Chicago

Marie's Riptide Lounge 1745 W. Armitage Ave., 773-278-7317. Change is so overrated. This bar prefers to stick with its original decor—circa 1961—and to stick with the things that have made it great over the years. First, an inexplicable location under a freeway, in between Chicago's Lincoln Park and Bucktown neighborhoods. Second, no draft beers—just a limited selection of bottles. And, of course, a 4 a.m. liquor license that guarantees late nights and the characters that go along with them. Most of all, though, it is Marie that never changes; if you're lucky, this septuagenarian proprietor may even come downstairs in her housecoat (she lives above the bar) to have some Jaeger shots with you. She decorates the place for every holiday from Easter to Independence Day, and may even show you a magic trick if you're lucky. It's like going to your grandmother's house—if your grandmother were a bootlegger.

Danny's 1951 W. Dickens Ave., 773-489-6457. Behind a wooden facade, under the stark neon glow of a "Schlitz On Tap" sign sits a prime example of the don't-judge-a-book cliché. Originally an apartment, Danny's still boasts a homey feel inside, with upstairs alcoves featuring leather furniture, small chairs, and candlelit tables. Beers (there's a decent selection on tap) and a mind-bending mix of cocktails are available, but it's the music that sets the tone here. A low-key blend of hip-hop, rock, soul, and jazz (spun by a rotation of DJs) usually creates a dancing atmosphere. Special events include Danny's Reading Series, a poetry session that's followed by a DJ set. Dark and sometimes crowded, Danny's cozy space requires early entry if you want a prime seat. Oh, and despite the sign, they don't have Schlitz on tap; Danny's keeps you on your toes.

Club Foot 1824 W. Augusta Blvd., 773-489-0379. Club Foot is part pop-culture time capsule, part people-watching drinking den. Looking around the bar, it's almost as if someone set off an M-80 at a garage sale. Random trinkets are strewn everywhere: action figures, Billy Beer cans, magazine covers, and punk and rock and roll memorabilia. There's even Tetris, that beloved game of raining puzzle pieces. Music varies from Arcade Fire to The Who to Motley Crüe, and is played next to a welcoming dance floor. Like most good bars, the drinks are cheap and accessible, and the staff is friendly. Due to the myriad musical styles and quirky surroundings, this bar attracts all types and makes most feel right at home. Extra points are due for a name that blends the nightlife with a podiatric ailment.

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