When in Royal Oak, it seems like all roads lead back to Bastone. It's a staple -- we've been there for lunch, dinner, just drinks, meetings, with kids, without. It has a lot going for it: Great food. Great atmosphere. Great frites. And most importantly, the beer.

This Belgian-style hotspot in Royal Oak has its own version of Oktoberfest, which began in late September and runs until Oct. 23. But you don't need an excuse or German fest to go here.

Best-selling favorites like Monumental Blonde, Main Street Pilsner, Royal IPA, Great White Wit, Dubbel Vision and Nectar des Dieux Triple are always on tap. Get the sampler, so you can try these and what ever else is season.

We recommend eating something to go with all those beer choices. The specials are always good -- like right now there's pan roasted salmon with caramelized apples, red cabbage, potato pancakes and a reisling butter sauce. But there's always the frites, too. They're fries, of course, but these are superb, thin cut, crispy and they come with a wide offering of dipping sauces. Bastone is at 419 S. Main Street in Royal Oak.

-- Clare Pfeiffer Ramsey, Model D