Biking for Beer (Happy Strudel Day!)

Route: Park Avenue bike lane to the Midtown Greenway, exit on Nicollet Avenue and head north for two blocks.

Going for beers with friends often brings up this question: To bike or not to bike?

Biking after imbibing seems less likely to land one a ticket. Can one in fact get a ticket for BWI?

But even if you’re only planning to have a couple of beers, as I did last night at the Black Forest, the bike home always seems a little longer, the uphill grade a little steeper. Biking is, however, a great way to work off the beer carbs so you can arrive home feeling both satisfied and virtuous.

However you get there, the Black Forest is worth the trip, especially in the summer months. This venerable Minneapolis landmark, which celebrates its 41st anniversary this year, has arguably the best patio in town, some of the best beer prices (mugs of German, Belgian, Austrian, and Czech beer $2.50 to $4), a full menu of German staples, including stellar potato pancakes and strudel.

Although the patio sits a slim sidewalk away from busy 26^th Street, traffic noise never seems to penetrate past the vine-covered, wrought-iron fence. Overhead trellises filter the sunlight even on hot days, and after dark, lights from the fountain give the place an enchanted feel, perfect for a first date or a 40^th anniversary.

Not patio weather? Don’t miss out on the people watching. The Black's thrown-back-in-time woody bar is home to some eccentric characters, and quite a few art students from nearby MCAD.

And after you’ve wet your whistle, peddle north. This stretch of Nicollet Avenue, renamed Eat Street, is home to more than 50 restaurants, delis and grocery stores and the cuisine of half as many nationalities.

By the way, June 17 is National Apple Strudel Day. Yum.

Happy trails to ya.