Maybe it’s the warm sun of late summer flooding Pikes Peak-area patios or, rather, how tasty a pint of beer pairs with that sunshine. Wanting to seize these quickly shortening days, taverns and pubs and bars and saloons sing a sweet siren song in September – and all those drinkers need to eat sometime.

Plus, drinking is more socially acceptable when a meal is involved, right? Well, the least I can do is the drinking for you, and I compiled this roundup of local drinking eats, including new stars on the scene and an old favorite.

NEW KIDS: Two hipster havens open downtown

Supernova111 E. Boulder St., 418-3484

One detail sums up the atmosphere of Supernova to me, and that is “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” proudly playing on two big screens instead of football. Focusing on the arcade and pop-history nostalgia of Generation Xers, Supernova’s 40 video games still can be played for only a quarter. Only, now that you’re an adult, you can play while holding your beer.

The selection of beer is decent, focusing on popular Colorado brews and hipster PBR, but nothing yet is on tap. There’s a lot of polishing to be done on this new project of the Rabbit Hole owners, who brought over their sense of whimsy but not precision. For instance, the menu is rife with arcade-themed humor: The Mario burger ($8.50) is topped with pepperoni and marinara (red) and the Luigi ($8.50) with green chile and cheese (green), but it’s not amusing when the burgers arrive redder than medium rare.

The Frogger Legs ($8.50), on the other hand, are simultaneously amusing and quite tasty with a crisp cornmeal crunch, Cajun sauce and a side of sweet-potato waffle fries. Rotating lunch specials are $5 including tax.

Whiskey Dick’s26 E. Kiowa St., 233-7078

Co-owner Brian Moore, also affiliated with Westside Tattoo and V Bar, said he worked with family to develop the menu at Whiskey Dick’s, an irreverent tavern where the music is loud and the staff mostly inked. I do wonder how the parents responded when the restaurant settled on such tongue-in-raunchy-cheek fare as Just the Tip ($10), a moist and tender sirloin tip roast. Which, as a tip, is worth ordering though its accompanying potatoes need work.

All meals are $10, in fact, and arrive well-presented in small-plate servings that would work well for a grazing crowd. One house specialty is the Momma Dick’s Meatloaf, made with a bourbon and mushroom gravy, though the potatoes were again unenviable.

Most unusually but rather brilliantly, all meals include an adult beverage of beer, whiskey or whiskey cocktail. It’s so simple – no fancy drink specials and no upfront prices for domestic and imported. Only a small meal and a cold PBR for $10 in a nicely renovated atmosphere suited for people watching – watching people through the sidewalk windows AND the interesting clientele inside, that is.

BAR ADJACENT: Two choices for quick dine-in or take-away

El Taco Rey330 E. Colorado Ave., 475-9722, eltacorey.com

If Supernova and Whiskey Dick’s are the irreverent new kids in town – with their PBR drinking and their loud music – El Taco Rey is the venerable grandmother of convenient Mexican, located mere steps from the full bar at Triple Nickel Tavern. The Aguilar family has operated the itsy-bitsy storefront since before I was born, and nothing beats their line of classic staples – including a green chile (on nachos for $6.95) every Springsian needs to try at least once.

Open until 8 p.m. on Fridays, El Taco Rey is the downtown destination for post-Happy Hour grub. Pay no attention to the Styrofoam containers. The box shape actually makes it easier to eat the Chile Rellenos combination ($7.99 for two with rice, beans and salad) standing up on the sidewalk because there are often few seats available at meal times.

Mexican food is the ideal drinking companion as it’s filling, familiar and often portable, but don’t count out El Taco Rey for dessert. The tres leches cakes (chocolate or coconut, $3.40 each) are decadent.

Slice Pizzeria230 Pueblo Ave., 377-7786

I’ve always enjoyed Zodiac Venue Bar because of its independently owned, independently minded scene, which I find walks the line between relaxed and trendy, between upscale and pleasantly “divey.” Located in the same building, 6-month-old Slice Pizzeria takes a page from Zodiac’s playbook in its bright, clean and friendly dining room.

The menu isn’t vast – and it’s cash-only for now – but the dough is crisp, hot and made fresh to order, available for dine-in or take-out, by the slice ($4) and by the pie. It’s a thin 16-inch crust on the Supreme pizza ($16), but it holds the pepperoni, sausage, bacon, peppers and mushrooms fine. It’s a pie that serves its purpose as a cheesy antidote to the alcohol consumed next door.

While not related, the owners of the bar and restaurant work together, creating a sort of rotating-door system of customers that makes both businesses more valuable.