Out-A-Bounds keeps hunger on bench

Why: Out-A-Bounds Sports Bar & Grill has been in business for 17 years, providing a late-night place for drinks, food, darts, billiards and karaoke. The menu offers pub food for light or hearty appetites.

What I tried: My dining companion and I tried the jalapeño poppers, the chicken quesadilla, the steak strip dinner — which comes with a side salad, mashed potatoes and gravy and Texas toast — and the chef’s salad. We were surprised that the first item to arrive was the side salad instead of the poppers.

Next up was the poppers and quesadilla, followed by the steak strip entree, and last was the chef’s salad. The portions were all generously sharable. Both salads were fresh and pleasantly void of any past-date slimy pieces, and crisply cold.

The dinner salad combined greens, diced tomatoes, shredded Parmesan and croutons topped with a couple of slices of red onion. The chef’s salad has all the meats, egg, cheeses, croutons, tomatoes and olives one could wish for in a chef’s salad. The poppers were larger than most and deliciously fried to a golden crisp. Instead of green peppers, they use red ones stuffed with cream cheese. The quesadilla contained a balanced amount of chicken and cheese and was served with sour cream and salsa for dipping. The steak was appetizingly tender, not super juicy, though it was not dry. I especially liked the mashed potatoes. They reminded me of the heavy type served at a diner with a pool of dark, rich gravy in the center.

Menu highlights beyond what I tried: The nachos are loaded with meat, jalape?os, olives, onion, sour cream, salsa and cheese. Onion rings, wings, and pretzel bites are among the appetizers. Entrees include battered fish and teriyaki chicken. There is a Western burger, a Philly cheesesteak and a French dip available, as well as several chicken sandwich options including a Parmesan, Southwest, teriyaki and Malibu. Dipping sauces and dressings include: thousand island, blue cheese, BBQ, buffalo, cocktail, horsey, fry sauce, honey mustard, marinara, balsamic, ranch, tartar and teriyaki. The bar serves a full selection of cocktails, draft and bottled beer and wine.

Atmosphere: The space has a lot packed in, although it does not feel cramped. There is seating at the long bar and high and low tables for quite a few. Two pool tables, darts, arcade games and large screen TVs provide entertainment. The corner of the space is rounded by a large plate-glass window that brings a unique sense of shape and an open view to outside. The sports theme is carried throughout, with sports memorabilia on the walls. The bar has a few spotlights above it, but most of the lighting comes from the pool table lights and the TV and arcade screens.

Other observations: The staff is friendly, casual and attentive. The establishment is clean and organized and the food exceeded my expectations. Karaoke gets underway at 9 p.m. every night. Takeout is available.

Cost: Appetizers are $3.99 to $9.89. Salads are $4.59 to $11.89. Entrees are $9.89 and $11.99. Burgers and sandwiches start at $5.85 and top out at $9.89. South-of-the-border selections cost $2.39 to $11.99. Happy hour menu items range from $1.89 to $4.29.