Two drinks: Keystone Bar & Grill

Server Kari Kelly brings out left to right Bridge Club sandwich, Philly Chesse Steak and a Buffalo quesadilla at Keystone Bar & Grill. (Credit: Joseph Fuqua | Metromix)

The look: Keystone has all the elements of a sports bar, but mixed in with the wide-screen TVs and loud music is a sophisticated element: dark wood, low lighting and stunning photography. On warm nights, patrons can stake out a spot on the outdoor tables in front. You can sit at the bar or get a table or booth near the back if you plan on getting some grub.

The crowd: Can I just say it? The people here were good lookin'! The attractive 20- and 30-something crowd had a "happy hour after work" vibe rather than a "let's get drunk and go crazy" attitude. The servers, festively dressed in Bengals gear, were incredibly friendly, helpful in suggesting drinks and never kept us waiting.

The two drinks: Er, well, five drinks. On Thursday nights from 9 p.m. to close, Keystone has a "Five for Five" special: five domestic bottles or five well cocktails for $5. My fiancé and I came with another couple who immediately took advantage of the deal. Our server suggested Bell's Oberon, saying it was similar to a Blue Moon, so we got two on draft ($5 each) before getting our own "Five for Five" Bud Lights.

The grub: My fiancé heard me raving about their mac and cheese (half-price on Mondays) so he had to try it for himself with the Powerhouse Mac ($11.50), made with Buffalo chicken, steak, jalapenos and blue cheese. It came out warm, gooey and with a kick.

I figured I couldn't go wrong with my typical bar food of choice, the Beer Cheese Bowl ($7.99). The beer cheese itself was excellent, but the dry, toasted bread with it left much to be desired. I wish it came with a warm pretzel or tortilla chips instead.

In addition to multiple varieties of mac and cheese, Keystone offers a big selection of salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, hoagies, quesadillas (half-price on Tuesdays) and entrées such as pasta or fish and chips.

The verdict: In this not-so-hot economy, going out can put a strain on the already tight wallet. Even for a penny-pincher, Keystone's "5 for $5" Thursday special is a deal not to be missed.

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