Sometimes it seems like the only choice is between going to a restaurant or a nightclub or a bar. But with the economy being what it is, etc, etc, we wish to offer you a silver, or rather, a golden lining, a possible third option: Beer! Or, more specifically, beer pairings.

This fall, just in time for you to dip into your overdraft protection, sexy local restaurants are capitalizing on their nightlife appeal by offering special prix fixe (fixed price) menus with a matching beer for each course served. While a prix fixe menu with wine, beer or spirit pairings is nothing new to foodies, beer makes for a far more accessible nightlife activity by combining two of our favorite things: dining with a scene and booze.

To get in on the action, check out these two local options. Giorgio Ristorante at the Shoppes at Mandalay Place is now offering a three-month (to start) pairing series with three courses and three accompanying microbrews from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company for $39 (Nov. 12, 7 p.m.). Simon at Palms Place is offering a five-course beer dinner in conjunction with Jef Versele, seventh generation Van Steenberge Brewery owner, and Belgian Beer Chef Achim Vandenbussche. The event is on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. At $75 per person, that’s a heck of a lot cheaper than bottle service.