When one hits an alehouse, food can be an afterthought to the priority at hand: Beer. But somewhere between hops and barley, good grub becomes crucial. Pyramid Ale House, the Seattle-based brewery found on downtown's K Street, takes the brew pub scene and places it in a casual and upbeat environment ideal for the after–work crowd, tourists or other locals looking to watch a game on one of its huge flat–screen televisions. Traditional bar food fills the menu, but dishes here come with a hint of flair. Order the wild–mushroom pizza (crust made with Hefe Weizen ale,) Pyramid burger (caramelized red onions and peppered bacon,) beer–braised sausages (Polish, chicken apple and bratwurst) or the tilapia served with a mango salsa. Pyramid also has sandwiches, salads (iceberg lettuce wedge is excellent,) soups and a yummy adult dessert called the Blackwatch Porter Brownie Float. Cindy Arora

Reservations: Accepted

Payment methods: Amex, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Wine and beer

Corkage fee: $5

Hours: Monday–Thursday: 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Friday: 11:30 a.m.–midnight
Saturday: 12 p.m.–midnight
Sunday: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
* Kitchen closes half-hour before bar.