In a ritzy part of town, it’s always a pleasure to find somewhere to let your hair down and keep your wallet closed. But, as you’d expect, with low-priced drinks and a college-bar vibe comes a seediness not found very frequently this close to the money-soaked Magnificent Mile. Popular with local Northwestern and Loyola grad students and the after-work crowd, the bare-boned Streeter’s is set apart from other watering holes by its subterranean location. After-work drinks here are a popular idea, but one caveat: since the bar's underground, it’s easy to lose track of time. If it’s warm outside, snag a table and savor some sunlight with your cheap beer. There’s no food made here, but the staff will order from neighbor Downtown Dogs until 7 p.m. if you’re hungry.

After the sun goes down on the weekends, the loud, rowdy and loyal Streeter’s crowd descends on the bar and commences a night of heavy drinking and awkward dancing. Thanks to the late last call, the makeshift dance floor and line for the bar fills out when other bars in the area close for the night. In its defense, Streeter’s is the classiest of dive bars, where tennis shoes stand next to high heels, and everyone is standing in line for superfluous shots and pitchers.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Lauren Ziel