There's something to be said for a lesbian dive bar that's over three decades old, if for no other reason than the fact that they barely exist. But Lost and Found, which has been around for 35 years, takes pride in its role as Chicago's oldest lesbian dive bar. And for good reason.

It's the equivalent of the lesbian Cheers—friendly and auspicious, with softball trophies and Walter Payton posters that proclaim, "Da Bears, dey are da best!" hugging the walls. On the empty Friday night that I visited the bar, I felt like I was intruding upon some sort of secret society gathering, possibly because patrons have to buzz the doorbell to get inside. Unlike Star Gaze (arguably Lost and Found's only rival), Lost and Found is not outwardly divey in appearance. Well-polished brick tiles lay underfoot, and a warm, reddish glow pervades the atmosphere, giving one a sense of incubation (lesbians love to nest!) as well as hospitable charm.

Bottled domestics are $3 or $2.50 if you get the seven-ounce version (I'm a sucker for miniatures), well drinks are $4 and "cordials" (flavored, sweetened spirits) are $5. A testament to Lost and Found's true blue-collar roots, however, can be found in the jukebox, which houses tunes from Melissa Etheridge to an Old Navy Promotional CD. Be sure to call ahead on weeknights because the place has been known to close early if business is slow. Grab your favorite gal or lesbro, lose the Prada bag, and you just might find yourself having a rip-roaring good time at Lost and Found.

Centerstage Reviewer: Anna Pulley