The Orbit Room is a perfect neighborhood bar. It's got character, a full menu and stiff pours, all packed into a convenient corner location. The bar comes with an obvious but not overdone '50s feel, representative of owners Adriana and Dirk Nebbeling's love for art of that era.

Black leather runs the length of the long bar and a studded leather variation runs above the bar to the right side of the room. One elevated booth lines the entire left side of the wall, and tall black tables and stools round out the seating options. Black, dark olive green and deep mahogany wood set the tone, and accents like a '50s "astro" clock, geometric shapes, an oblong recessed ceiling with purple lights, and two flat screen TVs help complete the look.

The Orbit Room has a chill neighborhood vibe, with people sipping cocktails ($7) and beers (from the tap and bottle) as they listen to select tunes (everything from rock to smooth lounge sounds) and await their eats off the bar's extensive menu. "It's good food without the downtown prices," Adriana assures. The menu is impressive for a smaller bar, including appetizers, salads, wraps and burgers. Of note is the brick chicken entree ($11): a semi-boneless chicken, pan-roasted under a brick (that makes it extra juicy) with lemon, rosemary and herbed potatoes.

Note: as of January 2008, the Orbit Room has installed a "Smoking Tent" on its back deck for those who want to get their nicotine fix without leaving the bar completely. It's heated, too.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Maya Henderson