Attached to Whole Foods in Boystown, the Center on Halsted attracts a lot of hungry people. But it's not just the organic goodies that reel them to this sleek building; the center offers tons of educational programs, social events and recreational activities catering to the LGBT community.

In the main room you'll find a lot of people on laptops, tapping into the Center's free wi-fi. What you won't find are outlets; the room only has two, so unless your laptop has super self-charging powers, don't plan on getting any work done in this area. It's also easy to get distracted by passersby through the stunning floor-to-ceiling windows facing Halsted Street. When the sun is shining this is a prime lunch-break place, but the windowed walls can be a little daunting on a dreary day, so park it on a plush reading chair by the fireplace. Bring some books or grab one from the Center's library.

Work up an appetite on one of the basketball or volleyball courts (rec hours change weekly) or appreciate the arts in the 170-seat Hoover-Leppen Theatre. Hubris Productions and GayCo use the space to host regular sketch performances. Find show times and tickets on the Center's website. Aside from all of the events going on inside of its building, the Center on Halsted offers 8 regular programs including counseling, computer classes and an HIV and STD hotline.

Centerstage Reviewer: Stacy Warden