If your first glance into Dino's Liquors happens to be an upward one, the original tin ceiling plates, exposed beams and ventilation tubes all painted a monochromatic charcoal might indicate the lid of a trendy lofted nightspot. Once your eyes make their way downward over a deco bar boasting mahogany accents, backlit glass columns and floor-to-ceiling liquor shelving, they'll eventually land on the oldest fixtures in the place—the loyal patrons, many of whom have occupied the same barstools for all of Dino's 40 years. All of those bottles lining the walls are for sale, making Dino's part of the exceptional (though dwindling) breed of Chicago establishments known as "slashies."

A vintage Old Style Beer sign and striped awning mark the façade of the corner dwelling, just a short walk from Loyola University. Close proximity to a college campus is usually an indicator of a nightspot's crowd, but the beer-swilling demographic of Dino's is more the working class than the going-to-class kind. Five televisions loop through local sports events from football to tennis. While you can view Sox games here, realize that Dino's is firmly entrenched in Cubs territory. A pool table that slants on a ½" incline gives regulars the upper hand with what is affectionately dubbed "The Clark Street Rule." An internet jukebox pumps out an eclectic mix, and it isn't at all unusual to hear a Waylon Jennings song followed by the Sex Pistols. There's plenty of cocktail-style seating, but most customers prefer to belly up to the bar, where a gigantic swordfish keeps watch. Aside from a few bartenders, most everyone who comes through the door has the Y chromosome in tow, making the rare lady customer here feel a bit out of place.

Centerstage Reviewer: K. Tighe