E. Dundee's Games On scores points with well-made martinis

Sports bars may be able to attract huge crowds for a big game, but when there's nothing on TV things get quiet fast. Games On hopes to keep traffic steady by offering a huge menu of well-mixed martinis to entice drinkers to hang around long after the final score is in.

Motif: The small space sports eight flat screen TVs that can show up to six different games at a time. Seating takes the form of half-booths, long tables bearing the bar's logo and backed chairs at the bar. The brick walls sport black and white sports photos. An upstairs party room is one of the bar's best features. The huge area has its own bar, TVs and plenty of seats. The space hosts a monthly guys' night out bash and can be used for spillover seating on busy nights.

Crowd: Families dominate the bar during dinner time, but the crowd turns younger after that. Locals like to stop in for a bite when biking on the nearby trails and you'll sometimes find whole softball teams having parties. Dress is on the nicer side of casual, with most guests sporting button-down shirts or fleece sweatshirts.

Service: The staff was friendly and attentive. Our bartender was happy to make martini recommendations and checked in soon after dishing out our drinks to make sure we were enjoying our choices.

Liquid consumption: The bar boasts 30 beers by the bottle or on tap including 312, Fat Tire and Guinness. But the highlight of the drink selection is a menu of more than 20 martinis priced at between $7 and $9. One favorite is the pink-colored Pineapple Upside Down Cake, offering a smooth and foamy mix of vanilla vodka, pineapple juice and grenadine. While In the Rough also contains pineapple juice, its taste is distinct, more dominated by the presence of coconut rum and the melon liqueur that turns it bright green. If you crave something richer, try a dessert martini like the Shamrock, a mix of vanilla vodka, chocolate liqueur, crème de menthe and Irish cream.

Food: The menu is currently limited to burgers, pizza and a few appetizers and desserts, but plans are in the works to expand the options to include many more starters and salads with homemade dressing. Nachos are the most popular appetizer, featuring deep fried tortilla chips covered in melted cheese, chili, tomatoes, guacamole, green onions and jalapeños. Burgers are all named for Chicago sports teams. The Sox burger, for instance, features an eight-ounce Angus beef patty topped with cheddar, Swiss cheese, mushrooms, onion and horseradish mayo. The spicy Fire burger is another hit, featuring chipotle mayo, Jack cheese, grilled onion and jalapeños. If you can save room for dessert, try the Ghiradelli brownie with vanilla ice cream, chocolate and caramel.

Music: Right now tunes are limited to a video jukebox, which is only available when the sound isn't on for a game. But look out for acoustic guitar performances Wednesday nights.

Parking: There's a small, free lot in front of the bar.

Overall: Games On offers a laid back place to watch sports or just relax with an excellent cocktail.

Games OnInfo 102 N. River St., East Dundee, (847) 428-4361Hours: 4 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday; 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. SundayFalse20001178Pam Cox and George Barry of West Dundee toast shots with Glen and Ann Carwell of Roselle at Games On sports bar in East Dundee.Rick West | Staff PhotographerFalse