Last week, I left the city for the mountains of Colorado. I shared an unforgettable road trip with my two old college roommates and one’s gracious family. Stargazing, bird watching, fishing, hiking, jeeping and “hot tubbing” provided a pleasant vacation from my usual internet-dependent, cell phone-obsessed, bar-hopping city lifestyle.
Everyday, we woke up and discussed the day’s options over coffee. Should we take a hike? Go for a jeep ride? Build a rock stack in the creek, perhaps? Or, should we just dedicate ourselves to a day of nothing more than sitting amidst the spectacular scenery? These decisions were about the extent of our stress. Add to that the money-saving bonus of less booze for the buzz that comes with high altitude and, we were ready to go Waco when it was time to leave.
When it comes to microbrews Colorado is the land of plenty. Through a careful sampling process we discovered a new fave: Modus Hoperandi India Pale Ale brewed out of Ska Brewing Company in Durango, CO. The green can produced bitter hops with an ABV of 6.8%. I was sad to discover this product is not sold in Wisconsin, but is available in some Illinois liquor stores if you choose to pursue.
The most memorable night for me was spent after our “Trout-luck” dinner, in which we caught, cleaned, smoked and devoured about 18 trout between the residents of the North Fork. After the lovely dinner with complements of coleslaw and jalapeño cornbread, we ventured up the road to the lake, beers in hand, to catch a meteor shower. The three of us, bundled in oversized family coats and vests, lied down and waited. “Ooooo” we squeaked and pointed as the bright lights raced across the sky leaving pronounced trails against the glowing blackness. Coyotes serenaded the rising moon. A magic night.
Anyway. Though I was not looking forward to a long drive back, I began to crave a Guinness from the tap. Not just any tap, mind you. For my money, the best pour is found at the County Clare (1234 N. Astor St.) where the ale’s creamy head perfectly caps the dark silky goodness below. I’m so used to having at least one Guinness a week from my nearby watering hole that I started missing it. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, indeed.
Where the typical American Irish pub is little more than a sports bar with an “O” or “Mc” before its name, the County Clare feels authentic. The bar is attached to a cozy Inn with pamphlets promoting a somewhat-affordable Irish castle getaway. The walls are colored with witticisms and artful Guinness signage and a small corner stage features weekend entertainment. Best of all, while the season lasts, there’s a great little patio perfectly suitable to a Guinness on a summer’s eve.
1701 N. Arlington Pl.
Thursdays
Ladies Night: DJs Kid Cut Up and Steve Marxx and two complimentary drinks for the ladies.
223 N. Water St.
Thursdays
Every Thursday buy a pitcher of beer and get a free pizza. Check out the Web site for more daily specials.
1579 S. 9th St.
Tuesday through Friday
5-9 p.m.
Half Price Old Fashions and Depression Era Cocktails
735 E. Center St.
Friday, August 21
10 p.m.
Check out Stonefly for the WMSE Summer Camp Hot Pop Hip Hop stage!
720 N. Milwaukee St.
Friday, August 21
Open casting call for the 2010 Harley Angel. Hosted by Favio with soundz by DJ Wizz Kid. Doors open at 10 p.m. $100 bottle and $5 tall cocktails of Three Olives Grape and Cherry.
718 N. Milwaukee St.
Thursdays
Thursday Nite Bike Nite: $3 Miller products, $5 Appetizers, $3 Jack mixers all night. Begins at 6 p.m. every Thursday.
Brocach Irish Pub and Restaurant
1850 N. Water St.
Monday, August 24
Check out Brocach’s Monday movie night on the patio with free kettle corn and $2.50 Lakefront bottles. This Monday, Pulp Fiction.
2265 S. Howell Ave.
Monday-Friday
Try the Lulu happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7 p.m. and Mon-Thurs 11 p.m.-close. Take a $1 off all rail drinks, tap beer and wine.
3007 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Tuesdays
Blackbird offers one of my new favorite Happy Hour specials:
Free tacos from Hector’s, 4-8 p.m. or until supplies last. Also, $4 Margaritas and
$2 Pacifico and Corona
2496 S. Wentworth
Saturday, August 22
10 p.m.
Decibully, Smith Western, Celebrated Workingman
7413 West Greenfield
Mondays
$1 off all taps and three sliders for $3.
Don’t Miss this week’s Love, Sex, Etc. for Nikol’s take on the elusive female orgasm.
