Open-air eateries are always great, and this traditional restaurant-pub is no exception. Enjoy a warm breeze with your meal when Avenue removes the enormous glass panels at the restaurant's entrance, or opt for a more scenic view at one of its rooftop tables. Either way, you won't be able to overlook the ample menu, and if you eat inside you'll find the sports bar atmosphere enhanced by jumbo screens meant for viewing local and national sports teams from the nearest barstool.

Avenue is known for heaping portions and hearty food, so make sure your stomach is empty when you cross its threshold. The macadamia-nut-crusted pork tenderloin puts a new spin on a dinner staple, and the char-grilled salmon is wonderfully pink and juicy. That said, entrees like these are a bit pricey ($15-$20) compared to the more modest going-rate of its salads and burgers, but you can rationalize an inflated meal ticket if you reduce your drink expense with one of Avenue's beer buckets. Or better yet, make a meal out of one of its deadly desserts, such as the peach pie or the brownie with ice cream. Live music can be found on the weekend, and while it's unlikely you'll witness a performance from the next big thing, the prospect of live tunes in the open air is nothing to be sneezed at.

Centerstage Reviewer: Jenny Seay