The expansion of a bar and grill is what JP Thornton's needed.

Earth tone walls, completely minimalist in decor, JP Thorntons seems clean and quaint upon entry. With ten tables for dining, a long wood bar with 15 seats- there's not a ton to look at other than the people.

We choose to saddle up and the waitress brings cold beers minutes after ordering. Having to choose from beer greats like Guinness ($5), Arrogant Bastard, Dog Fish 60 Minute IPA ($4), Geary's Pale Ale, Stella Artios, Harpoon Octoberfest, Dog Fish Pumpkin, Rogue Dead Guy Ale ($4) and Smutty Nose on draft is tough, but I managed. Bottled selections include: Miller Lite, Budweiser, Bud Light ($2.75), Coors Light, Amstel Light, Michelob Ultra, PBR, Shipyard ($3.50), Heineken, Sierra Nevada and O'Douls.

JP Thornton's stocks their bar with plenty of liquor choices and has a decent wine selection too. The house CK Mondavi will run you $6, Penfolds shiraz ($7), Hogue merlot ($7/22), Clayhouse sauvignon blanc ($8/30) and Capasoldo pinot grigio are a few of the options.

I scan the short lunch menu and check out the food as it passes by. Everything looks great, with large portions and attention to detail.

Hmm, I'm starving, so the chili sounds great ($4), or do I go with the buffalo wings ($7) to start? Fried haddock tacos ($10) get rave reviews from the regulars but the Rachael with turkey and coleslaw on grilled marble rye for $8 keeps being delivered to nearby tables.

I'm told by a super cute bar patron (I'm married!) that the burgers are to die for, so that's ultimately what I chose. He was right, their burgers are really good- huge, loaded with spices that set it apart from your typical burger. In fact, I brought it back to my office and my co-workers where gathering around to see what I was eating. I think that's a good sign.

The dinner menu includes gourmet salads, sandwich selections and entrees such as fried scallops ($16) and "The Cowboy," a grilled rib-eye with sauteed shrimp, mashed potatoes and asparagus.

Surveying the lunch crowd, most tables are filled with middle to older aged couples, co-workers and friends. The bar is clearly filled with regulars who know the waitresses name and she sets their drinks down without even asking.

If you are in the neighborhood, the Happy Hour is from 3-5pm, Monday through Friday and all drafts, wine and well drinks are one dollar off. With two televisions above the bar, this is a great place to wait out South Portland traffic, while catching up on the latest game or meet a friend after work.

I asked hot guy what he thought of JP Thorntons- he said Tom and Lee, the owners are great people and he comes in frequently. It's a comfortable place with nice service and always someone friendly to talk to.

This establishment sees all types of customers, but the majority seems to be the fairly conservative, middle-aged, blue and white collar variety. I cannot attest to the night life, but I'll be back to find out. I imagine it to be a quiet place where you can unwind, watch a game, while enjoying serious, home cooked food with style.

Amber Olesen is a freelance writer.