If you’re a fan of tasty meat, a Brazilian steakhouse like Center City’s Chima can seem close to heavenly. The parade of top sirloin, filet mignon, ribeye, lamb chops, BBQ ribs, bacon-wrapped chicken, pork loin, sausage and more does not stop, shaved fresh onto your plate by the gauchos who roam the dining room. Then there’s the endless salad bar filled with fresh veggies, and plenty of starchy, hearty sides. What has been missing, however, is great craft beer to go along.

We’re happy to report that this lack has been remedied. A few weeks ago, the management team at Chima decided to fully embrace the fact that this branch of the family-run chain is in the country’s best beer-drinking city. A new roster of a dozen beers was introduced to the beverage lineup, including a slew of local crafts. Philly is now home to the only Chima outpost that serves more than the ho-hum Brazilian lagers originally on the list.

Drinks consultant Brian Freedman was brought in for a training session with the staff, and led the crew through a tasting of beers like Victory Hop Devil (great to cleanse the palate of rich meats), Troegs Dreamweaver Wheat (a perfect starter to go along with the salad) and Derailed Black Cherry Ale (a sweet finisher that can stand in for dessert).

Happy hour is from 5–7 PM on weekdays, so even if you’re not in the mood for a belly-filling feast, you can stop in to try the new sips with a few bar bites. Select craft beers, wines and drinks — including Chima’s new Pear Caipirinha — are available for just $5 each. Saúde!

Photos by Danya Henninger