Mediocre, at best: Turf's Sports Grill

Turf's, a restaurant and bar with views of a soccer dome, is frequented mostly by the athletes that play in the dome and want a bite to eat after practice, or people passing through looking for a place to sit down and eat. I've gone several times, only because it was the closest place to get some food and drinks after roller derby practice at Happy Wheels. I'd never make plans to hang out there because, well, it's just an average sort of place to hang. Nothing ever stood out to me.

When it comes to the food, it's all pub food. You can get a burger, sandwiches, kid's menu items, wings, pizza and all the fried foods you love - if you love that sort of heart-attack-on-a-plate type of meal. The prices are average - a cheeseburger and fries will cost you $8.99. A 12-inch pizza is $9.95. One pound of wings is $7.99

Turf's is, however, a decent place to watch a sports game - they've got plenty of TVs and a big ol' bar to park yourself. They have a full bar with Molsen, Coors Lite, Miller Lite, Guinness, Sea Dog Blueberry, Shipyard Export and IPA and Geary's HSa on tap costing $1.99-$4.25. Bottled beers include Bud, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Miller Lite, MGD 64, Coors Lite, Corona, Corona Light, Heineken, Molsen, Mich Light, Mich Ultra, Shipyard, Woodchuck, New Castle, Geary's, Sam Adams, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Becks, Bass, Amstel Light, Rolling Rock and a bunch of Twisted Teas and Smirnoff Ices all ranging in price from $2.95-$3.95.

The atmosphere is "comfortable" according to a regular who listened in on my interview. When asked why anyone would want to frequent Turf's she stated "Great food. Great atmosphere. And it's clean." A guy to my right said, "There's always something to do." He was referring to the Gold Room and the bartender raved about the music and comedy acts. Clearly, there are people (of varied ages and backgrounds) that love Turf's. I just don't.

What is good about the place? It's huge. If you have a very large party and looking to get everyone seated for food and drinks, Turf's can accommodate you.

They must be doing something right because they're still in business while many others are folding.

- Amy Martin