If you’ve had a challenging year (and… hello! Who hasn’t?), we’ve got just the thing to make life a little more fun: It’s the Portland Mercury's Shot & Beer Week! That’s correct: For one glorious week, your favorite local bars and restaurants will be serving up a one-of-a-kind, creative “shot & a beer” pairing—and all for the low price of $8!

This year’s Shot & Beer extravaganza runs from NOVEMBER 8-14, and is graciously sponsored by our generous pals at Jim Beam! But before you go racing off to your nearest location, keep a few things in mind...

• Drink responsibly! Be safe and smart with your Shot & Beer consumption—and NEVER drink and drive.

• Be patient! If your favorite bar is slammed, be cool—it’ll all get sorted soon enough, and there are plenty of other Shot & Beer locations to choose from! And if you want to help things going smoothly, pay in cash—it’ll save time, and your server will appreciate it. Speaking of which....

• Tip your bartenders, and order food! While the entire purpose of Shot & Beer week are those dee-licious $8 heavenly pairings, we've made sure each participating location also has great food! So relax, grab a bite, and let your bartenders and waitstaff know how much you appreciate them.

Folks: The Mercury’s Shot & Beer Week helps everybody—you’re supporting local bars and restaurants during a very difficult time, you’re helping the Mercury continue to produce their hot-stuff journalism, AND you’re taking the edge off what’s been a very difficult year. See? EVERYBODY WINS.

So don’t miss the Mercury’s Shot & Beer Week, coming at ya November 8-14. It’s a double-shot of FUN!