Bar/Pub in Central

One of the best new patio bars in town, the Biergarten is inviting, with a friendly staff, tons of beer options and a great atmosphere. Expect a mixed crowd of all ages, especially on the weekends when folks are day-drinking.

With one of the best patios in town and a tradition of offering free shots every time the train goes by, the Lamb offers a killer combo of comfort and festivity. Tons of seating, heaters for when it’s cold, a gorgeous lake view and a full bar mean you may never go inside, but when you do, guess what: same level of comfort, same full bar, plus a ping-pong table. Nothing “baa”d about it. (Sorry.)

Hanging out at the Lucky Lure on a sunny afternoon is so much like being at the beach – the long narrow room festooned in nautical decor like fish traps, buoys and surfboards; the open-air windows all along one side – that it’s a surprise to find the scuffed-up concrete floor doesn’t have sand on it. The huge selection of great beer (cans only; they’ll give you a coozie if you ask) is complemented by strong cocktails. Lean an elbow on the long open ledge and watch the birds and boats on Lake Ivanhoe, or turn your back to the street and pretend the sound of traffic on Orange Avenue is ocean waves.

A new version of the old Jax fifth Avenue, Ollie's still has a robust array of sandwiches, pita pizzas and salads, though you'll need to ask for your tableside jar of pickles (a Jax signature). Gone is the extensive beer menu, though there's enough here to sate any barfly's or sports fan's thirst. Grilling s'mores tableside can make for some interesting moments in a bar. Open daily until 2 a.m.

Teaser: A new version of the old Jax 5th Avenue, Ollie's still has a robust array of sandwiches, pita pizzas and salads, though you'll need to ask for your tableside jar of pickles (a Jax signature). Gone is the extensive beer menue, though there's enough here to slake any barfly's or sports fan's thirst. Grilling s'mores tableside can make for some interesting moments in a bar. Open daily until 2 a.m.