Lou's Beer Brunch: A Pool Party, No Pricey Day Pass Needed

Courtesy of Lou's Beer Garden

If your girl is anything like me, she insists on having brunch outside -- and couldn't care less that it's the middle of September in Miami. It's hot, but if you want to keep her smiling, head to Lou's Beer Brunch, where you can let your hair down, toss back a few microbrews, and go swimming without having to buy a pricey day pass, and she can get dressed up and celebrate brunch like the lady she is.

Lou's Beer Brunch attracts good people, along with friendly dogs, who want to take a break from all the tourists and surround themselves with locals and new friends. The pool is free to enjoy, the brunch menu is robust and varied, and each dish is paired with a chef-selected brew guaranteed to complement the meal. If you really want to cool off, order one of the cocktails. Try the Tia Tini ($9) -- a skinny concoction composed of cucumber and kiwi vodka that is more refreshing than a dip in the pool.

Beachy Morning Toast Courtesy of Lou's Beer Garden

Brunch gets going around 1 p.m., because according to Lou, "brunch doesn't get started until after 1 in Miami." For a morning brunch experience, try the Mary Jane ($14) -- a veggie frittata with scalloped potatoes, green bell peppers, red onions, scallions, and mushrooms that's topped with sautéed cherry tomatoes, arugula, and Granna Padano cheese and accompanied by the chef's suggested beer, Hennepin.

Ladies who brunch might like the Beachy Morning Toast ($11), an open-faced sandwich with crème fraîche, scrambled eggs, and salmon paired with the chef's suggested Peak Organic pomegranate brew.

For late risers, showing up at 4 p.m. will afford the best of both worlds by merging a late brunch with happy hour (daily), during which select beers are discounted to complement the happy-hour apps of the day.

Lou's Beer Brunch, the hideaway all locals are glad to have found, is the ideal budget-friendly escape for those who want to keep cool these last weeks of unbearable heat in the extended Miami summer. Brunch is offered every Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Follow me at @jenmangham

Follow Short Order on Facebook and Twitter @Short_Order