Happy Hour at Great Waters Brewing Company 

There are several things that made Great Waters Brewing Company's debut auspicious. First, the idea for a brew pub that makes its own beer came about after the owner, Sean O'Byrne, lost his job to corporate downsizing. Then the pub opened on the most intense day of the year for bars: St. Patrick's Day. Third, the bar and restaurant is actually built on top of St. Paul Cathedral's original site, meaning the natural spring well located in the basement actually does spout holy water. Ten years and several brew awards later, this Hamm Building restaurant and bar is still going strong. Over 85 varieties have been brewed since Great Waters opened its doors in 1997, and each day features four cask-conditioned ales hand pulled from their four English beer engines. Each brew is unique. Some are hoppy, like the IPA Hop Scare. There are the ones that are rich, sweet, and hearty, like the pear-chocolate porter Betelgeuse. Then, of course, there are the just plain good, like the Golden Prairie Blond Ale. Whichever glorious beer is ready each day becomes $2.50 a pint when you visit during the magical time between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and again from 10 p.m. to midnight Mondays through Fridays and Sundays. Not a St. Paul regular? Here's a hint: The location makes it ideal for those on their way to something at the Xcel Center or Fitzgerald Theater. — By Jessica Armbruster

Price: free