The Ginger Man is just about the best beer bar in whatever city it inhabits. The locations are always cozy, handsome, and staffed by brilliant beertenders. Its 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’re up to around 100 brews available at any given time, chosen far more artfully than 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, but the menu evolves somewhat seasonally. Be sure to ask what’s new, or follow their Tweets for limited-edition tapping.

Think cocktails are only for liquors? Not so—there’s a healthy list of beer blends that changes seasonally (just don’t ask for the Dr. Pepper—it’s apparently been overdone and makes the staff understandably cranky). Ask instead what the bartender’s making. They won’t steer you wrong. Think of the food as simply a means to keep drinking beer. The spinach-artichoke dip is fine, but we’d suggest the “Beer Companion,” a nice-sized plate offering mediocre cheese, grapes, olives, salami, and bread. Or if you prefer, just order an oatmeal stout.