Baris Yuksel's latest bar is set amidst the packed corridor of Division Street near Damen, and even has two bars for neighbors. While it has all the necessary requirements – a patio, big bay windows and a TV for nearly every stool at the bar, it also adds a little red to its beard to make the place stand out.

While anyone coming here for a traditionally Irish meal may be let down, the food offers quality versions of bar standards with the occasional Irish touch. For example, the name may have you roll your eyes, but the Irish Pipe Bombs - spring rolls stuffed with corned beef, aged swiss, and cabbage in thousand island dressing for $7 – are made with care.

The 10-ounce burgers come in several varieties, with a regular Ale House burger running for $8.50, while specialties like the claddagh ring burger (with bacon, swiss and avocado) run up to $9.50. The main dishes stay a little closer to Irish roots: a bowl of Ballymaloe Irish stew has slow-cooked lamb with Guinness stout in the broth and a side of soda bread for $11.50 or a small plate of bangers and mash runs for $7.

Of course, one doesn't come to an ale house just for the food. Martinis run $10 apiece across the board, from the Irish Manhattan (Bushmills, sweet vermouth, and cherry) to the Big Easy (Southern Comfort, raspberry liqueur, Sprite and sour), while a range of shots are available from $5-$8. The tap list is small, but covers all your Irish bases, including Guinness, Magners, Boddingtons, Smithwicks and more. If you want to make it a night, order one of the tableside beer towers with built-in taps and you'll finally be able to pour the perfect head - at least for the first few, anyways.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Dan Morgridge