There are few things I love more than I love beer. I love my wife. I love my son. I love music. And that's about it.
I consider myself something of an expert when it comes to beer. Not how it's made, or identifying different brews or brewing methods...but I do love drinking it. If you ever get the chance to down a few (dozen) at these spots, you should totally do it. These are my favorite spots to throw down!
1. My own damned couch.
There's something pretty awesome about being safe and cozy at my place when I enjoy some tasty beverage. I'm not going broke, the music never sucks, I can skip pants-wearing if I'm so inclined, and if my wife is indulging with me it's only a 10 second walk to the bedroom, rather than taking an Uber ride home. Less time for her to change her mind!
Favorite home beers: Newcastle Brown Ale, Leinenkugel Summer Shandy, and Bud Light with Lime for my wife, who coined the slogan "when your night is going up, there's only one drink that won't let you down. Bud Light with Lime!" Agreed, Nancy. Agreed.
2. The Rainbow Bar and Grill, Hollywood CA
When a rocker is going to tie one on in Hollywood, this is where they get it done. Name a musician, they've partied at the 'Bow. Motley Crue, Led Zeppelin, Poison, Van Halen, hell, even The friggin' Beatles and The Monkees have gotten down at the Rainbow. Oh, and the late, great Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead partied here everyday. Every. Freaking. Day. There's a statue of the man himself on the patio, right where he always sat. That's metal.
Favorite Rainbow beers: Everything. Anything.
3. Maple Grove Tavern, Maple Heights OH
Keep your frills and fancy napkins. That's what sleeves are for, anyhow. The 'Grove is the spot to rock and drink. The staff rules, the regulars are cool, and the beer is plentiful. There's always some killer music playing and the place has a ton of character and charm. And did I mention beer?
Favorite Maple Grove beers: Call out the PBR, and rock like a rocker.
4. Lee's Hawaiian Islander, Lyndhurst NJ
If you wanna drink, and you wanna sing - here's the spot. A killer kitschy karaoke bar in my wife's old stomping grounds. Lee's is fun as hell! And if beer's not your bag, there are plenty of cocktails that will hit a clean note with ya - and screw your hiney up!
Favorite Lee's beers: It doesn't matter, they all taste good when you're smashing a flaming pu-pu platter and belting out some New Kids on the Block. Not that I've ever done that...
5. Bruxelle's, Dublin Ireland
Ireland. Beer. Rock. That's all you need to know. Thin Lizzy legend Phil Lynott partied here all the freaking time back in the day, and even though he's passed on his presence is still strong as hell. You can see his photo and some personal effects of Phil's above the bar.
Favorite Bruxelle's beers: guiness. That's all you need.
Happy Beer Day, y'all!!
Be safe!