Merry Monk
Albany
Beer geeks are a contentious lot, but if there is one thing they might agree on, it’s that the best beer-making country in the world is Belgium. If you are unfamiliar with Belgian brew — and too many people are — stop by the Merry Monk in downtown Albany. (They also have a spot in Saratoga Springs.) This eatery/beer emporium offers more than a dozen draft and 100 bottled varieties of mostly true Belgian and Belgian-style American beers. The food is great here too, and one of the signature steamed mussels bowls is the perfect complement to a sampler flight. 518-463-6665; www.merrymonkalbany.com