Good food and good times:

For any American college student, 21st birthdays are a big deal. My own 21st birthday was no exception, so when it started to come closer I had to decide where, exactly, to celebrate with friends. So like any other college student, I Googled it. After an extended stay in Europe, I was already very aware of my affinity for many different beers; thus when Rock Bottom popped up in my search results, it immediately drew my attention. The restaurant brews its own beers: five "classics" that stay on the menu permanently, plus a host of seasonal beers. In accordance with my German heritage, I tried "Rocktoberfest" a sweeter, malty beer, and was very impressed. Having said all this, I am very aware that over 50% of the Xavier population cannot legally drink beer. Nevertheless, it is still a great choice. Slightly more upscale than an Applebee's or T.G.I. Friday's, the food is fantastic and the prices reasonable (my meal was $18 with tip, and that included a beer).

Usually I am not the biggest hamburger fan — you have to have a pretty impressive burger to tempt me. On a whim, I tried their classic cheeseburger. One word: yum.

With your choice of cheeses, this burger melts in your mouth, and can be accompanied with a variety of sides (true to classic American cuisine, I had the fries). My roommate chose a pot roast off their specialty Oktoberfest menu, and raved about it for the rest of the night and my pescetarian

friend was more than pleased with her salmon Caesar salad. Rock Bottoms desserts are fantastic.

As a birthday "present" my table

was given a plate full of warm cinnamon donut holes with hot caramel sauce for dipping—those alone would have been worth the trek downtown.

As far as service goes, my friends and I were greeted by a very cordial host and our reserved table for five was ready for us even though we were about ten minutes early.

Our waiter was friendly, funny and engaging and knew the menu well enough to give recommendations

to many of us at the table.

Our food came within a reasonable

amount of time, even though Friday nights are busy, and the waiter was attentive without rushing us through our meal.

The atmosphere is casual enough for jeans, but dressy enough for a simple dress—definitely

a good date spot, especially when combined with its location at 10 Foutain Square Plaza.