PBR Rock Bar and Grill combines rodeo, hearty food

Jonathan Fine, a local club/bar owner, had an idea for a new venture a couple of years ago: spread the word about the sport of professional bull riding and feed people at the same time.

The result of that idea -- PBR Rock Bar and Grill, 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South -- opened on the Strip in September. Fine made a licensing deal with the Professional Bull Riders, which enables him to use the PBR name. The country- and rock-'n'-roll-themed restaurant serves classic American fare with a twist and features mechanical bulls and more than 100 televisions that broadcast bull riding events and other sports.

"I thought I could create a very cool, modern rock bar," Fine says. "I felt it needed something else, so we built an amazing kitchen. It's a place where I can bring my nieces and nephews to eat."

Fine's no chef but says he is an eater. His favorite foods inspired the menu. Diners will find a selection of sandwiches, burgers, entrees, appetizers and breakfast items. Some dishes have an unusual twist added, such as the Blooming Onion burger. The meat is soaked in french onion soup and then deep-fried. Macaroni and cheese is finished with a Doritos crust.

The dining room is large, seating about 300, including 120 on the patio. Reservations are not required, but are recommended on weekends and evenings. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. weekdays, and until 5 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Specialties: Memphis-style ribs with choice of two side dishes, $23.50 (full rack) or $18.50 (half-rack); chicken and waffles with two sides, $14.95; beef brisket on Texas toast with two sides, $16.95

Appetizers: Anaheim chili pepper popper stuffed with cheese and barbecue pork, $8.95; barbecue potato chip nachos with pork or chicken, jalapenos and guacamole, $14.95; The Roundup, a choice of four appetizers, $19.95

Soups and salads: Colarado chili, $9.95 for bowl, $7.95 cup; chicken gumbo, $8.95; the Big Bossman salad with cheddar cheese, barbecue pork, smoked chicken, deviled eggs, bacon, blue cheese, tomatoes and guacamole, $13.95; Caesar salad, $12.95

Entrees: Blooming Onion burger with one side, $10.95; sloppy Joe sliders with one side, $8.95; country-fried chicken sliders, three chicken breasts deep fried and served on a buttermilk biscuit with gravy, $8.95

Desserts: Ice cream sundae with bananas and Belgian waffles, $8.95; drunken peach cobbler, $6.95; banana cream pie, $6.95

Information: 750-1685

By SONYA PADGETT