Armitage Avenue in the 2000s is a strange street; almost every block is residential, yet about one bar per block can be found. While some are smack dab in the middle, like Ed and Jean's, others take the more traditional corner, like Floyd's Pub. The old Schlitz logo protrudes from the brick of the building's second floor, showing off its history. Yet inside, the beer list gets pretty diverse—no fewer than 26 bottles are available, most of them small craft beers that would make the fellows down the block at the Map Room nod their heads in appreciation, even if they scoff at the lack of on-tap special brews. It's not that Floyd's even lacks those—the Golden Monkey is a big candy-coated Belgian trippel with its own handle on tap here—but Floyd's is a pub, and to judge it on the beers alone is missing out on some of its other, finer points.
The barstaff bring you your drinks promptly, along with some sass if you ask for it. The menu has a good selection of standards; the wings are blackened nicely, the soft pretzels are straight from the ballpark, and the mini-burgers will get your stomach warmed up, all for $7 bucks each or less. The sandwiches include a take on the Taylor Street hoagie as well as a flank steak with Chihuahua cheese, roasted red peppers and balsamic glazed onions. Yet the centerpiece of the menu is the formidable is Floyd's Triple-Decker Grilled Cheese. You'll pay $6 for three slices of French bread filled with cheddar on the lower level and cream cheese on the top, plus bacon and tomato if you decide to pay the extra buck—a worthy investment.
Average cost: <$10
Centerstage Reviewer: Dan Morgridge
