Snapshot: Since opening in November, celebrity chef John Besh's first restaurant outside of New Orleans is arguably the hottest thing going on the River Walk. Lüke is a restaurant first, but many go for the bar experience. Straddle up and you're sitting front row, watching pretty bartenders hustling on orders, a game on a couple of flat-screen TVs, or feeling the energy of the restaurant behind you.


Who goes there: Everyone, it seems. Whether you're a downtown dweller, live outside the loops, or a tourist, Lüke sees the gamut.


Behind the bar: Lüke is made in the brasserie mold, so it's heavy on beer, especially local brews. A couple of Ranger Creeks (the new local beer) highlight the draft beer selection — Oatmeal Pale Ale and Mesquite Smoked Porter. You'll also find other local/regionals such as Alamo Golden Ale (San Antonio), three varieties of Real Ale (Blanco), and of Independence (Austin). Becker Vineyards is the local representative on the wine list. Specialty cocktails include classics such as the French “75” and the Sazerac. During happy hour (3-6 p.m. daily), beer, glasses of wine and French “75”s are half-priced.


Munchies: Oysters and meat pies (group beef empanadas) cost 50 cents during happy hour. Or select from the restaurant's menu.


The skinny: At Lüke, the drink selection, ambience and service are that good. But the happy hour — where you can get a bellyful and a respectable buzz for about $20 — is hard to beat.

Benjamin Olivo