A seafood and steakhouse by day and one of the only 4 a.m. bars in the area by night, after 2 a.m. (3 a.m. on Saturdays) the Oakwood 83 offers as many chills as thrills. Getting past the overtly creepy decor, which includes airbrushed-looking paintings of women and large cats and enough elaborate woodwork to erect a hollow horse, is the first hurdle. The second is trying to circumvent the gaggle of middle-aged women that regularly commandeer the jukebox on the way to the bar. "Ring My Bell," seems to be their flagship jam, and the women (who were there on more than the odd visit) twirl and stomp their feet all around the machine, hungry for dance partners.

Because there aren’t many trendy bars in the area, the clientele are mostly older, career drinkers. It takes a few rounds for the staff and patrons to warm up, but the service is always swift, and the likelihood of any real friction is low.

Centerstage Reviewer: J. Tyson