If it feels like everyone at Novak's knows everyone else, it's probably because they do — the community atmosphere is unmistakable. The gals (and guys) at Novak's are always welcoming to newcomers — gay, straight or bar-curious. The horseshoe bar provides ample opportunities for chatting, flirting and good old-fashioned drinking, and both the game room and sedate patio are great places to make new friends. If Novak's were just a great bar with a killer game room and relaxing patio, it would deserve high praise. But the bar doesn't scrimp on entertainment — there are weekly karaoke and open-mic nights alongside bands and singer-songwriters. The real fun begins when the Drag King shows invade the place, giving some gender-bending pomp and runway elegance to this Grove hot spot.