After owning this popular Lakeview tavern for three years, Christy and Donald Agee felt the place needed a facelift.

The specials and beer prices are still listed on the horizontal chalkboard along the back wall, and you can still fraternize with old friends here while watching the game. But Witt's updated its menu in May 2009, as Christy puts it, to play up their chef Jeffrey's talents, and to appeal to a broader audience. Chef Jeff visits the Green City Market once a week and prepares delicious meals with fresh, local produce. The menu now features homemade pastas ($12), a house salad and different seafood options including shrimp and halibut ($14), but the bar favorites like the burger ($9) and the popular pulled pork sandwich ($10) remain. Christy says the chicken cordon bleu sandwich served on a croissant ($10) goes particularly well with whatever's on tap.

Witt's has always appealed to the neighborhood sports crowd, but those who want to go out on a date and have a nice meal can now enjoy it too. The classy menu presentation doesn't hurt, either. Witt's outdoor patio seats 75, and you're tucked away from the streets, so ladies, wear whatever you like after Cubs games ... street pedestrians won't gawk at you. And if you live in the neighborhood, stop by for trivia night on Wednesdays at 8 p.m.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Jacob Wheeler