I have oodles of respect for the owners of the Milton Tavern.

In the not-so-distant past, this establishment was straight up sketchville. It was home to scuffles, surly bikers and a cloud of smoke so thick that I felt like I could wring it out of my hair.

The current owners had the courage to take on that place and all of its related issues with force. They gutted it; they started offering hearty pub grub; they threw out the crap beer, and they were one of the first well-known establishments to make the conscious effort to take care of their employees and customers by going nonsmoking well before the ban was state law.

Now you'll find the place full of lighthearted regulars, twentysomethings on up, enjoying the Milton's casual and comfortable ambiance, shiny, happy servers, and impeccable pizza. I'm not sure how many ways I can say it, dear Weekly Volcano readers, but here's a shot: buy the pizza, try the pizza, love the pizza.

I bet that batch of not-so-pleasant bikers who used to hang out there never would've seen this coming: The Milton is now family friendly. That's a true sign of a turnaround. Kids are welcome at the Milton from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays.

The Milton carries dozens of the best microbrews from the Pacific Northwest - including Jolly Roger, Celebration, Ebenezer - and they've added a selection of tasteful hard alcohol, too. They also sell party pigs (beer to go) in 2.25 gallons for $30 to $35 plus a $25 deposit on the pig.

LINK: They made our dive bar list

LINK: 2011 Tournament of Pizza

LINK: Feature article 2008

LINK: Jalepino Bottle Caps appetizers