One night out of three, a gay guy can walk into the BottleNeck Lounge and be greeted by a dozen once-overs from prospective dates. But that's the extent of the bar's allegiance to the rainbow community. True, the BottleNeck's owned by a pair of lesbians, but you can never predict who's going to be occupying the stools: soccer moms married to soccer moms, straight guys with ironic mustaches, dudes who work a little too hard to show off their pecs—all locals from around the way, all more intent on having drinks with friends than cruising. The bartenders' skill at mixing up the dog-themed cocktails varies, but each of them cultivates the same hey-watcha-doin' charm. There is nothing like a scene. With its West Elm sconces and Leinenkugel's wheat beer on tap, the BottleNeck is also no dive (bonus: Bloody Mary and grilled-cheese Sundays). The BottleNeck is a neighborhood bar that every block should have. That gay, lesbian, and straight neighbors can all claim the place as theirs without making the others feel unwelcome is a feat the owners should truly be proud of. —Jonathan Kauffman