 Jameson shots on Wednesday—bring the bill down.

Even when bands rock out and whisky flows, the former speakeasy remains a prime get-away from the loud, mobile frat parties hopping up and down Clark Street on a weekly basis.

Centerstage Reviewer: Sarah Dahnke