Raise a glass to toast the co-founder and namesake of San Diego's Karl Strauss Brewing Company, who died in late 2006 at age 94. The former Pabst brewmeister's foamy legacy is in good hands, though, in cousin and company co-founder Chris Cramer. The four area Karl Strauss Brewery Restaurant locations are known for their inviting atmosphere, top-flight brews and stellar bar food — many recipes utilize beer as an ingredient. The extensive menu conveniently matches foods to specific beers. The Karl Strauss Amber Lager, for instance, pairs with wood-oven barbecue chicken pizza, the Portobello sandwich or beer-brined pork chops. The Red Trolley Ale couples with barbecued ribs, bacon-wrapped steak and firecracker sirloin strips. You get the picture. Voted Best Microbrewery in the 2007 San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Magazine and San Diego CityBeat readers polls. Serving lunch and dinner daily. Hours vary by location.