Gentle Ben's Brewing Co.
865 E. University Blvd.

READERS' PICK: Denver-based Breckenridge Brewery has caught on big time in the Old Pueblo, becoming a popular spot for singles to meet, mingle, grab a bite to eat for lunch or dinner, or (of course) sample some of the finest brews this side of the Rockies. Breckenridge boasts open and lofty two-story seating, which allows diners and drinkers a full view of what's brewing all around them. The brews here have garnered numerous awards at festivals and events around the country, and just a few sips will quickly explain why. Five standard brews are always available: Avalanche (a malty, creamy amber ale), Mountain Wheat (a fruity and slightly spicy golden ale), India Pale Ale (bold and bursting with hoppy flavor), Oatmeal Stout (dark, rich and imbued with the character of coffee and chocolate) and Old World Pilsner (a light and bubbly lager). In addition, Breckenridge features several specialty beers throughout the year, including seasonal Strawberry Wheat, Ball Park Brown Ale, Autumn Ale, Pandora's Bock and Raspberry Porter. Can't decide which best suits your individual taste? Then order the generous sampler, which allows a hefty shot glass of each available brew. From there you can select your favorite and settle in till the cabs come (to take you) home. Breckenridge offers some impressive pub fare, ranging from traditional Shepherd's Pie to an elegant presentation of fish and chips.

Gentle Ben's, meanwhile, was serving Tucson's university area long before the word "microbrew" was a household word. Locally owned and operated, Ben's has at least a half-dozen signature beers on tap, covering the spectrum of light, fruity and stout brews. When their original location was demolished two years ago to make way for that "Little La Joya" colony there on East University, Ben's changed with the times--and they now have an expanded kitchen, a great covered patio upstairs (often featuring live music), and a lively bar scene any night of the week. They also serve a mean burger.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Mysteriously nestled deep inside an industrial area east of Palo Verde Road, the pub itself is in one end of the large warehouse brewery. Named for brew master Nimbus Couzin, the Nimbus Brewery, 3850 E 44th St., makes six brews on the premises: four pales and two darks, with the oatmeal stout being our favorite. Try the tap sampler, six small mugs for three bucks. We liked listening to the sound of the train going by outside the roll-up doors of the loading dock. Nimbus also offers sandwiches and chips, live bands and a pool table back by the Laverne and Shirley-style bottle-capping machine. Make all your dreams come true at Nimbus.

CLUE IN: Pusch Ridge Brewing, 5861 N. Oracle Road, is a bit more salt-of-the-earth in its surroundings, but it sacrifices nothing when it comes to the quality of its beers. Designed with the concept of a Southwest beer garden in mind, Pusch Ridge contains an attractively trellised outdoor patio landscaped with desert plants for cooler days, and several cooper-topped tables and a long, partitioned bar inside for the scorchers. Antique photographs of old-time breweries and their brew masters decorate the walls, giving the place a comfortable air of Copper State authenticity. Locally owned and operated, Pusch Ridge offers a variety of tap beers for your sipping pleasure, including Scottish-style ambers, stouts and porters. The beer changes with the season (lest they come and go without our being able to discern the change), but regulars will have no trouble finding a favorite brew represented frequently throughout the year: The popular notion of infusing some kind of fruit-flavoring (usually raspberry, it seems) into beer is almost always an available option, and the bevy of other selections will inevitably cover the range from wispy-light to molasses-dark. Decent burgers and several nouvelle-style pasta dishes are offered, making Pusch Ridge one of the best purveyors of pub fare in town. Whatever your beer or dining pleasure, you'll definitely find something to tickle your fancy at Pusch Ridge Brewing.

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