A warm, multiple color scheme. Mosaic tiled floors. An evenly spaced line of flat-screen TVs.

Sports bar deluxe seems to be the running theme at Hudson Grille, a member of Metrotainment Cafes' starting lineup.

The food scores higher than your average bar grub attempts, but it's the hard-working staff and finely executed, laid-back charm that keeps you in your seat.

THE WIND-UP AND THE PITCH

Multiple vinyl booths and wooden tables and chairs offer plenty of seating in clear view of televised sports. The same goes for the roomy bar area, which has the added allure of video betting game Keno, courtesy of the Georgia Lottery. Wagering customers watch animated balls pop up on a number-filled screen. If balls land on a gambler's numbers, he or she wins a cash pay-out from the bartender.

Plenty of appetizers are available to pair with the amusement of choice. Lavish nachos, mini-burgers and homemade potato chips make up a portion of the list. Chicken wings get a sloshing of Anchor Bar sauce, which comes from the Buffalo, N.Y., restaurant and watering hole that popularized the wings.

Hudson Grille's take on spinach dip finds bits of spinach wading within a bowl of queso. Salty tortilla chips serve as dipping fodder.

CLEAN-UP HITTERS

The restaurant grills the highly regarded Nathan's brand of hot dogs, smothering one in sauerkraut, another in chili, cheeses and onions. Some guests simply opt for a naked frank.

The burger options are plentiful. Not only do guests pick among themed creations like the Philly Cheese and Wisconsin Bleu, but the patties are available in either beef, chicken or veggie versions. The Border Burger arrives in veggie style along with garnishes of pico de gallo, and conservative globs of guacamole and Cotija cheese. The kitchen opts for the moister version of this Mexican cow's milk cheese.

The homemade veggie patty is a mushy yet delicious assemblage of rice, split peas, red peppers, onions and carrots. Carnivores can delight in half-pound Angus beef patties and fresh, chargrilled chicken breasts. Other casual entrees include sandwiches, soups and salads. The grilled ahi tuna salad stars thick cuts of seared fish.

HOME PLATE

Fancier fare comes in the form of steaks, seafood, chicken and pasta dishes. Costa Rican tilapia, baby back ribs and rotini pasta with roasted eggplant attract attention.

The lemon chicken has piccata leanings. A grilled chicken breast basks in a delightfully tangy, lemon juice-based sauce with Kalamata olives, capers, blips of tomato and slivers of artichoke hearts. The sauce eases its way into an admirable mass of garlic mashed potatoes.

All of the food comes from the hands of a smiling staff. The waitresses are attentive and receptive to multiple requests. And the manager's sweeping concern is evident as he cruises past the tables, delivering greetings.

HUDSON GRILLE

> Where: 865 N. Main St., Alpharetta. 770-777-4127.

> Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-midnight Sundays.

> Reservations: Yes.

> Recommended dishes: Grilled ahi tuna salad, lemon chicken, Border burger.

> Prices: Appetizers, soups and salads, $2.95-$9.95; burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches, $3.95-$11.95; entrees $6.95-$17.95.

> Web site: www.hudsongrille.com.