Resting in an old house (once the sublime Lola) in a bustling uptown notch between office buildings and side-street buzz, this little urban oasis with a neighborhood tavern timbre draws small klatches of beautiful neighborhood folk sipping well-chosen craft beers while chewing upscale comfort food. Revel in suds offerings from brewers like Dogfish Head, Stone Brewing Co., and New Belgium Brewing Company. Plenty of India Pale Ales (those brews with full flavors honed from abundant hop deployment) flow here, too. Or get a flight to sample a variety of beers.

The drink menu boasts “Cocktail Creations” that commemorate significant events in history, such as the “L Train” (June 2, 1883, marking the trial run of the first elevated electric train in Chicago) or the “Splendid Splinter” (June 2, 1942, the day Red Sox star Ted Williams enlisted as a Navy aviator). Yet there is a solid—if short—wine list.

Small plates dominate the menu, sharable offerings like mixed bruschetta. The Camembert burger is a juicy surprise: loads of melted cheese swamping a rich beef patty planted atop a freshly baked brioche bun. Other high points: chicken-fried rib eye and the pull-apart-tender baby back ribs zinged with an ever-so-slight spice finish. The Common Table also has a tasty new brunch menu that pairs well with your favorite hair of the dog.