Charlie's on Webster follows the formula of college kids plus alcohol equals success. Located near DePaul University, Charlie's is often packed with a younger crowd. But there's more to Charlie's than the location that makes this Lincoln Park bar a go-to place for both students and older neighborhood residents.

For one thing, Charlie's offers more than your typical bar food offerings. Appetizers ($8.95-$9.95) include a warm lemon crab dip served with tortilla chips and the toasted ravioli served with zesty marinara sauce. As for the entrees ($9.95-$22.95), Charlie's keeps them hearty like Alex's meatloaf platter with rich mushroom gravy and the home-style pot roast, braised in beef gravy with carrots, celery and pearl onions. Both are served with mashed potatoes and green beans. You can also order soups and salads ($4.95-$14.95) for lighter meals and sandwiches and burgers ($8.95-$10.95). During weekends, patrons can order from their brunch menu.

Of course, all this food needs to be washed down. Charlie's offers 22 beers on tap like Boddington ($5) and Warsteiner ($4). It also offers a slew of over 30 domestic and imported bottles. For those with a fancier taste, the list of drinks includes a variety of white, red and sparkling wines and martinis ($9).

Inside Charlie's, though it can be crowded on the weekends, is a beautiful bar with soft lighting and multiple flat-screen televisions. The outside patio provides extra space even during winter when a heated patio tent is set up.

With a good location, plenty of food choices and a slew of alcohol beverages, Charlie's managed to follow a formula that so far seems to have worked.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Kimber Solana