The drink: Boilermaker.
Where: Coup d'État, 2923 Girard Av. S., Mpls. 612-354-3575 or www.coupdetatmpls.com.
Whether it stems from post-shift rituals or the anti-pretension wave hitting the cocktail community, the boilermaker is having a bit of a moment. The simple shot-and-a-beer combo your grandpa used to slug isn't just for gruff old men and TV tough guys, and it's showing up on menus at cocktail-savvy places such as the Strip Club and Uptown's Coup d'État.
While we love a smoky Islay Scotch beside a roasty porter, aquavit chased with a robustly cleansing dortmunder or a good bourbon with just about anything, Coup d'État keeps it blue-collar with its happy hour "beer and a bump" combos. For $5, pick your double-fisted poison from a septet of spirits and cheapie no-nonsense beers, including Grain Belt, Hamm's and PBR. Liquor-wise, combat sobriety with an accompanying nip of Old Grand-Dad, Jameson or bartender obsession fernet.
The beer-and-booze pairing is as fashionable (and functional) as a new Carhartt jacket, and equally warming.(5-7 p.m. and 10 p.m.-midnight daily.)
