First, you have to press through the crowd of sweaty bodies. After that, all you need to do is let loose and unwind. 50 Yard Line, a South-Side legend, is the perfect mix of sports bar/lounge/dance club.

Weekdays usually belong to the older and wiser, while the weekend scene is for the young. There's just one rule: Dress to impress. And we mean it. Skullcaps, jeans and sneaks are forbidden after 9 p.m., but when you see the way people are decked out (men in brightly colored suits with matching hats) you'll wish you left your tired duds at home. The crowd comes to see and, more importantly, to be seen. If you aren't a regular, be prepared to feel a bit left out; it seems everyone here knows everyone else.

The drinks are strong, the music pumpin' (the DJ spins hip-hop, R&B, reggae and more) and the dance floor is most certainly packed. But if you think 50 Yard Line is just for steppin', think again: As the name implies, sports factor in big here, with 20 TVs to catch the game on. Fried chicken, perch and the like help keep things going (and the cognac flowing) into the wee hours.

Centerstage Reviewer: Venita Griffin