"Cutting edge" and "diverse" aren't the first two words generally associated with the Wrigleyville bar scene. Unless, that is, you're talking about Smartbar. Located underneath live-music great the Metro, the bar stands shoulders above the crowded, sports bar-heavy area, due in no small part to its dedication to breaking new DJs and hosting an eclectic mix of events.

The no-frills, dark, dank atmosphere of the club may give you the feeling of partying in a friend's basement, but the well known DJs and large dance floor make it clear this is no house party. The bar is credited for breaking industrial music from artists like Ministry and Trent Reznor, who used SmartBar's crowd as a test audience while recording. In addition to flying in international DJs, SmartBar also boasts a number of resident DJs (including Colette, Justin Long and Miles Maeda) who spin everything from industrial to funk throughout the week.

The diverse clientele, ranging from punk rock kids to techno lovers, often correlates with whoever is playing at the Metro, since many of Smartbar's patrons come directly through an entrance at the Metro for after-concert events (there is a sidewalk entrance from Clark Street as well). Need a break from the beats? On Tuesdays, besides offering $3 Stella Artois and Bacardi cocktails, the bar screens a wide range of movies, from recent indie features to classics like "Monty Python," at 8:15 and 10:15 p.m.

The club is definitely a late-night haunt, as it doesn't even open until 10 p.m. Cover is free Sunday through Tuesday; later in the week, it ranges from $5 to as much as $15 if a big DJ is playing. Also, if you enter through the Metro, it's free to get into the bar.

Centerstage Reviewer: Ann McDonald