The cavernous tavern that is Parrots is remarkable in that it is unremarkable: pale wood, TVs smattered throughout, Chicago sports team pennants lining the walls. It's about as close to a frat house as you can get. On any given weekend, even, you might be so lucky as to find a couple of real frat boys. Parrots doesn't offer you much more in terms of ambiance; it's the bar equivalent of a raging kegger. And while the place is partially underground, you never feel like you're in a cave. Best of all, Parrots features a pool table and some weekly specials ($3.50 black and tans, $3 Bass Ale on Saturdays).

Centerstage Reviewer: Erin Brereton