A karaoke bar may seem an odd choice for a breakup spot, but the more you think about it, the more genius it becomes. There's plenty of music to drown out any of the more heated moments in your conversation, people are too focused on the singer to notice you, and you can even sing a swan song if needed.

As long as it's not a Friday or Saturday night, Brass Tacks will be just dark enough to hide, just empty enough to not make a scene, just full enough to not attract attention, and just sticky enough to ensure there won't be a rambling conversation.

When the sparks start to fizzle, head down to this damp and dark dive-turned-beach-themed-cocktail bar. The cocktails are unfussy and not too expensive (about $10 a pop) so that you can grab a discreet corner on the couch or a bar seat near the door, get the bad news over with, and then slink out.

No frills, no bullshit, no credit cards is the name of Horseshoe Tavern's game. Get in, do your business, and get out, then head to The Tipsy Pig down the street for some meat market action with your newly single status.

So long as you don't go during a sports game, Irish Times has the quick in-and-out service, simple drinks, and the somewhat private space you need to cut the cord.

This ancient dive bar is as faded as your relationship, and the perfect place to nip it in the bud. Drown your mutual sorrows at opposite ends of the bar with "the special," a shot and a beer for $5. When the deed is done, listen to any number of ballads on the jukebox that are perfect for soothing an addled heart.

People will be too focused on pool and ping pong to notice the drama unfolding in your personal life. Pick a booth at this divier bar (with the bonus of better-than-average cocktails) for some privacy, and make it quick.

The mid-century-inspired lobby bar at the Laurel Inn has a low-key vibe that will give you the Don Draper-sized ego you need to break the harsh news. Be forewarned though: The martinis here are voluminous and would look very dramatic being thrown in someone's face.

Breaking up to the sweet sounds of Rod Dibble's piano playing is one of the more poetic ways to end a relationship. This divey saloon is dark, with private booths and stiff drinks, making it the perfect place to cut ties.

When it's time to cut ties, what better place to do it than at the cold granite bar of an art deco-themed soda jerk? Break the news over a couple boozy dessert drinks and if there are sore feelings at the end of it all, at least you'll still have ice cream.

Grab a drink at the bar and then head to the small tables with leather couches in the back of Owl Tree and tell your SO it's not you, it's me. There's enough privacy back there to afford you the space you need to get the job done.

Known for its bloody marys, The Ramp is a good place to bring a scorned lover in broad daylight. Have your "serious talk" by the water, where you can leave your ex gazing into the Bay, or at least have a getaway plan by boat locked down.

Yancy’s is a big, lively Irish bar. Which means that any sort of scene can be absorbed, because there’s always enough going on to distract from whatever’s happening at your table. The bar also has many beers on tap, several TV screens to fix your attention on if things get too awkward, and a few dart boards in back in case either of you need to take out some aggression.