1. For the beer lovers: Hessen Haus, 101 Fourth St.
Take your parents if: You want to catch up over heavy, German beers served in liters or boots. Hessen Haus is a lively and spacious downtown bar with plenty of room for your parents — and the rest of the family. If they can handle it, order a boot of beer.
What else you’ll get: German-sized appetizers, like Bavarian nachos (topped with chopped brats, jack and muenster cheese, banana peppers and pico de gallo), a peasant plate (German cheeses with Thuringer sausage, salami, bread and crackers) and reuben rolls (all the sandwich ingredients wrapped in a crispy fried egg roll) will please even the hungriest group.
Info: 288-2520; hessenhaus.com
2. For a cozy neighborhood vibe: Goodson’s Martini and Panini, 2815 Beaver Ave.
Take your parents if: You want a semi-quiet but relaxed atmosphere for bonding over martinis and other cocktails. Goodson’s can mix up just about any drink you’re craving, or choose one from its menu, which includes options like the blueberry pPress (Stoli Blueberry, lime juice, club soda and Sprite), lemon meringue martini (Stoli Vanilla, Liquor 43, Cointreau, cream and lemonade) and the Woodford Manhattan (apple cinnamon-infused bourbon and sweet vermouth).
What else you’ll get: Hungry? Goodson’s offers appetizers, salads and sandwiches, including their namesake paninis. Go early for happy hour, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, where you’ll find $2.50 domestic beers, $3 well drinks and $3.50 import and specialty beers.
Info: 255-1912; goodsonsdsm.com
3. For the sports fanatics: Trophy’s Sports Bar and Grill, 2701 Douglas Ave.
Take your parents if: They can’t drag themselves away from the big game. If a game is on, Trophy’s will be showing it. The bar boasts dozens of TVs, including a projection screen for the biggest games. Watch the game with your favorite beer and wings, or order a “tower” of beer — a 100-ounce dispenser of beer to share for $18.
What else you’ll get: After the game, try to get a strike in the bowling alley. Trophy’s is attached to Plaza Lanes, which features 32 lanes for bowlers.
Info: 255-1111; plazalanesdm.com
