A shady patio and cold, house-brewed beer are making the newest Extra Billy’s Smokehouse and Brewery location in Chesterfield a big hit with South Siders. The place is always packed. Maybe because the taps feature a rotating selection of the establishment’s own beer. Or maybe because the menu is packed with high-calorie items like the big, juicy steaks. We hope to find out as soon as we can get in the door. Open for dinner Tuesday through Friday. Lunch and Dinner Sunday. 1110 Alverser Drive. 379-8727.

Church Hill residents breathed a collective sigh of relief at the beginning of June when The Hill Café reopened its doors and started pouring beers once again. If you haven’t heard, the neighborhood favorite has new owners, who have cleaned the restaurant up and overhauled its décor. “It looks like a whole new restaurant,” says manager Tracey Dudley.

The place is a little more upscale, and the music is a little louder. But the new proprietors (the winning team behind The Hardshell and Europa) are sticking to the principles that make tables at The Hill Café so sought-after — blue-plate specials and a large selection of beer and wine.

Grab a booth or a spot at the bar and settle in for the summer. The Hill Café is open for lunch and dinner daily, with weekend brunch. 2800 E. Broad St. 648-0360.