It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere

All in the family

By Bryan Bullock

JODI MILLER PHOTO

The green pitched roof of the India-Oak Grill hides quietly behind a UDF, a tall fence and a smattering of haphazardly parked cars. It's the kind of place only locals frequent, but newcomers are pleasantly surprised to end up.

The Grill had been a longtime favorite of Clintonville resident Matt Gill, so he and his two brothers jumped at the chance to buy the bar nearly four years ago. "Everyone knows each other [here]. It's friendly and welcoming," he said.

The location couldn't be more convenient for the Gills. Matt lives just down the street in his wife's childhood home. His brother Frank and his wife occupy the Gills' childhood home next door.

JODI MILLER PHOTO

Matt chuckles about their unusual living situation, but it makes helping out at the bar easy. Step inside the narrow pub's wooden screen door and you'll likely find Matt's wife, Karen, orchestrating the action.

It doesn't take many patrons for India-Oak to feel bustling. The talkative, no-fuss clientele usually consists of those in the stable ages between quarter- and mid-life crises.

The photo-covered walls, carpeted floors and comfy seating make for a homey atmosphere that urges patrons to kick back and relax. The 40-year-old bar shows some wrinkles, but updates added by the Gills — including wide-screen TVs, a new ceiling and a front patio — make the wood-paneled pub feel tidily inviting.

JODI MILLER PHOTO

The Grill's food menu is full of thrifty choices. "We're well known in the neighborhood for our subs," Matt said.

Fresh, oven-toasted bread and careful seasoning makes the Italian Sub ($5.25) stand out. Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup ($2), Fried Bologna ($2.50) and hearty daily lunch specials are also crowd pleasers.

As time-honored tradition dictates, India-Oak opens early on Saturday mornings. For $3, patrons can order S.O.S., a Marine staple food that basically consists of beef gravy poured over toast, mashed potatoes or both. While most people opt for coffee with S.O.S., low-cost beers bring the crowds in the evening.

Unlike many neighborhood joints, the Grill reps primarily import drafts. Pints of Harp, Stella ($4) and Labatt ($3) highlight the globe travelers. Also popular are no-B.S. straight shots — something tasty, like Knob Creek or Johnnie Walker Black, only sets you back five bones.

If food and beverage isn't enough to please, the Grill also hosts live music on Saturdays and offers an unexpected perk — free Wi-Fi. As Matt explained, "One of my regulars came up to me and said, 'I don't know what this Wi-Fi is, but it's free and I want it.'"

Hours

11 a.m.-1 a.m. Monday-Friday

9 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday

12 p.m.-12 a.m. Sunday

Happy Hour

3-7 p.m. Monday-Friday

$1.50 Bud Light drafts, $1.75 Labatt Blue and Shiner Bock drafts, $1.75 domestic bottles

May 8, 2008

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