Top 5 beer bars

"Beer! How did you know?" — Homer Simpson

True, it may be an acquired taste, but once you've been bitten by the beer bug there's no going back. There are many bars in town that have an impressive list of bottle beers — Southern Belle and Jimmie's Cornerstone among others — but there's something about a watering hole sporting a wall of taps where the Miller and Bud domestics of the world are far outnumbered by cool microbrews. For the Lounge Lizards, bars with diverse draught beers can't be beat.

1. Chappy's

• Basics: 2733 W. Alex-Bell Rd., Moraine [Map] Call (937) 299-RIBS (7427)
• Why it rates: Chappy's boasts a well-rounded, solid menu, but it pales in comparison to the outstanding beer selection. The array of choices focuses heavily on microbrews and Belgian ales, elevating it to one of the best beer bars in town. Be sure to ask for the "beer book" — a comprehensive list of all of the beers — seasonal and otherwise — complete with terrific descriptions and supplementary information for each. The Chimay White Belgian Trappist ale draught Ð the only tavern to offer this within 200 miles — is a treat for those who enjoy indulging their love of good beers. With a changing beer menu and tasting flights there are options here for even the seasoned beer drinker.
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2. Dublin Pub

• Basics: 300 Wayne Ave., Dayton [Map] Call (937) 224-7822
• Why it rates: This cozy space offers up some of the best bar food in the city with your choice of a perfect pint, an Irish Whiskey or something else from the full service bar. This is the best pint of Guinness you can find around town and the perfect environment in which to enjoy it. With some recent additions to the menu including the scrumptious 5 Points New York Reuben, the environment and cuisine make this a terrific location to enjoy that pint of brew.
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3. Peach's Grill

• Basics: 104 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs [Map] Call (937) 767-4850
• Why it rates: With an impressive selection of microbrews that changes weekly and growlers to go should you flash on something you just can't get enough of, Peach's, located in the village of Yellow Springs, is well worth the visit if you've not been. A jam packed live music schedule and full menu will ensure you'll have plenty to occupy you when you arrive.
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4. Boston's Bistro and Pub

• Basics: 7500 N Main St., Dayton [Map] Call (937) 461-1002
• Why it rates: The imports at this North Dayton pub are well worth the drive if you've never been. Open in it's new location since the end of 2004, after it was forced to move from it's downtown home of 23 years, this is more than ever, a beer lovers bar. Offering monthly tastings and other events (go to www.bostonsbistro.com to see what's currently on tap and get on the mailing list), if you happen on a beer you love, be sure to look into getting a 64 oz. growler jug to go.
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5. Fox & Hound Pub & Grille

• Basics: 2661 Fairfield Commons, Beavercreek [Map] Call (937) 426-4145
• Why it rates: Locations in the Fox & Hound chain are designed to have a little something for everyone. Food, billiards, music, extra large bar — the locations are split up into large rooms decorated in warm, rich woods giving it the feel of a gentleman's club. Fox & Hound is able to accommodate large numbers and offers a long list of draught beers on tap.
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Honorable mention:

The Pub

• Basics: 9 Greene Blvd., Beavercreek, OH 45440 [Map] Call (937) 320-1199
• Why it rates: One of the latest drinking / eating / mingling establishments at The Greene, the bar is beautiful — handcrafted and assembled on-site — and the waitresses show off their allegiance to Scotland (and their legs) with their short-short plaid skirts. The lighting is flattering and the atmosphere is loud and beersoaked, just the way we like it. Come for the beer and stay for the beer — start with the Belhaven Scottish Ale, our personal favorite. With an impressive draught and bottled beer list, there's plenty to try; and if you find you haven't tried most of them, be sure to ask for the beer sampler (four five ounce pours of your choice). The list of single malt scotches is also impressive if that sort of thing appeals to you (also available in samplers). While the food choices ranged from traditional to the more exotic, the starters and authentic British pub fare are the way to go.
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Compiled by Alexis Larsen and Craig Schrolucke, staff writers