Love Handles

Memphis, Tennessee

The barebones aesthetic only emphasizes the warm atmosphere and attentive service at this inviting taproom boasting beers from across Tennessee.

What it is: An artfully designed, customer-focused taproom in Memphis’s college-cool Cooper Young area, Hammer & Ale was launched by former art curator and gallery owner, David Smith and now son-in-law, Kevin Eble in 2013. The debut was timed serendipitously with the emergence of well-known Memphis breweries such as Wiseacre Brewing Co., Memphis Made Brewing Co., and High Cotton Brewing Co., whose beers you’ll likely find on the meticulously maintained, skillfully doodled wall-sized chalkboard menu.

Why it’s great: Ask “what’s local on tap here,” and you’ll get an exciting, albeit overwhelming, answer: everything. Fear not; your server, likely to be the owner himself, will cheerfully lead you to a good choice. If you’d rather sample the neighborhood, order a flight, which offers six ample samples in a cupcake tray. In the afternoon, it’s as welcoming to beer buddies as it is to business associates and remote workers on laptops. As evening nears, order a snack from the small yet appealing menu: snacks include a grilled pimento-cheese sandwich. If you’re staying for dessert, a beer float with vanilla ice cream awaits. —Cat Wolinski

DETAILS Hours: 2 p.m.–9 p.m., Tuesday–thursday; 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday & Saturday; 1 p.m.–6p.m., Sunday Address: 921 Cooper St., Memphis, TN Web: hammerandale.com