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Beer goggles guide

The best bars to get hopped up on suds

By Alexandra Le Tellier, Metromix

October 9, 2007

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(Credit: Alie Ward)

Remember Benjamin Franklin's profound declaration? He said, "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." We’d like to expand on that. Beer is proof that God wants us to be a bunch of drunken hos. And in this town, there are two types of beer whores: There’s the snob who only drinks obscure craftsman brews and there’s the drunkard who pounds pints until the hairy shemale in the corner looks hot enough to ... ahem. Either type is bound to have a boozy night followed by a dreadful hangover the next day. The things we do for happiness.

Good Microbrew and Grill

3725 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles

323-660-3645

For the snob: Known as the Eastside’s tasting room, this Silverlake spot serves handmade beers from around the world. Africa, Vietnam, Croatia: You name a country and the folks at Good have scoured the region for the best brew. Seeking a little of an adventure yourself? Wednesdays are Mystery Beer Night when, for $3 a pop, you can have a pint of whatever the bartender is pouring.

Cha Cha Lounge

2375 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles

323-660-7595

For the drunkard: The Mexican-style rock-and-roll bar loves its Tecate so much the owner built a shrine of out of old cans and stuck it in the men’s room.

Father's Office

1018 Montana Ave., Santa Monica

310-393-2337

For the snob: Everyone raves about the burger at Father’s Office, but it’s really all about the thoughtful beer selection. The pub only serves microbrews, many of which are rare and seasonal, but the novice need not turn away in fear: The bartenders love turning patrons on to new inebriants.

Yard House

330 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

626-577-9273

For the drunkard: This souped-up sports bar has more than 100 beers on tap and claims to have the 'World's Largest Selection of Draft Beer"—and, after your first couple dozen, you'll take their word for it. Pints only cost $3.25 during the weekday happy hour, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., but take heed: Break a half-yard glass and you buy it.

Library Alehouse

2911 Main St., Santa Monica

310-314-4855

For the snob: Twenty-nine brews on tap and upscale bar food make this low-key pub a favorite of beer lovers and foodies alike. Ask for the alehouse’s Leo Stanton. He’s the resident “beer guru” and he’ll recommend a good West Coast-style pale ale. Hey, when on the Westside ....

Barney's Beanery West Hollywood

8447 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood

323-654-2287

For the drunkard: Who cares if the beer comes lukewarm and in a chipped plastic pitcher? Most of the jocks here are too focused on the game to worry about what they’re putting in their mouths. This could explain why their inner germaphobes don’t come out while playing quarters, the staple bar game during commercial breaks.

3rd Stop

8636 W. 3rd St., West Hollywood

310-273-3605

For the snob: Ignore the corporate beers on tap. The 3rd Stop has more than 30 beers on tap and specializes in semirare Belgian treats, for example Chimay Cinq Cent and Delirium Tremens, as well as local finds like the Craftsman 1903 made in L.A. County.

Saddle Ranch Chop House

8371 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood

323-656-2007

For the drunkard: What kind of beer does Saddle Ranch have? Who cares, as long as it comes in a huge mug and it helps you land tonight’s date? But proceed with caution: After a lot of beer, that “two” you saw at 10 p.m. often becomes a 10 at 2 a.m.

Library Bar

630 W Sixth St. Ste 116A, Los Angeles

213- 614-0053

For the snob: The folks at the classy-chic Library Bar hired beer sommelier Christina Perozzi to create the book-themed beer menu. The result: Stella Artois for sophisticated sippers, Craftsman biere du blanco for adventurous drinkers and Lost Coast Brewing Company's Downtown Brown, for chicks who like to support chicks—LCBC is an all-woman brewery in Eureka, Calif.

Ye Rustic Inn

1831 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles

323-662-5757

For the drunkard: Kiefer Sutherland got so drunk here, he took off his pants. Enough said.

Alexandra Le Tellier is Bars & Clubs editor for Metromix Los Angeles. She is both a drunkard and a snob.

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