Located on the eastern edge of LoDo, Cafe Berlin hadn’t caught my eye until one sunny day a few weeks ago when the half-dozen patio tables were filled with patrons whose laughter carried down the street. Unfortunately, it was too windy to sit on the patio the day I returned, so I pulled up a seat at the bar, just inside the front door.

Seconds after I sat down, a framed sign grabbed my attention: “If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.” That’s when I knew I was going to like this German spot just fine. And don’t let the neat white linens on the dining room tables fool you—at least not during happy hour, when you’ll easily feel at home in jeans and a T-shirt.

After figuring out whether I wanted a third of a liter, a half liter, or a full liter of beer (the half liter is closest to a pint), I ordered a Paulaner Salvator Doppelbock—a perfect companion for the bratwurst and sauerkraut appetizer—and enjoyed the quiet setting and array of ornamental beer steins.

Happy hour runs 3 to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, and gets you one dollar off any of Cafe Berlin’s draft beers, well drinks, or wine by the glass.

323 14th St., 303-377-5896