Karl Strauss Brewing Company
9675 Scranton Road
SORRENTO MESA
858-587-2739

The deal: For happy hour try $3.50 beers -- six beers on tap always, plus four more special and seasonal releases -- 4 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays (cask nights are 5 p.m. Thursdays, $3.50 till the barrel's dry.) Appetizers are discounted a dollar or so. Do NOT eat the calamari ($8.95) alone: You get a full day's catch of whole squiddies and circles.

Not to be missed: Beer floats ($5), made with vanilla bean ice cream, dark chocolate and Red Trolley Ale, a medium-bodied brew with caramel notes. Also, act conflicted about the beer and your server will bring out shot-glass-sized samples. For free.

Special shout out: Meatloaf on Wednesdays! $12.95.