Just opened

Setting it straight Don’t call Sofo a gay bar. Yes, it’s a video bar owned by Colm Treacy, proprietor of the decidedly gay and lesbian T’s down the street. And yes, it inhabits the space of the late gay bar Different Strokes. But general manager Jim Robertson swears that Sofo (which stands for “south of Foster”) is simply GLBT-friendly. “We cater to the GLBT community without excluding anybody else,” he says. With an interior awash in bright primary colors, the bar does have a cheerful, welcoming look. And later this summer Robertson plans to add an outdoor bar to the beer garden. It doesn’t require a GLBT crowd to get excited about that. 4923 N Clark St between Ainslie and Argyle Sts (773-784-7636).—David Tamarkin

Continental (won’t) divide We’ve seen it all before. A neighborhood on an upswing—swarming with artists perfectly happy with laundromats and ceiling fans instead of pricey rehabs with modern amenities—loses its charm as rickety dives are converted into slick spots. When Chris Ongkiko (former owner of Darkroom) rechristens Humboldt Park’s 100-year-old Hiawatha bar as The Continental this week, he vows that the old regulars won’t get pushed out. In fact, the couple that Ongiko bought the place from, Chris Bambulas and Arlene Lesso, will still tend bar. Wall paneling and wooden booths got a comfy leather makeover, and a sound system is in place to play “everything from Pixies to The Ramones.” Here’s h68.oping the DJ throws in a little Tex Williams to put the regulars at ease. 2801 W Chicago Ave at California Ave, 773-292-1200.—Heather Shouse

Take two When Menagerie chef-owners Craig Fass and Mandy Franklin weren’t seeing a packed dining room on a regular basis, they figured that maybe the locals weren’t feeling their upscale aim. So they reconcepted into the more casual, suitably named Coopers–A Neighborhood Eatery and are reopening their doors Thursday 15. The former contemporary Zen look has been ditched for cozy coffee colors, booths and inviting French doors, and the menu is now packed with superaffordable paninis, pizzas and salads. But Fass and Franklin haven’t abandoned their contemporary flair; entrées like seared ruby trout with crab-corn-leek tart and starters like duck confit mac and cheese help keep things interesting. 1232 W Belmont Ave between Racine and Lakewood Aves (773-929-2667). —Heather Shouse

Sofo - The Continental - Coopers–A Neighborhood Eatery