I don't remember how old I was when I took my first sip of beer but I distinctly remember my reaction: Yuck! Why do adults drink this?

In high school, my friends would convince their older brothers to buy six packs for us and my reaction was: Yuck! Why are you guys drinking this?

In college, when everyone congregated around the keg, my reaction was: Yuck! But of course I still hung around anyway with a 16-ounce red, plastic cup in hand because that's where all the girls were with their wine coolers.

I remember hearing that beer is an acquired taste (how come you don't have to develop a taste for Haagen-Dazs or Pringles?). But if it's your acquired taste, this Bud's for you.

Worth the Drive:Mellow Mushroom, 25 SE Sixth Ave., Delray Beach. Although you'd expect to find Bob Marley black light posters and smoking paraphernalia at the Mellow Mushroom, it's actually a hip pizzeria just a few yards south of the constant foot traffic of Atlantic Avenue.

This restaurant and nightspot reminds me of those places in Times Square that cater to tourists but are still slick enough to attract discriminating, native New Yorkers. The theme here is peace, '60s rock and psychedelia -- but with gas costing $4 or more a gallon, you're not going to drive to Delray just to see a Jerry Garcia doll or a wall-to-wall mural of Ringo, George, Paul and John crossing Atlantic Avenue a la Abbey Road.

The Mellow Mushroom serves 50 beers on tap including Hazed & Infused, a pale ale; Old Speckled Hen, an English cask ale; and Rogue's Mocha Porter. There's also a selection of 50 bottled brews.

Bartender Amber, with jet-black straight hair, acts like your BFF, so ask her to sign you up in the Mellow Beer Club. You'll get a card that will electronically keep track of the beers you've tried and if you suck down all one hundred (hopefully not in the same night), you'll get a free T-shirt and your picture displayed on the wall.

Even if you're not a beer drinker, Mellow Mushroom is worth the trek. Choose from the eclectic wine list or ask Amber to shake up one of the 10 Mellow Martinis for you. And then of course, there's the pizza (a taste that doesn't need to be acquired). The dough is made with spring water and molasses is their ''secret'' ingredient. When combined, these two ingredients create an addictive compound. OK, maybe I'm exaggerating, but I've eaten at the Mushroom for 11 days straight.

Been to Belgium?Brother Tuckers, 3332 E. Atlantic Ave., Pompano Beach. Hailed as a Belgian beer garden, Brother Tuckers attracts beer buffs from all over South Florida. If Ian the bartender was on Jeopardy! and all of the questions tested beer knowledge, he'd sweep the competition (or ask him about Chuck Norris). Not sure whether you're craving something hoppy or malty? Ask Ian.

On tap this week: Weihenstephan Hefe-Weiss, Stoudt's Pilsners, St. Bernardus Prior 8 and Weyerbacher Merry Monk's Ale.

Kiss me, I'm Irish:Waxy O'Connor's Irish Pub, 1095 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale. Gallons of Guinness, Harp and Smithwick's are always available. A DJ spins on Friday night, and soccer and rugby games are televised. If you don't want to sound like a rookie, Smithwick's is pronounced Smtt-icks.

Journey to Germany:Old Heidelberg, 900 State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale. Why deal with passports, Euros and that pesky language barrier when you can enjoy authentic German food and beer practically in your own backyard. Bitburger, Warsteiner, Tucher, Kostritzer, Spaten Lager and Spaten Oktoberfest are on tap and mix well with live, traditional German music Thursday through Sunday.

Down on the Bayou: Shuck 'N Dive, 650 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale. You can forget about finding a seat at this New Orleans-style bar, but don't fret because the nightly party pours out onto the sidewalk as if you're standing on Bourbon Street. Louisiana's own Abita Purple Haze, Turbo Dog and Amber are available on tap. Also on tap, for guys like me, Abita root beer soda.

COMING UP

• The acoustic rock trio, Where's George, is playing at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Coco Reef Tiki Bar and Grill. There's never a cover at this bar at the Oasis in Sawgrass Mills Mall, 12801 W. Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise.

• Tuesday is open mike ''Gong Wild'' at Chocolate Moose Cafe, 9118 State Road 84, Davie; 954-474-5040. Stop by at 7 p.m. -- you never know what's in store.

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