The Ginger Man has made serious tracks as the best beer bar in whatever city it inhabits. No matter where it is, it’s cozy as hell, handsome and transportive, and staffed by brilliant beertenders. It’s the kind of place that’s guaranteed to dispell bitter moods and turn people onto beer in the way a great wine bar turns them onto wine.

It’s biggest attraction is certainly the veritable universe of beer flowing from scores of taps at the smooth and gorgeous dark wood bar. Add the bottled selection, and you’ll strike the beer-lover’s jackpot with around 100 brews available at any given time. And they’re chosen far more artfully than at the similarly sized list at the competing Flying Saucer. Germans, Belgians, Czechs, Americans—if a nation makes a noteworthy beer, it’s probably here. You might be able to work your way through the list—a hearty feat at any age—until you realize that the menu often evolves, especially with the addition of seasonal beers. Be sure to ask about these when you stop in, as they generally have several on hand: Summerfest, Oktoberfest, Winter Ale, and so on.

Think cocktails are only for liquors? Not so—there’s a concoction here of Young’s Double Chocolate Stout plus a Sam Adams Cherry Wheat that tastes exactly like Dr. Pepper. Its name? The Dr. Pepper, of course. Other inventive beer blends here will make ordering a black and tan feel like your naïve Midori-sour days.

While the inside of the bar is dark and brooding (perfect for moody nights of solitary writing, actually), the front and rear outdoor areas are filled with picnic tables, fans, greenery, and natural light, best for warm nights and lazy afternoons. Seven chugs later, you might need a snack. If you don’t feel like picking up a gyro from Istanbul next door (but you should), Ginger Man can certainly tide you over. The spinach-artichoke dip is fine, though nothing extraordinary. Same goes for the jumbo pretzels (yawn). What we’d suggest is the “Beer Companion,” a nice-sized plate offering the simple bites that every drinker craves: cheese, grapes, olives, salami, and bread. Set one on the table and graze the afternoon away. It’s all in service to the beer.

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