A staple among the Chicago music scene since 1973, the Abbey Pub is much more than a mere Irish pub. The enormous building and several entrances may confuse you if it's your first visit, but wherever you enter you'll be offered kind assistance if your quizzical look doesn't disappear. Or, in exploratory spirit, just continue walking through the different hallways and rooms until you find what you're looking for.

In addition to the "pub" portion of Abbey Pub, there's also a separate restaurant, as well as a large room for concerts, the reason music lovers flock to the otherwise average section of Elston and Grace. In the restaurant, walls are covered with band posters, though the menu serving brunch, lunch and dinner is an equal eye-catcher (bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, the famous Guinness meatloaf and all-you-can-eat fish 'n chips for $7.95 on Fridays, just to name a few favorites). After you eat, venture into the adjoining pub, filled with a small winding bar and round tables where you'll find several beers on tap and a full bar offering nightly drink specials like Thursday's $3 Jameson. In proper pub fashion, enjoy Irish beer samplers, European soccer matches on large screens and a small stage in the corner for live Irish music, local bands and open-mic nights.

The beloved music room hosts bands nightly on a grand stage you can see from the floor or the balcony wrapped around the room. Drink specials are only offered in the pub, so you may want to have a couple before heading over to hear the band (past performers include Guided By Voices, Iron & Wine and Tortoise, in addition to various Irish acts). With friendly bartenders and informative doormen, keep an eye on the rich and varied music schedule, because it's so good to see a great rock band at a place with zero attitude.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Heather Blaha