Let's face it. A dim, cavernous sports bar can be counterproductive to a day outside at the old ballpark. For starters, you can't work on your tan. Luckily, you can brown away at Sports Corner. Open windows and tables seating on the sidewalk along Sheffield creates a sports bar-cum-European cafe vibe, except patrons here swap coffee and duck salad for beer and chicken wings. Refreshingly, the Sports Corner consciously makes an effort not to pack its guests in like cattle. You can comfortably sit back and watch the droves of fans descend from the L station onto Addison and be glad you're not among the masses waiting in line to enter Gate D.

On Thursday nights, $.50 tacos and lots of beer draws a lively crowd (though it's not too crowded usually to get a table). The shots are strong and the waitstaff is nice. Bouncers stand inside the door and chat with patrons (although they can get surly after Cubs games, whew!). This is a diehard, Wrigleyville kick-it, toss-it, slam-it sports bar, from the sporty but simple decor to the baseball cap-clad bargoers. Still, everyone's friendly and everyone's here to drink until the Cubbies come home (or win) so it's all good times.

Centerstage Reviewer: Larry Majewski