Mostly a last stop on the bar hop for the neighborhood clientele, Cleo's draws fresh college grads that favor casual conversation with five-star pub food. Vibes are genial and mellow, save for the summer months when the beer garden is in full bloom, and seats become slim. Then it's just genial and packed.

Drinks run on the affordable side, with your $3 brews of the month (on draft) and non-alcoholic drinks starting at $2, which is clutch come Saturday when the bartenders unleash the free late-night buffet (11 p.m.-1 a.m.); one drink will get you access to a constant supply of Mediterranean pita, potato skins, thin crust pizza and quesadillas.

The full menu, though, is where the five stars shine. Take the Louisiana Sunday brunch for instance, with eggs benedict, French toast and chicken and Portobello crepes. The sweet barbecue-basted ribs are also scrumptious choices, especially at $5 for a full slab plus home-cut fries and coleslaw.

Timely service is at times a little spotty, as Cleo's has a limited staff roaming the checkerboard floors. But if you're willing to chime into the pace of this bar, there won't be much fretting.

Centerstage Reviewer: Gavin Paul