For Chicagoans who miss their glory days as a Hoosier or a Husker, this 2007 installment from the Four Corners Tavern group (Schoolyard Tavern, Gaslight Bar & Grille, Brownstone Tavern & Grill and Sidebar Grille) will ease the pain. Between the tasty bar food, numerous plasma screens tuned to different sporting events worldwide and a loaded liquor menu, the bar will have you reliving your IU days in no time.

Kirkwood's two nearly identical halves each feature a fully stocked bar. The left side offers a perfect-for-a-private-party seating area with a fireplace, and a patio for the summertime beer garden sits to the right. Tall ceilings, huge windows and gorgeous wood paneling step up the environs from standard sports bar to clean 'n' classy.

The bar food includes creative apps and entrees such as the reuben roll, which has the fixings of a typical reuben sandwich wrapped in a wonton, and miniwiches (three for $6), offering a taste of everything from a French dip to a fillet. From the tortilla soup and southwest salad (jack cheese, avocado, beef and tortilla strips) to the bevy of burgers, wraps and even fish tacos, you can expect hearty portions for your money. Entrees top out around $9, and appetizers start at $6. Should you bring the kiddies along, the Little 500 menu offers favorites like mac 'n' cheese burgers…perfect training for their future college dining days.

Centerstage Reviewer: Eve Ardell