Even though I enjoyed Meredith Brooks in high school, I was alarmed that her 1997 smash hit ("Bitch") gave me my first few minutes of sound at the "edgy rock bar" Faith & Whiskey. Actually, she did top the billboards with a cuss word; it makes sense. I moved full-tilt toward friends at the bar and was soon charmed as the bar staff gave a warm "welcome to Faith & Whiskey" and the music transitioned to Jane's Addiction.

The rocker vibe was much less noticeable than the obliging air created by the staff. Every new patron was greeted by five staff members; the bar offers the same number of easily accessible bathrooms, above which pose dueling '69 and '72 Triumph Choppers.

When the owners closed the former space Ta'Too (crushing the hearts of many DePaul scholars) they had faith and they had whiskey. Now they have Faith & Whiskey! See? Hunter Cannon (Bon V), with his undefeated style and his sociable people, has opened up another unapologetic crowd-pleaser. The owners have summed it up as a "roadhouse kind of place." Wait, sit down. It's not the Crazy Swayze Roadhouse type. More like a nice, clean bar ... with an Ed Hardy-ish tattoo mural, guitars mounted on the walls, steer skulls, and whiskey indeed.

I heard once that people are what matter most in life, and the Faith & Whiskey staff is absolutely unparalleled. The employees possess a laid-back charisma blending the contrast of those working, and those working on a good time. Yet they are fast, fun and hospitable. Rock out to Faith & Whiskey to experiment with a few of their invented cocktails (like the Sid Vicious) and mix with the convivial, good-looking patrons.

Centerstage Reviewer: Kate Anderson