Tonight the New Otani rooftop beer garden opens again, meaning summer is truly upon us (as if the June gloom wasn't enough hint). In addition to unique views of downtown's skyline — debate the relative merits of the new Caltrans building, close-up — the beer garden offers reasonably priced pitchers and affordable bar-b-q snacks ... and a tabletop hibachi! Drink and char to your heart's content without having to worry about the mess. Or if you don't trust yourself around fire, edamame and sushi are also on the menu. There is even a garden at this beer garden, with a running stream and sheltering greenery, perfect for a romantic stroll. Not a lusty stroll, though, unless you want to give the people cleaning up the Caltrans offices a free show.

(photo by Eric Richardson of blogdowntown)