Those of us who’ve been anxiously walking past the sleek exterior of Drexel’s new rec center on 33rd and Market can finally rejoice – Landmark Americana, the bar/restaurant taking up the building’s ground floor, has finally opened its doors. On a recent night I found a lively mix of students, professors and business types, hungrily chowing down, tipping back drinks, and watching basketball.

If your initial impression is that this is just another sports bar, look again – it’s much classier than that. The walls are indeed adorned with flat screens pointing every which way, and there are beer specials aimed at the rowdy crowd (like $25 Bud Light beer towers on Friday nights), but none of it is intrusive; you can enjoy an intimate dinner and sophisticated fare without being bothered – or, like the girl at the table next to me, bring along your laptop and get some work done. The menu will please both types of diners, with sandwiches and bar favorites (including a half-priced late-night menu) alongside well-executed and inventive entrees. Similarly, the long lists of drafts and bottled beers is complimented by a refined wine list (I think I’ve found a new favorite wine, by the way – try the Alamos malbec).

Standout finger foods include classic quesadillas, crab dip, and spicy tuna egg rolls, which are drizzled with a tangy sauce and feel fancy and comforting at the same time. There’s an impressive salad menu for veggie fans. I tried the fabulous and healthy spinach salad, which was beautifully presented and overflowing with apples, walnuts, grapes, and goat cheese. If you’re looking for heartier fare try the smokehouse ribs. They’re absolutely perfect, with a mouth-watering smoky taste and meat so tender that it falls right off the bone. On the seafood side the sesame tuna is fresh and succulent, and if you like lobster and don’t mind a heft dose of salt, the lobster ravioli in a brandy cream sauce is a hit. The entrees come with a baked potato, fat flavorful fires, or wonderfully garlicky mashed potatoes, as well as a side of well-prepared veggies and a house salad, making for a large and satisfying meal.

I recommend stopping by for dinner, but if all you’re hankering for is something sweet, they’ve got you covered. If you’re with a bunch of friends order the Americana Sundae. This is probably the largest dessert you’ve ever seen, and has a scoop of every ice cream there is, including cinnamon and butterscotch. If that’s too big try the dessert bites, which gives you a sampling of gooey brownies, creamy ice cream, and deep-fired cubes of bananas foster.

Welcome to the neighborhood, Landmark Americana!