I enjoy dining at a restaurant that has a tiki-bar feel - even if it's nowhere near a beach, especially if it's in York County.

The slightly off juxtaposition makes me smile. But it's the atmosphere that counts.

My boyfriend, Dan, and I went to The Boulevard Sports Garden in Springettsbury Township for dinner on a Wednesday, the restaurant's 50-cent wing night.

We sat outside at a tall table under an umbrella on the patio, which overlooks Eastern Boulevard. The eatery almost seems secluded because of the lush greenery surrounding the fence. Strings of white lights hung above the bar, which is encased by a wooden, hut-like structure. A sliding glass door separates the outdoor and indoor bars.

I ordered a Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Bite into the Rookie Burger at the Boulevard Sports Garden. (FLIPSIDE KATE PENN)
with a side salad. Dan asked for 10 Barbecue Wings and a Zesty Avocado Burger. I tried one of Dan's wings, which had a sweet, tangy taste.

My sandwich was a piece of grilled chicken, topped with pesto sauce, lettuce, tomato and fresh mozzarella. I liked the charred flavor and the combination of ingredients.

Dan's ½ pound burger came topped with avocado, crispy fried onions and a sweet Thai glaze. He liked the burger even though it was cooked well-done because he forgot to ask for it medium-rare.

We agreed that we enjoyed the atmosphere most.

John Skeparnias - who co-owns the restaurant with his twin brother, Nick - said they wanted to create an environment unlike any other bar or eatery in the area. The Skeparniases, who also work in commercial real estate, opened the business in February 2011.

"It was a great opportunity," Skeparnias said. "So we jumped."

He said they completely renovated the building and patio, which was formerly home to Banana Max's. Skeparnias said he also aimed to create a "unique" menu.

"Nobody wants to go and get a regular turkey sandwich anymore," he said.

Some of his specialties include: The Hail Mary, a burger topped with grilled ham, a hash brown and a fried egg; The Sudden Death, a toasted hoagie roll smothered in cheddar and filled with chopped steak, mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, french fries and macaroni and cheese; and The Hangover, two fried eggs, peppered bacon, honey ham, a hash brown and melted American cheese, served on french toast.

Skeparnias said the eatery's crab cakes, fish and chips and wings also rank high in popularity.

The business also offers more than 50 martinis and has 34 flat-screen TVs for sports fans.

Skeparnias said, ultimately, he and his brother wanted to give something back to York County.

What better than a good meal and a place to kick up your feet.

Cheap Eats profiles local restaurants, aiming to please our palates and our wallets. Reach Leigh Zaleski at 717-771-2101, lzaleski@ydr.com, @leighzaleski.

The Boulevard Sports Garden

LOCATION: 2650 Eastern Blvd. in Springettsbury Township

CUISINE: American

LEIGH'S PICK: Chicken pesto sandwich, side salad, diet cola ($11.49)

PARKING: Yes

HOURS: 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday; 4 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday

PRICE RANGE: $2 to $19.95

ALCOHOL: Yes

SMOKING: No

ACCEPTS: Cash and credit

TAKEOUT: Yes

KID'S MENU: Yes

DETAILS: Call 717-668-8608 or visit www.blvdsportgarden.com



Jessie Youtz of Lancaster, left, and Roz Musser of Springettsbury Township chat over drinks at The Boulevard Sports Garden Friday. The restaurant isn t something you would expect in York County. (FLIPSIDE KATE PENN)