Charlie's Ale House, Andersonville

The Andersonville branch of a popular, laid-back regional chain of taverns with four locations (inluding one at Navy Pier), Charlie's Ale House (5308 N. Clark St., 773-751-0140) is just a simple and reliable spot for burgers, pizzas, salads, and such home-style fare as Southern fried chicken and "better 'n' Mom's" meatloaf. Because of its location, it draws plenty of gay and lesbian patrons, but it's definitely less of a "scene" than other hangouts along Clark Street, such as Hamburger Mary's and Reza's.