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Most people are trying to find ways to stay cool now that the summer heat is out in full force. Some might propose taking a quick dip in the pool. Others might prefer to stay locked up in their air-conditioned homes with a nice book.

There is another solution that should not be overlooked: the patio at your favorite bar. What better way to stay out of the blazing sun than sitting in the shade enjoying a few refreshing beverages?

After covering Wild Wing Cafe's patio-friendly summer festivities in West Knoxville a few weeks ago, I started thinking about my favorite patios throughout town. The Strip is bountiful with patios of all different shapes and sizes, mostly facing Cumberland Avenue. However, a patio that I often forget about exists on the back end of the Half Barrel.

This bars on the Strip offers a large beer selection and a comfortable, pub-like atmosphere perfect for enjoying a few evening brews. After squandering a Saturday night in an effort to get out to Seymour to visit Big Mama's Karaoke Cafe (I'll get there someday), we decided to stay closer to home Sunday night and venture out to the Half Barrel to enjoy the comfortable evening weather.

The Half Barrel is one of the nicer looking bars on the Strip, capturing the antique bar-style perfectly. There is plenty of seating in booths running along the wall, as well as at the main bar. I've rarely had trouble finding a place to sit, even on busier Friday and Saturday nights.

In the back of the place, visitors are greeted with a second, much smaller bar in the patio area and several smaller tables scattered around. There are the usual TVs scattered throughout the building and a projector hanging just above the main bar.

We decided to grab a few drinks from the main bar before heading out to sit on the back patio. I'm pretty familiar with the Half Barrel, and there hasn't been much change that I've noticed aside from the patio addition.

We had an interesting, albeit short, evening at the Half Barrel. A sudden electrical black-out left us with nothing else to do but finish our drinks and go home.

The power outage didn't stop me from getting an idea of what beer the Half Barrel currently has on tap. Most of what you would expect is all there, and a few summer seasonal brews round out the Half Barrel's "40 beers." I've never taken the time to count, but I'll take their word for it.

The Half Barrel has one of the better daily beer specials around, offering a $2 beer of the day. Nearly all of the Half Barrel's beer is pretty tasty, making this special particularly good when $2 pints aren't being offered elsewhere. Happy hour features $2.50 well drinks, $3 L.I.T.s and 25-cent wings.

The Half Barrel is a great place to start or end your evening if you plan on being in the UT area. I've always had a great time and look forward to spending a few summer nights - preferably with electricity - takin' it easy at the Half Barrel.