Bird's Nest is a hard bar to define. The crowd is classy, professional and yet young and out to have fun. There's hints of sports (pool tables, TVs that seem so fond of sports broadcasting) but it's not a pull-up-a-stool sports bar. It's a clean, friendly little place where people are more likely to get a bit dressed up when they go out. And hey, what's wrong with that? Most patrons drink beer (the typical bottles and on-tap scenario) and meet and greet with a little less aggression than some of the other Lincoln Park or Wrigleyville bars.

The back party room is a great find if you're looking to entertain, with enough dancing and seating space (even elbow space at the bar) to let your friends really rock out. It looks like a rec room, giving a house party kind of feel you just can't get by rolling a keg into someone's apartment. Don't miss $1 burgers on Wednesdays and 25-cent wings on Thursdays.

Centerstage Reviewer: Erin Brereton