Giving new meaning to that age-old axiom "be there or be square," Square Bar & Grill in Avondale is the place for beer, burgers and baseball when you don't want to wait in line for 20 minutes (Kuma's Corner, I'm looking at you).

At first glance, Square does not seem to break the mold: a couple exposed brick walls plus some flat-screen TVs and a menu chock full of good ol' pub grub make the grade here. But if you look a little closer, you'll see signs of a unique neighborhood haunt. From the bartops made of recycled bowling lanes to the wooden sculptures by local artist Rodney Wade to the selection of organic microbrews such as Peak Organic's Wheat Ale or Metropolitan's Flywheel Lager, this bar and grill is clearly a square peg in a city of round holes.

The exceptional food offerings include a mouth-watering burger served with garlic mayo on a pretzel roll, a fresh and tasty chicken caesar wrap and even veggie-friendly falafel. If you're with a group, you pretty much have to share a basket of the delectable sweet potato fries with barbecue sauce (or honey if you're a sweet and salty junkie) as well as a mix 'n match beer bucket deal. That's right, you can actually purchase a variety bucket of beers so no more sucking down the same boring brew all night. This bar and grill thinks outside the box.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Amanda Nyren