Craft beer bars have been cropping up like crazing the last few years. Even those bars or restaurant that serve the usual mass produced beers are starting to carry more craft beer. One such establishment is The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium. With 14 locations and covering 6 states, The Flying Saucer is definitely working to bring craft beer to the forefront of the beer culture. Although a small chain, each location brings its own unique style to the traditional German Bier Garden atmosphere.

Photo Courtesy of Zheng X.

Having opened about 10 years ago, San Antonio’s Flying Saucer is no different. Now I maybe a little off on the quantities, but they feature over 100 beers on tap and around 60 or so in the bottle, there is surely something for everyone. let me tell you, looking at that tap wall will make you quite thirsty! You will see some of the usual suspects on the list: Bud, Coors, etc, but the focus is all on the craft beer and often feature American Craft breweries with special events.

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Think stars like Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth and Dean Martin. Then imagine Hollywood hot spots like the Roosevelt Hotel and the Polo Lounge. That’s the atmosphere and look of The Monterey, San Antonio’s newest gastropub.

Photo Courtesy of Kristen Hefty

A friend of mine had come to the The Monterey and had a fabulous time and I was urged to go, for I was told it had a great focus on craft beer and handcrafted food. I just had to try this place out, so I headed down with a few friends last week. Despite the description, I still didn’t know what to expect when I arrived. The restaurant is located in south San Antonio and slightly recessed from the street, so when I pulled up front, the 1950’s era decor took be completely by surprise. Certainly not what I would expect to see in San Antonio, Austin perhaps, but not here. I knew I was in for a treat.

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If I were younger, single, or at least child-free (by choice!) and I lived in a renovated factory in downtown Los Angeles, like the cool people do, I might head downstairs for a pint or two on a regular basis.  After all, such buildings also have gyms, yoga centers, and organic markets in quick walking distance.

Royal Clayton’s will provide you with that regular pint as well as a host of typical British pub fare – bangers and mash, anyone?  Situated in the corner of the first floor of the Toy Factory building in downtown Los Angeles, Clayton’s is a recreation of an

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Brenner’s Steakhouse on The Bayou is not what you’d except. Take Ruth Chris Steakhouse and mix in a little New Orleans and and you have Brenner’s. Although it’s located smack dab in downtown Houston, Brenner’s still seems to fit right in. It occupies the lodge once home to the Rainbow Lounge and is even located on a bayou! I confess I didn’t realize a bayou existed in Houston!  I was in town for events related to Houston’s first ever beer week and arrived at Brenner’s for their 2010 Fall Beer Festival.

A Perfect Day For A Festival (photo courtesy of Jeremy Banas)

As I walked into the restaurant grounds, I was immediately taken aback. I was greeted with a large backyard that was partially on a hill, beautifully landscaped with trees, a gazebo, native plants, bushes, a winding walkway  and yes, a small creek. It was amazing during the day, I can’t imagine house breathtaking it would be in the evening. The perfect sight for a romantic dinner.

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