Profile

Even with the wildly popular Bohemian beer garden across the street, this shabby but clean rock pub gets a lively crowd of Astorians thanks to its Mediterranean-based menu and its respectable selection of brews. Vintage shade lamps and some vine-print wallpaper conjure a seventies living room, but that laid-back ambience simply attracts young moms with kids in tow in the afternoon and calm-seeking, careworn rockers and iron workers come suppertime. Local partiers arrive even later, like midnight, when the affable bartenders turn up the metal. Behind the battle-scarred brown wooden bar are surprises like Paulaner Hefeweizen from Germany, and Chimay Blue and Duvel from Belgium. The menu likewise has its perks. Enjoy the French fries kissed with rosemary along with a grilled cheese of Fontina and Manouri. — Ben Perkins