Bucktown's The Corner has just about everything a bar needs to be considered a dive: cheap drinks, outdated songs on a non-digital jukebox, a mysterious basket snack called "pub mix," patrons ranging in age from just-became-legal to not-sure-if-they're-alive and of course, smoke—lots and lots of smoke (that is, until the smoking ban finally goes into effect).

Aside from being the type of place where it doesn't matter how you're dressed, The Corner's best feature is the cheap, no-frills drink. Want a fancy martini? You've come to the wrong place. It's doubtful the bar even owns martini glasses. Vodka on the rocks? No problem (and only a few bucks). While The Corner's definitely the spot to get more for your money (it offers $1 steins of Old Style), most people seem to come here to relish the old-school charm. The bar is a massive hunk of oak and the room gets mostly of its dim light from neon beer signs. There's no need to wait for the Tamale guy when you get hungry: the bartender will throw a frozen pizza in the oven upon request. Who needs a full, overpriced menu late at night, anyway?

Centerstage Reviewer: Jamie Murnane