For all of those moments you are downtown, and suddenly realize that you are in the middle of of a sea of drinking establishments that cater to the alcohol, more than the food, stop in Tavern on the Square, especially during ArtPrize 2010, to see a different side.  Their food is solid, and reasonably valued, you will spend $20 to eat and a further $10 to drink at night, but during the afternoons and happy hours that run, you can get better deals. 

The ambiance is laid-back, even when working the scene, with DJ's on the weekend, and for some special events during the ArtPrize showcase of artists.  You will hear music that you would typically hear blasting through club speakers, on a turned-down iPod-like speaker system.  There are televisions at the bar to accommodate sporting events, and a patio for nice Indian summer evenings, with more to do that just eat and drink, you can also look at artists. 

The line-up of featured artists won't be large at Tavern, but they will give you a reason to stop-in and try out the cuisine.  Really of all the places downtown to go, this is the place to find a respite from the bustle, and the staff is skilled enough to get turn-over if there is a wait, though this is not typically a problem.  Try out the feature appetizers, or a daily dish of something special, or just grab a cool beverage from the warmth of all the walking around the city to catch every last big thing that has gone up, to support ArtPrize. 

You could do much worse than an early evening at Tavern on the Square.

The ArPrize you'll see

Irena Czumaj: Flag Series 2006 -2010

Howard Nordlund: Genesis