Yes, it has the same name as the apartment building that houses Thai Grill, but it's a few blocks west of the Granville L, not east. The Sovereign exceeded my expectations, showing that it doesn't stop at just serving up affordable drinks. It is the best type of dive: friendly bartenders (who not only ask how you're doing but also believe in a heavy pour and three cherries in a cherry Coke), concerned staff (my friend and I watched a too-drunk man being escorted to a taxi) and a clean and comfortable bar. There's also something to be said for not drowning out the rest of your senses before you've even had your first drink; the music isn't so loud that you can't hear your own conversation, and the lighting is bright enough that you can see the person next to you.

As for cost, $5 can cover two drinks, with $2 Old Styles and Pabsts and wonderfully inexpensive liquor shots from $2 to $4 (my tab ran a mere $4.25 for Maker's Mark on the rocks and the largest cherry Coke I've ever seen at a bar). In the back you'll find a jukebox, Ms. Pac-Man and perhaps most importantly, the pool table. Could it get any better? Yes. Pool is always free.

Centerstage Reviewer: Heather Blaha