Hungry Brain
2319 W. Belmont Ave.
(773) 935-2118 http://www.myspace.com/hungrybrainchicago While driving past this Roscoe Village bar, it may be tough to spot, but trust me it's there. Inside it is way dark and the furniture is completely old school. Try out the vintage arcade games and the awesome jukebox which strays from the norm. If you like indie rock, you'll feel at home. Some nights bands take the stage from improvised jazz to Old Town School of Folk hoe downs. Most importantly, the drinks are priced nicely. Just don't go on Mondays because they're closed then.

Hops & Barley
4359 N. Milwaukee Ave.
(773) 286-7415

If you are heading to the Gale Street Inn and realize you don't have a fortune to spend, stop at Hops & Barley. No it's not Hop Leaf and no it's not John Barleycorn. If you want attitude, go somewhere else because the service will be far too friendly for you. It's easy to relax in this finely lit room. Plasma TVs provide sports fans with no problem to keep up with what's going on. A downstairs lounge provides another area to kick back or be bad at pool. The drinks are decently priced and the food is satisfying as well. I recommend the cranberry-laced quesadillas.

Quenchers
2401 N. Western Ave.
(773) 276-9730
www.quenchers.com

If you have a favorite beer that not many places carry, you can certainly find it here. From Delerium Tremens to cheap reliable PBR, there are no boundaries here. Decent local bands play almost every night in the adjoining room. And you don't have to be afraid they'll be the typical cover groups or Dave Matthews “wannabes”. The crowd here is subdued and cool. Though you are far from many things here, you aren't far from the Fireside Bowl. A movie theater is just up the street as well.

The Long Room
1612 W. Irving Park
(773) 665-4500

This happens to be my favorite on the list. It definitely is a long room and yet it doesn't fill up and get uncomfortable like you would think. During the summer, there's a comfortable patio area in the back. The ultra-friendly bartenders have control of the music and do a fabulous job of mixing it up. They also keep the volume at a level where you can easily talk to your friends and enemies. The Long Room carries a lot of different beers (good Belgians and microbrews), good wine (they keep it on tap), and make a really good Manhattan as well (on Fridays they're only $5).

Johnny's
Somewhere on Lincoln Avenue between Addison and Roscoe

If you hate the word "surreal" like I do, I apologize but it must be used to describe this place. I'm still unsure of its correct name. Some call it the Hamm's bar because of the sign outside, while some call it Johnny's because it's the owner's name. He's the only person I've seen work there and he opens it when he wants. To get in you have to ring a bell at the front and if he feels like it, he'll let you in to have some cheap beer. Sometimes though, you'll just wind up standing there. Sounds like a mean guy but he is pretty nice in reality. Your best bet is to ring the bell and say something like "Hi Johnny can I please come in for a drink?" He'll most likely come over and unlock the door for you. Some may call it a dive, but it's really like chilling out and drinking with your grandfather.

• Photos courtesy of Quenchers and Hungry Brain.

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