NEWS

Don't know about you, but I'm really enjoying the new places popping up in the local nightlife scene. Sure, the past year or so has seen dozens of pubs, dives and restaurants shutter their doors, leaving plenty of rental space at area strip malls and fond memories for locals. So what better way to celebrate those promising signs in local entertainment than from a seat at the bar of one these newcomers.

We chose World of Beer Sarasota, at 8217 Tourist Center Drive, off University Parkway near Interstate 75. There's been lots of buzz about the place since there were ads in local publications advertising "500 Beers, 40 Taps, Live Music." And a quick glance at the pub's Web site only entices beer lovers.

Not only does WOB list comprehensive and up-to-date menus for what's on tap, in bottles, as well as wines and cigars, but you can find info about their Happy Hour ($1 off all drafts 3-7 p.m. Monday through Friday) and nightly schedule, which includes Service Industry Night on Mondays, Liter Night on Wednesdays, and Ladies' Night on Thursdays.

Once a friend and I got to WOB last weekend, the first thing that hit me were the screaming football fans. The second was the size. It's small. But don't worry, WOB makes great use of the narrow confines, fitting in numerous flat-screens, plush couches and stools near the impressive bar, which features 40 taps, and eight coolers filled with hundreds of bottles of beer from every continent. Their impressive selection only becomes conceivable once the bartender or barmaid hands you the menus. Information overload for this columnist, unlike my guest who knew what he wanted as soon as we entered. "Can I have a sampler of what's on tap?" I asked the busy barkeep when he returned for our order. "Sure, which ones?" I ordered Abita Amber (Louisiana), Delirium Tremens (Belgium) and Ace Perry Cider (California). "Bavaria," my friend said, looking up from the menu. The bartender said they were out. My pal shot me a familiar glance and smirk, then asked for Imperial (Costa Rica). "First chink in the armor?"

I explained that WOB only opened a few weeks ago and they could be working out the kinks. After getting a pint of Ace Perry Cider ($5) and bottle of Imperial ($5), we grabbed a seat on the covered deck outside, which features silver tables and chairs and several flat-screens. Smokers' heaven. Any place that makes it this easy to discover beer deserves to work out whatever glitches they have during the first months of business. After ordering another cider, I figured that World of Beer may be small but it's filled with plenty of spirited suds. For more information, visit sarasota.wobusa.com.  Read full article here