For more than half a century, Gene's Haufbrau has been a local institution

I found myself at Gene's Haufbrau again last weekend, as I have many weekends, and began thinking about the many reasons one might stop by this favorite West Ashley bar. The beer selection? Check. The food? Check. The environment? Check.

I think I stopped counting when the waitress brought my delicious corn dogs to the table (a personal Gene's favorite).

Since 1952 Gene's has been a bar for everyman, and sometimes it seems as if every man, or woman, of a certain age in the Charleston area has passed through its doors.

And for good reason. Gene's is one of those rare places that would be appropriate to take a first date or just beer with the guys. Lunch with the family? Girls' night out? Gene's has always worked and worked well.

Gene's has more than 200 beers to choose from with 14 on tap, including high gravity brew. If you like games, they not only have billiards, shuffleboard, pinball and darts, but Gene's has long been known for its assortment of classic games, such as Connect Four, Tic Tac Toe and Yahtzee, an always fun way to pass the time.

I don't think I've ever visited Gene's without seeing at least one person I know, and I always considered that aspect a good gauge of the bar's quality.

There's a reason so many keep coming back and so often.

Gene's Haufbrau

Address: 817 Savannah Highway, West Ashley.

Phone: 225-4363.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. weekdays.

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. daily.

Web site: www.geneshaufbrau.com