The Place: Tryst, 4 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. 561-921-0201.
The Hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Deal: All drinks are two-for-one.
The Digs: This self-styled gastropub does its French bistro décor (2010 "Best of" recipient for the latter, 2009 "Best of" for the former) so well you may forget that it's just a theme. This isn't France. But that's the
candle-lit ambiance you get between the tin ceiling tiles, the clean checkered wall tiles, and all the dark hardwoods. The exposed brick walls are lined with elaborately framed impressionistic paintings and antiquey mirrors. The bookshelves contain a variety of single malt scotches and a collection of books that look like they came to be there
naturally over time and weren't placed purely for decoration. Chalkboards contain the daily food and drink specials, one behind the bar and the other directly opposite in the dining area.
The Verdict: If you're a beer buff looking to get into wine or a wine buff looking to get into beer, or even just a buff looking to buff up on the ever expanding variety of your favorite drink, then Tryst is your place. And not just because of the extensiveness of their drink menu. But also because of the knowledge the well-versed bartenders and servers impart. In between pours they can tell you about the difference between old and new world wines, the popularity of certain drinks on their full liquor menu, or the brewing process of a good lambic beer. And at happy hour this education is given at half price.
