Rock Bottom Brewery is decent bet for food and drinks in Uptown. While I haven't had a bad dish or poor service, Rock Bottom seems to be a variation on a theme: a classy Americana pub with dressed up pub fare and dark paneling.
I agree with Stephen K.'s summary of Rock Bottom but there are some highlights to the menu. I've had a pretty awesome quesadilla and enchiladas to the tune of $12-14 and a hearty pick-your-own toppings cheeseburger. I love carbs, so in this aspect, Rock Bottom does not dissapoint. The chicken fingers are so-so. However, the fries evoke memories of your middle school cafeteria (thin cut and taste like veggie oil).
The staff are very friendly and professional; they actually make sure you're doing OK unlike wait staff at most sports bars. I've never been treated rudely or indifferently here-I would vouch for the service any day. What then, is the "selling point" of Rock Bottom. Duh, location! The outdoor seating gives view to a long stretch of Tryon St. Rock Bottom is an awesome place to people-watch or grab a reasonable meal before launching an evening Uptown. Rock Bottom is casual but not trashy, a pub that resorts to being a sports bar, and a stopping point but not a destination. If you've exhausted your rotation of Uptown restaurants and hangouts, at least add Rock Bottom to your list.