The South Florida Traveler

I grew up in Milwaukee therefore beer has in my blood since birth. Though, when I moved to Florida, I matured and wine became my drink of choice. Still, there are some days when nothing tastes better than having a nice, cold beer in hand. So where can you go to raise a frosty mug?

• Yardhouse: locations at Downtown at the Gardens, Palm Beach Gardens and soon to open in Coral Gables at The Village of Merrick Park. The perfect place to go if you are looking to experience an upscale-casual eatery, classic rock music or a large selection of beer on tap (We’re talking about 130 in PBG). Stop by to relax, watch a game or compete with friends to try every beer in the house. In addition to the enormous selection of beer, they also offer some nice martinis and wines by the glass.  Are you hungry? Try the onion ring tower, the chicken enchilada stack or lobster garlic noodles. Happy hour is from 3-6pm Monday - Friday and Sun - Wednesday from 10 pm - midnight. Half priced appetizers and drink specials are offered.
• The Dubliner located at 435 Plaza Real in Boca Raton. Owned by the same people as Dada, this Irish Pub is a meeting place for many in Boca Raton. With over 35 beers from around the world available live music most nights of the week and a broadcast of all major NFL, NBA and MBA sporting events, you are sure to feel right at home. While the menu is primarily Irish, they have options that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters ranging from Guiness Fondue, Traditional Corned Beef, Shepherd’s Pie and Irishman’s Beef and Lamb Stew to Goat Cheese Fritters, Shroom Burgers and Grilled Atlantic Salmon. If not everyone in your party is a beer drink, no worries. They offer a full liquor bar.
• Brewzzi with 2 locations - 1 in Boca at Glades Plaza and a 2nd in CityPlace. This Italian American bistro and Microbrewery has defined itself in producing both quality food and beer. I would definitely recommend trying one of the 6 beers on tap from the Black Duke to the Boca Blonde or why not try the sampler where you can try a little of each? Entrees range from pizza and pastas to burger and sandwiches. I won’t say the entrees will amazing, but they are consistent and you’ll know what you are getting.
• Gordon Biersch located at 1201 Brickell Avenue in Miami. How does people watching on Brickell Avenue sound combined with a nice cold one in hand? Check out Gordon Biersch known for their food made from scratch and their hand crafted beer combined with a festive atmosphere. Golden Export, Hefeweizen, Czech Lager, need I go on? Kobe Sliders, Barbecue Chicken Pizza, Meatloaf, Cashew Crusted Chilean Sea Bass — there truly is a little of everything.
• If none of the above work, why not grab some friends and spend the day in the sun on your favorite boat and live up the Florida lifestyle? Life is good.

Photo Credit: Steven Fernandez @ flickr