AUSTIN, TEXAS

Bohemian state capitol, Austin, home of University of Texas, benefits enormously from pub-sprawled 6^th Street area, visited March ’04 (with Houston-via-Chicago pal Bob Conley).

Nearby Naches Street brewpub, LOVEJOYS, submitted exquisite fruited-grained Hop On Pop IPA, dry coffee-roasted black cherry-influenced Enns River Stout, bittersweet malt-induced Sparky’s Ale, and wavering soft-hopped Samson’s Best Pale Ale.

www.myspace.com/lovejoys

 Tried buttery citric spice-hopped Live Oak Big Bark Amber Ale on tap at Highway 35’s Pappadeaux Restaurant while eating shellfish beforehand.