Grilling in the backyard with a Lonely Blonde at your side is undoubtedly one of the best ways to enjoy a balmy summer evening. But when it gets really hot, sometimes we can't find enough motivation to even fire up the grill. If you're in the same boat, here's some good news: we've paired up with some of our restaurant friends to prep 3 mouth-watering beer dinners to make sure nobody goes hungry -- or thirsty.
THURSDAY, JULY 18 (THAT'S TONIGHT!): FIGLIO

Figlio's summer beer series continues tonight with a pairing dinner dreamed up by chef JP Samuelson. We're bringing out some rare beers for this one, so if you haven't had our new Mild yet, you'd like your last chance of the year at the Expat Rye Saison, or you can't wait for this winter to have War & Peace or Worthy Adversary again, here's your chance. There are just a few tickets remaining, so if you're looking for last minute Thirsty Thursday plans, call this morning. 5 courses, 5 beers, all for $50.
BARRIO EDINA - MONDAY, JULY 22ND

Last fall, Cocina del Barrio put on one of the best beer dinners we've ever been a part of. Everyone enjoyed it so much, it seemed only natural to do it again. Monday's lineup includes 5 beer and food pairings for $55. We'll be rolling out a few hard-to-find beers, including the Mild, Expat Rye Saison, and perhaps best of all, Libertine aged in 2 Gingers whiskey barrels. This is one of the last kegs of barrel-aged Libertine in existence. If that's not enough for you, we happen to know that Barrio has a second-to-none tequila lineup to complement your dinner. If all of that doesn't help you beat a
case of the Mondays, we're not sure if anything will.
PINSTRIPES BOWL-BOCCE-BISTRO: TUESDAY, JULY 23RD

What's the most fun you can possible have at a beer dinner? That may be a rhetorical question, but if there is an answer out there, it may be found at Pinstripes. Before you sit down for the
mouthwatering four course pairing menu (we can't decide if we're more excited for the smoked chicken with Libertine BBQ sauce or for the jalapeno dark chocolate gelato paired with War & Peace), you have the option to whet your appetite with bocce ball and bowling in the relaxed bistro atmosphere. Tickets for the beer dinner (bowling/bocce not included)