Van Ness Avenue in Downtown Fresno is quickly becoming one of the area's top destinations for dining and entertainment, a trend exemplified by the opening of Downtown's latest hangout, Hero's Sports Lounge and Pizza Company. Located at 820 Van Ness Ave, directly across from the Spiral Parking Garage, Hero's is just a short walk from both Chukchansi Park and the Convention Center. Hero's features a full service restaurant and bar spread out over two levels in a converted warehouse space, complete with brick and open beam ceilings, and copious amounts of sports collectibles and memorabilia. Local interior designer Carlos Jimenez, who also helped design the interior of the World Sports Cafe in River Park, is responsible for Hero's unique atmosphere.

Patterned after the original Hero's in Downtown Modesto, the menu features everything from salads and burgers to hot wings, and of course, pizza. The full bar features over a dozen beers on tap, and almost twenty flat panel HDTV screens, perfect for watching the game. A mezzanine level features additional dining space, and a space for music performances. Hero's is open for both lunch and dinner, and expects to become a popular pre and post-game hangout for Grizzlies fans.

Hero's is just the latest addition to what is becoming the most vibrant street in Downtown. Since 2006, Van Ness Avenue has seen the addition eight new restaurants and clubs, including Mezcal, The Smokehouse, Cafe 1055 at the Holiday Inn, the Downtown Sports Bar at the Holiday Inn, Lety's Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 2039 Ultra Lounge, Joe's Steakhouse, and now Hero's. Add in Club One Restaurant, and Van Ness Avenue is now a major destination for downtown regulars and visitors alike, with nine bars and restaurants all within walking distance, stretching from Merced Street at the north to Inyo Street at south. And in keeping with the theme of downtown being a destination both day and night, most of the Van Ness area establishments are open after 5:00 PM, including Club One, which serves food 24 hours a day. Convenient on street parking is available along Van Ness, Inyo, Kern and Merced Streets, as well as parking in the three garages along Van Ness; Graage 7 at Inyo Street  (the "Spiral Garage"); Garage 8 at Tulare Street (the "Underground Garage"), and Garage 9 at Merced Street. Many merchants validate parking with a purchase. And for after hours visitors, parking at meters after 6:00 PM is free, expect during stadium or convention center events. So have some fun and come downtown to see all of the new activity on Van Ness Avenue!

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KSEE 24 covers the Grand Opening of Hero's Sports Lounge and Pizza Co.