Beda’s Biergarten has become my new happy place (the currywurst and pork schnitzel will make you dance on your barstool). And, like any respectable German beer joint worth its salt, you can count on incredible, authentic brews imported straight from the fatherland. After a heaping bite of sauerkraut, nothing is more satisfying than a citrusy swill of Stiegl Radler. The bartender aptly described this beer as “alcoholic Squirt,” which makes so much sense. The fizzy beer does taste similar to that tart, grapefruit flavored soda in the yellow can. And with around 2 percent alcohol, you can drink it like soda, too!
• Beda’s Stiegl Radler—About $7; 3230 Broad St., SLO.
I am so incredibly excited about Figueroa Mountain’s Arroyo Grande location! I say we tear down all the Starbucks and put in craft breweries. The new taproom opened over Father’s Day weekend, and a grand opening is slated for July 10 through 12. Until then, I’ll be sipping on “no pants beer,” aka Lizard’s Mouth. I say “sipping” because this tropical hopped beauty tops in at 9.2 percent, and I can’t afford to buy new pants every weekend.
• Figueroa Mountain Lizard’s Mouth IPA—About $9 for a 22 ounce bottle; 1462 E. Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande.
Hayley Thomas doesn’t drink alone at hthomas@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Jun 25 – Jul 2, 2015.