When the Wiener's Circle has lost its luster and you can't take one more wisecrack from a drunken tourist, move on down the road to The Clark Street Dog. At this locally run joint, you'll find ballpark fare, cocktails, no-nonsense service and (perhaps best of all) few out-of-towners.

The tiny hut's exterior clown colors practically beg the folks passing by to check it out. As one might imagine, the neighborhood hot-dog stand is always packed after the bars close, when greasy food is a necessity. Veer off to the right and you can order food at a counter. Less than a half-dozen no-frills booths offer seating for. Off to the left is a bar area (aptly named the Clark Street Bar) that serves up cocktails with zero fuss or pretension. Only about 10 stools line the bar and there is only one TV; an old-school jukebox entertains patrons with the likes of Bon Jovi.

You can count on The Clark Street Dog to be a staple if you live within walking distance. The bar and restaurant are open until 3 a.m. every night, making it a must-have for late-night munchies. The night bartender Tuesday through Saturday, Phil, is known for his off-beat personality and for hooking up regulars. Domestic bottles are only $3.50. Although the decently sized menu includes Italian beef, fish sandwiches and French fries, there's little reason to look beyond the boiled Vienna hot dogs ($2.95) and double cheeseburgers ($4).

Centerstage Reviewer: Pasha Carroll