Uber

On a recent cold, winter night, with snow and ice caking the sidewalks and roadsides, we needed a drink that could warm our shivering bones—a frothy, thick German lager or Belgian ale. We knew there'd be something for us at Über, a tiny little joint that boasts one of the city's most bountiful import brew selections, with more than 200 beers to choose from (including 17 on tap). Some brews are rare, like Delirium Tremens, a strong Belgian pale ale that, until 2002, was illegal to sell in America. (Its pink elephant logo was said to be "cartoonish" and could appeal to children.) Because of its small size, the place is packed on the weekends (what one person described as "assholes to elbows"), but on weeknights, there is plenty of seating available. The most popular spot in the house is around the eye-catching tabletop fire pit that warms the room. Understanding all the varieties of beer and flavor profiles can be daunting, especially with a selection as large as Über's. But Dan, the friendly beer knurd taking care of us this evening, knew the beer on hand like a doctor knows the body, and offered up a house favorite, the Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse. Turns out many of the patrons who visited this night hadn't a clue what to order, but it didn't take long before a glowing pint of amber sat before them. 7517 Aurora Ave., 782-2337. TRAVIS RITTER