All Star Bar and Grill: Like Bennigan's, only better

When the owner of Bennigan's, S&A Restaurant Group, filed for bankruptcy in July, nearly 150 Bennigan's throughout the country had to shut down. While this left lovers of Monte Cristos, broccoli bites and Death by Chocolate in mourning, the now-vacant buildings have left the opening for new establishments to set up camp in their place. Oakbrook Terrace, your Bennigan's is no more. Say hello to All Star Bar and Grill.

Motif: This is the second All Star location, with the original one located in Chicago. If you've been to this particular former Bennigan's in months past, you'll notice that nothing has changed too drastically in the interior's appearance. Gone are the odd, random knickknacks adorning the walls, and in its place is loads of sports paraphernalia (photos and jerseys from Chicago teams and beyond). There is a multitude of flat-screen televisions throughout the large room, as well. Wooden tables and chairs are everywhere you turn. Something tells me this is the same furniture that Bennigan's had used.

A raised bar area is in the center of the room with seating at the bar and stools and tables nearby. A few arcade games are nearby.

Crowd: You could have a family sitting nearby while you enjoy a beer at the bar. How often do you think families walk up to the entrance expecting Bennigan's: "You mean you're not Bennigan's anymore? Well, do you have some chicken strips for the children and steak for the Mr.? You do? Perfect. Kids, we're eating at All Star tonight!" "You're our all star, mom!" (Audience sighs in a collective "Aww.")

Some folks are here to eat, others to eat and drink and a good chunk to eat, drink and watch sports. Yeah, sports!

Service: The service is extremely friendly at All Star. As far as I could tell, every employee on the floor was a woman decked out in a black T-shirt. My waitress even called me "honey" a couple of times, and it did not sound the least bit forced. Or maybe I am just special - naw.

Food: The food at All Star is what you'd expect at a sports bar and grill - nachos, chicken wings, quesadillas, Reuben sandwich, New York strip steak sandwich, grilled salmon sandwich, chicken Caesar wrap, Italian beef, chicken Parmesan, New York strip steak, pastas, burgers and salads.

Liquid consumption: All Star has all the necessities. Peroni, Guinness, Leinenkugel Fireside Nut and other standards are on tap. Do try that Leinenkugel. It's got an interesting mix of nut, caramel and vanilla.

Sounds: The music that I heard playing at All Star tended to consist of today's popular music, covering a variety of genres. There's an online jukebox near the bar if you want to be in control. I also overheard the faint sound of SportsCenter coming from the television behind the bar.

Parking: Plentiful, both at All Star and at the strip mall next door.

Overall: You have to wonder how many new sports bars are opening up in previous Bennigan's locations throughout the country. All Star kept the basic template, added a greater emphasis on sports and has slightly better food. If you enjoy sports bars, you know what to expect by now, and this should be right up your alley.

All Star Bar and Grill

Facts: 17W460 22nd St., Oakbrook Terrace, (630) 993-3500, www.allstarbarandgrill.com

Hours: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. daily