"You don't have to go downtown to get great beer and fancy drinks — you can go to your local dive bar," says Joey Dunne, co-owner with Adam Bilter of the Grace Street Tavern in North Center.

Located on Western Avenue in the old Sally's Lounge space, the newest neighborhood addition specializes in microbrews. Saddle up to the horseshoe bar and order one of the finest: Bell's Oberon, Dirty Bastard, Dogfish Head, Three Philosophers and more are available here, making Grace Street a place you'll never forget ... even if you forget at what time you opened your bar tab, when you actually left the bar, or with whom you made your grand exit.

In addition to the fine microbrews, Dunne and Bilter offer an esteemed Irish pale ale from McSorely's, the oldest tavern in New York City. If you're not ready to pay up for the fancy stuff, choose from beer in cans: PBR, MGD, and Old Style Tallboy, or bottled beers like Heineken, Carlsberg Pilsner or Corona. Combine beer and liquor (though you're warned of becoming never sicker) with the everyday special of a can of PBR and a shot of Jim Beam. Mixed drinks include creative, bar-referential concoctions like the Grace Street Schnocker, made with watermelon and pineapple-infused vodka, soda water, and a splash of Sprite, all garnished with an assortment of drunk gummy bears.

Because this is a bar and both owners are only 30, Dunne says, "We still like to hang out, buy the regulars drinks and such." So stop by and cozy up at this dive bar — return customers are more than welcome.

Centerstage Reviewer: Alicia Eler