HOT SPOTS: Roosevelt's at 7

Forty-two beers on tap can overwhelm.

Especially when the tappers have colorful designs and fonts. These beers were brewed in Germany, Belgium and the Pacific Northwest. They feature names like Firemen's #4, Arrogant Bastard and other monikers ending in weizen.

What can you do? There is no Miller Lite at this dim, artsy bar full of antique furniture.

Chances are one of Roosevelt's owners will spot the vacant look. They'll ask what beer you typically drink, and they'll find a tastier alternative.

That's how Roosevelt's at 7 works. The owners, all younger than 30 and sporting day jobs ranging from construction to boutique ownership, want to spread awareness about craft beers and microbrews.

About one out of 100 patrons might turn and walk out, disgusted at the lack of Anheuser Busch products. But the owners say more customers stay and try something new. Then the people return, this time confident with a freshly expanded palette. These enlightened folks correctly pronounce the beer they want, telling friends which part of Europe it comes from.

That's the beauty of Roosevelt's.

• Roosevelt's at 7
  821 N. Main St.
  (956) 928-1994
  www.myspace.com/rooseveltsat7 
  Hours: Sunday through Friday 5 p.m. to Midnight, Saturday 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
  The Recipe: Feldman's Market Center + more varieties of beer and wine x comfortable living room
  **** (FOUR STARS)

Selection: Incredible, unmatched, impressive. Take your pick on superlatives, but anyway you look at it, Roosevelt's has collected the best set of libations south of San Antonio. They have 42 beers on tap, 85 brews by the bottle and 42 wines. Now consider that the owners have also sworn off common beer. There's no Bud Light, Miller Genuine Draft or High Life here. They've assembled a massive collection of imports, craft beers and regional tastes. Here's an example of just how rare some of Roosevelt's beer is. Dogfish Head ships 36 cases of its 120 Minute beer to Texas each year. Roosevelt's snagged one, selling only to reputable beer connoisseurs for about $35 per 12 ounces.

The end result ranks as a bar that feels unique. The selection may seem overwhelming, but there's always someone from the bar on hand to guide customers. The owners know their beer, and they're almost always available to share that knowledge. Ask for a Bud Light, and they'll recommend you a Fireman's #4 American Blonde Ale. Still hesitant? They'll sample it to you first.

Open since: Early October. During the year's first art walk, the owners set up outside the bar. They sampled free craft beers and told art viewers about the idea: a local bar with international and hard to find beer flavors. In the following weeks, excited patrons returned to Roosevelt's, knocking on the door until the owners opened early. The bar has grown ever since. The side parking lot evolved into a beautiful beer garden with greenery, music and a bar outside. After some antiquing in Weslaco, the inside now looks like your grandmother's comfortable living room. The owners plan continued growth, saying they'd like to add about a dozen more beers on tap. You can buy food now, but the full menu becomes available Dec. 12, during the restaurant's grand opening. Roosevelt's will also start offering a brunch buffet on Sundays with bottomless champagne, mimosas and omelets. Owners won't reveal the price yet, but they say it should be very reasonable.

When to go: We like Roosevelt's early in the evening. It's a chill atmosphere, devoid of rowdy behavior. Roosevelt's is best for an early evening drink or two, conversation with friends, and a relaxed good time. Don't expect a club set up or out of control bar scene.

Food: Look for salads, paninis and other sandwiches. What should you order? It depends on what you're drinking and how you feel. Everything on Roosevelt's menu fits with one of their beers. Make sure to ask the server or bartender what goes best with your food. Like fine wine, fine beer pairs with certain foods. Don't order blind, the staff will help you.

Location: Prime. Roosevelt's sits amid McAllen's burgeoning arts district. The bar should pull in tons of people during the city's first Friday of the month art walk. Roosevelt's early closing time and downtown adjacent location also make it ideal. You can stop in for a few craft beers and dinner before jumping to 17th Street, for a night of hopping from Shine to Boiler Room to anywhere else.

Rotating beers: Every two and a half weeks or so, Roosevelt's welcomes new beers and switches out older ones. It's a fun idea, seeing as the bar aims to attract beer connoisseurs.

What does their sign say?: We admit it, we can't read this place's marquee. But there's a reason for that. The sign on top of the restaurant mirrors President Franklin Roosevelt's signature. On Dec. 5, 1933, President Roosevelt repealed prohibition at 7 p.m., making it legal to again buy and consume alcohol in the United States. His signature has become the bar's logo, and his timing the restaurant's namesake. Check out the plaque on the bar's north wall near the entrance.

Prices: Roosevelt's can get expensive, but it doesn't have to. Every day, the bar runs beer specials for the 5 to 8 p.m. happy hour. They put a minimum of four beers on sale. And really, Roosevelt's isn't the type of place to drink more than three or four beers. The beer tastes so good, that you'll want to savor every sip. Don't gulp. But if you want to shell out some cash, you can get some real tasty drinks. About $9 will grab you a flute of raspberry or peach flavored Lindemans' Lambic, one of the best on tap. And for a more manageable $5, you can get a glass of Ayinger's, a beer soon to be unavailable everywhere else in the Valley.

The verdict: Roosevelt's takes McAllen nightlife to a level previously unseen. The bar serves beers you can't find anywhere else. They have an unmatched, relaxed atmosphere and the music is eclectic, but hip. This place deals in and attracts sophistication. Here's an easy way to soak it in. Go to the outdoor patio, order a goat cheese salad with fruit. Pair your dinner with a Blanche de Brussels from the tap. Enjoy the music, breeze and tastes. You'll feel like you've gone to New York City, Austin or even Europe. It's pretty incredible.

Zack Quaintance covers features and entertainment for Festiva. You can reach him at (956) 683-4447.