Cheers for Beers
Brewers at The Alchemist may not be able to convert lead into precious metal, but they can turn malt, hops and water into liquid gold. Their flavorful beers, including the Belgian-style Ménage à Trois and the Panty Dropper, an American IPA, are known far and wide. Area chefs stop in after work for a pint, and patrons have been known to drive all the way from Burlington for the goods.

But fermented fluid isn’t the only draw: The flavorful pub fare reels ’em in, too. Golden hand-cut fries, served in a paper cone with spicy ketchup or garlic mayo for dipping, are crisp and delicious. For something heartier, there’s always the sausage and ’kraut plate, or a Porter Braised Chicken Leg with herbed polenta. Like beer for dessert, too? You can’t go wrong with Maple-Porter Pudding Cake.

- Suzanne Podhaizer