Reader’s Choice

Sofo

Clean and nicely furnished, with abstract art adorning the brick walls, Sofo is the quintessential home-away-from-home drinking establishment. You can show up in an old T-shirt and jeans, or walk in direct from that fancy benefit decked out in your tux, and no one will say boo. It’s not a dance bar, although spontaneous dance parties occur, and it’s not a sports bar, although the big game is often showing on one of the several TV screens, competing with music videos. Play a low-key round of darts, or pool—even if, like me, you suck at both. Certainly Sofo’s a gathering place for groups of friends, but if you drop in solo, someone is going to chat you up. Each and every one of the bartenders is the basis of someone’s obsessive crush, even (or perhaps most especially) the straight ones. (Hi Zack!) If the camaraderie of the back patio and a pint aren’t enough for you, avail yourself of nearby naughtiness: Banana Video is upstairs and the Chicago Eagle is steps away. 4923 N. Clark, 773-784-7636, sofobar.com. —Robert McDonald

Readers’ Choice

Sidetrack

3349 N. Halsted, 773-477-9189, sidetrackchicago.com.

Send a letter to the editor.

From the Reader blogs