The bar-and-grill scene in Lincoln Square could be summarized much like titles of Friends episodes. Phrases like: "The one with the good burgers;" "The one with the fireplace;" "The one with the neon sign by the Jewel;" and "The one that's kinda Irish." Along the same lines, Bowman's Bar and Grill would be, "The one with the really narrow aisles."

With its exposed brick walls, huge picture windows, fireplace and damn near no room to move, Bowman's design maximizes the small space. Still, it's like a submarine with high ceilings.

Bowman's took over the former Cafe Florida, and the owners revamped the space to make it a see-and-be-seen place that appeals to younger LS residents with expendable income, but it also pleases the Boomer crowd with its quality wine list and food.

The menu edges into too-fancy territory for a place that doesn't seem to focus on food—burgers, quesadillas and wings share space with beef carpaccio and risotto with asparagus tips and shrimp. The real draw here is the specials menu with steals like Monday's $3 burger and fries and a $3 beer of the month. And, it acknowledges the former tropical climes of Cafe Florida by offering $3 mojitos or sangria and $5 Pork Cubano sandwiches on Thursdays. A perfect night to head out to the patio, which it promises to open in warmer months.

Here's a quick tip: If you're destined to Bowman's for drinks, but the menu doesn't ring your bell, sneak next door for the heralded NY-style pie at Apart Pizza Company.

Centerstage Reviewer: Karl Klockars