Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant

Businesses tend to come and go in Downtown Tempe, but brewpub Gordon Biersch, which overlooks the corner of Mill Avenue and Fifth Street, has been a loyal mainstay for more than a decade. It's no surprise, given the bar's lofty view (which is particularly nice at sunset) and the establishment's longstanding dedication to handcrafted beer. Dressed in casual khakis, business folks sample such Biersch standards as Golden Export, Hefeweizen, Czech Pilsner, Märzen brew, and rotating seasonal beers (brewed in-house), with the gleaming stills visible from the dark oak bar. The menu is just as sophisticated as the lagers. Munch on appetizers like crab cakes with Cajun rémoulade and pot stickers, then move on to entrees like the sesame-seared ahi tuna, Cajun pasta and jambalaya. Read our review.