Between the sporty and club-crazed bars of Lincoln Park and the madness of Wrigleyville, you'll find a hidden, singularly strange world at the corner of Halsted Street and Wellington Avenue. A place so bizarre and so wonderfully unexpected that it can only be called—Parrots.

Parrots is a dive, and it knows it. But that's only part of the reason you go. Go because the patrons there don't care how you look, who you're with or what you drink. Go for the free popcorn, $9 pitchers of anything on draft and free pool. Go because it feels like a bar in your grandparents' basement, complete with an old-fashioned cash register, wood panel ceilings and oscillating fans. Oh, and there are parrots...everywhere. Count the decorative parrots and just try to stop at twenty. Did I mention there's a mild nautical theme throughout the U-shaped watering hole? And the jukebox carries only the classics—none of that new "music" that the baby boomers cannot stand.

As you take in all this gem has to offer, bask in the warm glow of the string of yellow Christmas lights. Down some cheap drinks and play some darts or pool. Parrots is much bigger than it looks from the outside, so explore once you're inside. Chat it up with the regulars or see if you can find the old-school Buffett and alcohol posters. The food specials are pretty solid, but you’d better like seafood. Try the oyster po'boy for five bucks or the catfish platter for only $6.50. And don't miss $8 pitchers of Miller Lite or Leinie's on Sundays.

Centerstage Reviewer: John Kristoff