When Cugino’s opened in 2004 at 1595 N. US Highway 67 in Florissant, the bar had just four taps. Since then, a few more tap systems have been installed, but the recent addition of 40 taps nearly quadruples the fresh brews available at the Italian bar and grill, bringing the tally to a whopping 56 taps.
Cugino’s offers more than 20 local beers from eight different breweries while rounding out its selection with some highly touted domestic and international craft beers (which keep the beer drinking community in harmony with the universe). Drinkers interested in tasting multiple beers will enjoy choosing from seven beer flights, priced between $7 and $10. Will your four, 4-ounce pours hold local suds, European teasers or the Hoptimus Prime: a grouping of Southern Tier 2XIPA, Founders Red’s Rye PA, Firestone Walker Double Jack IPA and Green Flash West Coast IPA?
You can usually count on North County for good value, and Cugino’s is no exception. Every Thursday, local craft beers are discounted to $3.50 for a 16-ounce pour (or a 12-ounce pour, in a couple of instances). Cugino’s also launched a beer calendar this month, offering deals every day of the week. (This past Monday, you could have grabbed a pint of Green Flash West Coast IPA for $5.) Happy Hour, which runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., features 22-ounce domestics on draft for $3. If you come hungry during happy hour, for just $5 you can take advantage of one-topping house-made pizzas or breaded hot wings kicked up with the restaurant’s secret honey hot sauce. And if you’re winding down the weekend and can’t bring yourself to cook, hit Cugino’s on Sundays between 4 and 9 p.m., when all pastas are half-priced.
With 14 TVs and a Cards’ playoff game tonight, you might want to visit Cugino’s sooner than later.
This article appears in October 2012.