Any time the word “pub” is involved, assume that’s where the focus lies. The grill’s a mere afterthought, for customers whose taste buds after a few beers or sugary, strong cocktails won’t be the most discerning. Service is tanned, lean, and vacant—not exactly Arthur Conan Doyle material. The atmosphere makes more of an attempt to evoke a British pub from the Sherlock Holmes novels, but fails to emulate the quiet congeniality of the genre. It’s dark and heavily wooded, but the effect is soundly trounced by Guinness paraphernalia, Trivia Night antics, and flat-screen TVs.

That said, the pub grub isn’t all that bad. Buffalo wings strike a delicate balance of vinegary Buffalo sauce with rich blue cheese. Burgers are basic and good, cooked to temperature; we recommend adding bacon and cheddar. Of course, Baker’s take on British classics—unevenly cooked shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash—are available at your own risk. “Baja Tacos” have somehow managed to find their way onto the menu as well, but you should know better.

The clientele’s definitely a loosened-tie, after-work bunch looking to take advantage of the dozen-plus beers on tap and abundance of video games and billiards and such. It’s quite the pick-up scene, with patrons spilling into all three rooms and onto the expansive red-and-black patio, and often making out in the London-style phone booth.