MONTROSE

FIRST COURSE
The Real Fat Dog

Dimly lit, covered in large-scale paintings of adorably cantankerous bull dogs, The Fat Dog has an immediate charm. The fact that it's tucked away in sleepy Montrose, which is composed of only about four blocks of businesses, makes the whole speakeasy-like atmosphere all the more enjoyable.

After you inevitably sidle up to the bar to examine the chalkboards full of beer, wine, and cocktail selections, pay special attention to the California Craft Brews. I particularly recommend the Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale, but also check out what the Rotating Craftsman Brew of the moment is.The Fat Dog also has an impressive array of house-designed specialties (Bloody Mary's are my favorite).