Whether you're just finishing nine holes in the afternoon or looking to head out late at night, The Sunset Grille has you covered.

Now, this sports bar probably doesn't differ too much from the one you've come to know and love in your neighborhood. You've got plenty of TVs, a big rectangular bar and the familiar black-red-neon design scheme. Pub grub and pints are the staples, with some slightly more gourmet offerings available from the kitchen and behind the bar.

But what the bar lacks in flash it makes up for with simple things done right and some inventive extracurricular activities that set it apart from many of the competitors lining State Rte. 256.

Take Thursday nights, for example. For a $5 entry fee, you're transported into the wide world of Bar Olympics, with bracketed double-elimination tournaments in darts, Wii golf, "Silver Strike Bowling," pool and beer pong.

It's a great way to avoid burning through a pillowcase full of change - and to the winner go the door spoils, so brush up on your swing, swig and pin spin.

Music's also on tap often, with DJs every Saturday, an eight-week Karaoke Idol contest Tuesdays and live bands several times a month. Favorite local bluesmen like Terry Davidson & The Gears have swung through, and Friday features the Mike Smith Band at 9 p.m.

Even without an event in progress, the place is pleasant. Last Saturday, I posted up for an update on my ever-frustrating Cleveland Indians, grabbed a cold Budweiser and chatted up a super-friendly bartender. In some ways, it finally felt like summer.

To sweeten the deal, the bar is planning to open a patio in a couple of weeks.

Getting Mugged:

A group of neighborhood pubs along State Rte. 256 has banded together to promote their version of a venerable saloon tradition: the mug club. Mugs cost $4, and refills of Miller Lite are only $2 at the Sunset Grille, Classics Sports Bar, VIP Lounge Turnberry, Pizza Cottage, Chances R and several other watering holes. You can take yours home, wash it (optional) and bring it back all summer long.