This bustling Columbian hotspot in Lincolnwood feels like a cross between a Jimmy Buffet-themed bar in the Florida Keys and a vibrant Latino family reunion. And why not, Pueblito Viejo has been so popular since it opened in 1994 that owner Gonzalo Rodriguez opened another location in Miami in 2003.

Everyone seems to know each other, and so it matters not that the plastic canopy and fake floral arrangements hanging from the low ceiling obscure your view. Oldies are all the rage here, though less "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and more salsa, meringue, and anything ever sung by Shakira. Test out your Spanish before you arrive, porque aquí se habla español.

Enjoy classic Latin fares, from regional specialties such as pork or fried steak to appetizers like patacones and arepas. Be forewarned about the heavy crowds and noisy atmosphere.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Jacob Wheeler