In the space where Buffalo Wild Wings once stood in Downtown Indy, there is now a new joint to be explored. BadaBoomz Ale House and Grill is its name. A hearty menu, modern decor, flat-screen TVs, and, if you have the opportunity, a sizable beer selection, make an unbeatable combo for a lunch or night out with the boys . . . or girls.

The mood

When I visited the house of Boomz with my husband, who had informed me of the new spot, the dining room and bar were nearly empty. We were late, yet again, for the lunch rush and bustling atmosphere. I assumed that meant faster service and a less stressed waitstaff.

Our hostess greeted us happily, guided us across the long dining room and into the bar seating area -- all while chatting and supplying us with the daily lunch specials, which are served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and all for only $8.

We sat at a bar-top table and examined our surroundings while we waited for our server. The restaurant is painted in rich, earth tones. The front dining room looks out onto the street, while the bar area is surrounded with wall-mounted televisions, each tuned to a different sporting event.

The food

After our server arrived and set us up with waters, we scanned the menu. Nothing too out of the ordinary -- sandwiches, burgers, pizza. But there were a few things on the menu that we wanted to try, but couldn't afford.

First, the ahi tuna ($12) was not something I expected to see on the menu of a place with more beer taps than bar seats. When you take your journey to BadaBoomz, try Da Bombz.

We didn't, but the hard-boiled eggs wrapped in Italian sausage and deep-fried ($6) sounded like heaven in little packages.

Remember all those beers I mentioned? With each menu choice, even the appetizers and salads, comes suggestions on a good pairing. I like it when restaurants do the work for me.

Apparently, Hayden and I were in a beef mood and chose burgers. Hayden opted for the Italian burger ($9) with pepperoni, marinara sauce, parmesan and provolone, with broccoli slaw as his side.

I went with the Greek burger ($8.50), which was supposed to be loaded with feta cheese, Greek seasoning, tomatoes, lettuce and banana peppers. It instead arrived with just a little of each. I asked for more goodies -- problem solved. I chose the steamed veggies as my side.

We chopped both burgers in half and swapped. Our server didn't ask, but thankfully the meat was cooked to medium perfection, and delicious, too.

I had to splurge, so for dessert we dove into a piece of moist, fudgey chocolate cake ($4), which offered more gooey goodness than actual cake.

The drinks

Lame-o water again. But, hey, it's good for you, and it's free.

The damage: $23.22

I really enjoyed my trip to BadaBoomz. It's not very often that I enter a sports bar and think, "What a great decorating job." But the atmosphere and food pleased.