Affectionately dubbed by regulars as "the Deuce," the Mark II Lounge clearly lives a double life. Afternoons and evenings belong to the loyal regulars—far North Siders exchanging banter, taking in a game and buying each other rounds. After midnight is another story altogether.

Situated between Northwestern and Loyola, it's not exactly a shocker that students have embraced the Deuce for generations. As one of the few after-hours bars in this part of town, this cavernous lounge has a monopoly on the happenings after-hours. When closing time rolls around, students itching for another drink and one last shot at not going home alone head to the Deuce. Well-maintained dart boards, a pool table and a college-friendly jukebox keep the hefty crowds entertained, but it's the cheap beer that makes 'em stay until the sun comes up. All those suds can add up to one gnarly hangover, so the kindly folks at the Mark II (which are the same kindly folks who run Mullen's) sell dirt-cheap pizzas through the night. In all likelihood, this is frozen pizza from the neighboring grocery, but at three in the morning, it miraculously becomes the best pizza in Chicago. The questionable pies are also available for half-price during weekday happy hours.

The low-ceilings of this dive match the ambient light levels well, resulting in an idyllic low-key solution to how to spend your night—or morning, as it often happens. Owned by the Anton family since 1958, the Mark II is an indispensable part of the Far North experience.

Centerstage Reviewer: K. Tighe