Something special to drink

A reliable local that is open more or less all the time, Atlas is a big hit with mountain bikers coming off the trails in need of food, beer and a space to socialise with their kinsfolk. But rest assured non-bikers are also welcome here in the colourful and inviting small space. Food is available all day, the $20 steaks particularly popular after a ride in the surrounding mountains.

However, the drinks menu is the real drawcard. Known as the biggest little craft beer bar in town, Atlas offers over 20 beers on tap. Local brewery Altitude Brewing is very well represented. Altitude prides itself on creating honest beers made exclusively with New Zealand-sourced ingredients and seeks to capture the essence of the local Queenstown area through its brews including the lager Gold Panners Profit and IPA Mischievous Kea. Emerson's, Tuatara, Moa and Renaissance Discovery are also available on tap.

Cocktail drinkers aren't left out and an alluring choice is the Dark & Grizzly, which lights up the palate with a refreshing gingery zing. That's thanks to the base of alcoholic ginger beer, Ginger Bear, brewed by locals Wesley McAllister and Sam D'Cruze out of a garage in town. Their Crimson Badger Brewing

(on Facebook) started small in their first year with the distribution of 50L kegs throughout Central Otago but is one to watch. 88 Beach Street, Steamer Wharf. (03) 442 5995, atlasbeer cafe.com