Give 'em a shot

Arguably the North Side’s most heavily populated stretch for drinking, Lincoln Avenue draws post-college and wish-I-was-still-post-college bargoers in droves. But if the price of your Saturday night tab is setting you back more than you can muster in these tough times, look to these hidden gems buried among the pricier usuals. If you’re willing to downgrade and walk a block or two, there’s cash to be saved.

Rose’s Lounge
No better sign of an old-school bar than an old-school bartender. At Rose’s, that barkeep is Rose herself, the diminutive,
feisty proprietor of this DePaul-area watering hole. Be nice and she’ll give you a bowl full of pretzels. The most expensive beer served here is two bucks, which leaves you plenty of change for the jukebox.
You’ve passed it on the way to: The Grand Central
Order: $2 Bud or Bud Lights
At Grand Central you’d pay: $3.75

Johnny’s Tavern
You can’t just mosey on into Johnny’s Tavern. It doesn’t work that way, kids. Johnny himself is the lone employee of this dark yet cozy tavern, and you’ve gotta be buzzed in by the man himself. It’ll take you some time to get your drink; again, the 80-plus-year-old Johnny is the only one manning the bar, no matter how busy it gets.
You’ve passed it on the way to: Fizz Bar & Grill
Order: $4 old-fashioneds
At Fizz you’d pay: $7.50

Goldie’s (pictured)
While the drink prices here are dive-caliber ($1 PBR everyday is the claim to fame), amenities such as top-shelf liquor mean Goldie’s is classy enough for a date. After you’ve ordered your drink of choice, amuse yourself with darts and pool.
You’ve passed it on the way to: Brownstone Tavern & Grill
Order: $3 Blue Moons
At Brownstone you’d pay: $5

Save More Liquors
A wood-carved centerpiece behind the bar reading “INDULGE” and Cuervo shots for $3.25 are all you’ll need to take the hint here: Get drinking. Pick your seat (there’s the bar or … patio furniture) and throw a few bucks into the jukebox, which has an admirable range of classic country.
You’ve passed it on the way to: Wild Goose Bar & Grill
Order: $3 vodka tonics
At Wild Goose you’d pay: $5.25

Erin J. Shea is a Metromix special contributor. metromix@tribune.com