(30th) Avenue (Mexi)Q

Hey folks! Artsy guy here reporting from a mere eight blocks from home... MexiQ on 30th Ave. in Astoria, Queens. This place has a sort of Tex-Mex fusion-ish vibe happenin' with the menu, and the results are mighty tasty.

But this craft beer fan rejoices most over some of the kegs they're getting. This trip found me with a coveted glass of Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout. Also on the menu: Southern Tier Unearthly IPA, Dogfish Head 90 Minute, and much more. Their happy hour features their Mexican beers (Dos Equis and Modelo) if that's your bag.

This is a fantastic local hang. I do wish they updated their beer menu more often. (After three visits in the last month, I've observed that the number of depleted beers still on their menu is much higher than other bars with the same type of rotating selection... and better systems.) Still, it's a great destination for those with a hankerin' for tasty craft brews. And that's what's HOPpenin'!! Cheers, y'all!

Why oh why oh Weyerbacher?!

Howdy folks! Artsy Guy here, feeling accomplished after a full day at the desk. Reward? Sampling the Weyerbacher tap takeover at Rattle & Hum here in the shadow of the Empire State Building (or the location of said shadow if it were actually sunny in NYC, which it's NOT).

I'm such a fan of these events that happen periodically at Rattle & Hum, Pony Bar, Blind Tiger, etc. It's a great opportunity to taste a few brews from one brewer side by side. Favorites sampled on this day were the Double Simcoe IPA, Insanity (barley wine), Heresy and Tiny (both imperial stouts). Just look at all those "W" tap handles!

So... get thee down to Rattle & Hum toot sweet to experience a brewery that doesn't raise a tap handle often in the Big Apple! That's what's HOPpenin'! (Still not sold on the catchphrase, but - heck - it's almost Easter and it's bunny-related.)

Blind Tiger. Brunch. Brand new Guy.

Artsy Guy here. I'm new. Jimmy and Mark tossed me on board at the Pony All American party last week, and if that isn't a way to join the party I don't know what is. Howdy!

What better way is there to spend a beautiful (if breezy) Sunday afternoon than brunch? Brunch with beer you say? I'll agree with you. Thanks for the segue!

I'm occupying a sidewalk-view stool at Blind Tiger Ale House in NYC's West Village. They've got a killer breakfast sandwich (and more on their improved menu), and those who know me will attest to the fact that I'm a happy camper with a pint of West Coast IPA from Green Flash in lovely Vista, CA.

Great place, this Blind Tiger! And the people watching is lively too. And that's what's HOPpenin'. (Man, did I just attempt a catch phrase?) Cheers, y'all!

(Photo note: Not all pints come with minivans.)