WHY For dozens of beers on tap, mainly Californian, Belgian and German brews, which you can try in four-ounce, five-shot sample flights.

WHAT This aptly named bar has a polished professor vibe with better-than-average bar food: chipotle shrimp quesadillas, a solid build-your-own beef, turkey, veggie or salmon burger, and salmon fish ‘n chips that tastes healthier than its cod cousin. The outdoor patio is quite appealing, but you’ll get better service if you can snag a seat at the bar.

WHO Beer-loving regulars at the bar and Santa Monica families on the outdoor patio.