The Avenue

Roggie's gets a big brother

On the Cheap by Jennifer Pisani

The Avenue -- formerly Arbuckle's -- is the latest Allston eatery to undergo a transition for the hipper, this one courtesy of John Rogaris, owner of the trendy (and successful) Roggie's Brew & Grille in Cleveland Circle. Rogaris clearly has faith in the Roggie's formula, because the Avenue is nearly a carbon copy of his first bar. They share the same ultra-'90s décor, with funky light fixtures and yellow-orange sponged walls. Space is the Avenue's one distinguishing characteristic: it sprawls grandly compared to Roggie's, with plenty of room to kick back with a Barracuda Ale, a Cleveland Circle Dark, or any of the other 23 beers on tap (domestics start at $2, microbrews and imports at $3.50). The two bars also share a borderline-ridiculously-large menu and a "little bit of everything" philosophy that puts Greek, Italian, Mexican, and good old American bar food on the tables. A sampler appetizer is a fine way to start. Chicken lovers will especially appreciate Roggie's Sampler Two -- a heaping combo of Buffalo wings, chicken fingers, and fried calamari for $6.95. Noncarnivores have several options to choose from, including a sizzling fajita of seasonal veggies ($8.95).

The Avenue Bar & Grill, located at 1249 Comm Ave, in Allston, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Call (617) 782-9508.

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