"Hopheads" of State College rejoice, because Otto's Pub and Brewery, 2105 N. Atherton St., is a beer lover's heaven.

Otto's won't just fill your mug with one of their many homemade brews, they will put some in your food too.

Otto's lets you know what it's all about as soon as you pull into the parking lot. The big windows in the front reveal the rows of tanks and vats where the magic happens -- Otto's brews their own beer.

The outside of the restaurant is reminiscent of a log cabin. The inside is actually pretty plain. Paint, beer labels, and bags of malt, which are used in the brewing process, occupy the wall space. The big polished pine booths are comfortable and cozy.

Otto's has a really stellar wait staff. I had a menu in hand and drink order placed within a minute of coming through the front doors. This trend lasted through the entire meal as my server was cheerful, friendly and, above all, knowledgeable.

The beer list itself is a thing of beauty.

There are 10 finely crafted microbrews on the list, each with a story behind it. Most of the beers on the list are far from typical, they pull their flavors from local ingredients and weigh in heavy on the alcohol volume scales.

I deliberated over the list for a good couple of minutes and finally locked in on the Red Mo Ale. The Red Mo is a red ale and quite possibly one of the best microbrews I've had in good while. It had sweetness as well as a bit of a bite to it. It wasn't too heavy nor was it too light; it thrives in its middle ground -- basically it was a really good choice.

Despite being in a place that specializes in beer, Otto's really excels in the food department. Diners will find everything from burgers and sandwiches to steaks and salmon.

But what really makes the menu shine is the exclusive items. A few things on the menu kick up the flames by adding some of Otto's homebrews into the recipe.

I spent a little bit less time deciding what to eat than I did on what to drink. I settled on the Cheddar Ale soup and the Garlic Grilled Sirloin.

The Cheddar Ale soup was unique and simple. It was creamy and full of flavor. You could taste the beer in every sip. I am a purist when it comes to soup -- good soup doesn't need the aid of salt, pepper, or crackers to make it shine.

The main course wasn't as exciting as the soup but it was still really good. The 8-oz. sirloin was covered in garlic sauce; it really brought out the flavor of the tender cut of steak. Backing up the steak, were buttered corn and garlic mashed potatoes. The mounds of potato and corn overshadowed the steak and took away from the presentation. But the quality of the meal was just too good to let looks get in the way.

Otto's is on top of its game. The beer selection is a stand-alone reason to check out Otto's. The food is the deal sealer.

The brew-master must be very proud, and I am proud of him. I will be going to Otto's again, and again, and again. You should too.