BITES NEARBY: Jilly's

—Don't dismiss this sports bar and restaurant as only a place to watch a ball game or eat dinner. 

Until yesterday I thought it was too festive a place for lunch. But I tried it, and really enjoyed it—for lunch, it's the best place to be. The food is delicious, made fresh, and the service is quick.

Some places facilitate conversation. Jilly's, 1012 Reisterstown Road, and the Starbucks in Festival at Woodholme, 1809 Reisterstown Road, are two such places. I've been in Jilly's about four times since I moved to Pikesville, and always find someone nice to talk to there.

Yesterday, I had their tuna salad on toasted rye ($7.99), and really enjoyed it. For an extra 99 cents, I got french fries instead of chips. I found the portions were too large to finish, but tasted the fries, and they were thick, freshly made and delicious.

Here are some other sandwiches on the menu, all served with chips and a pickle: 

• Deano's buffalo chicken (8.99)
• Reuben ($8.99)
• Jilly's club—double-deck turkey, ham, bacon with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise ($8.99)

And some entrees:

• Ahi Tuna ($17.99)
• Chicken Chesapeake ($17.99)
• Fajitas, veggie ($11.99); chicken ($13.99); steak ($15.99) or shrimp ($17.99).

They also have numerous burgers, some wraps, salads, ribs and other party food.

Jilly's is located at Reisterstown Road, Pikesville. For info, call the restaurant at 410-653-0610. For a full menu, visit jillysbarandgrillcom.