On reality TV shows, it seems like all successful bachelors come with their own private island and a yacht to get you there. But if you can't find your own stud with a patch of sand, drinking a cold brew on the serene patio at Halsted's Bar and Grill is the next best thing.

Nestled into a row of backyards and adorned with tropical plants swaying in the breeze, this patio is the perfect escape from the noisy Lakeview streets. Pull up a chair to one of the tables, each with its own personalized fan, and picture a cabana boy fanning you with a banana leaf. Or, if you want to be in the center of things, take a seat on one of the mod leather chairs and watch an electric blue light show on the brick wall. The patio bar is full service and offers a wide selection of cold beers for less than $5, as well as specialty martinis like the Sweet Georgia Peach ($9), with vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice and champagne.

Halsted's offerings don't end at the spectacular patio, though. Inside, settle into one of the wooden high-top chairs to nosh on a wide range of food. The menu offers everything from pub grub like the Basic Butter Burger ($7.95) to lighter fare taken from the days of X/O (the former resto in this spot)like steamed mussels in a lemon grass, white wine, garlic and ginger sauce. You might catch the attractive waitstaff looking at themselves in one of the many large golden-framed mirrors, while the sound of casual conversation fills the room up to the pressed-tin ceiling.

Perhaps the biggest draw of Halsted's, for a wannabe video girl like myself anyway, are the flat-screens TVs that function as Lakeview's first video jukebox system. That means you can eat your burger as you watch (and not just hear) the old Britney be Toxic.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Maude Standish