By Maureen Post Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Dec 03, 2009 at 2:03 PM

Gift certificates have long been the go-to gift for the hard to shop for family member, friend or co-worker on your holiday list. Although a touch generic, they've always been a good way to send someone on a new adventure or help them enjoy an old favorite.

But this year, CityTins is making it nice and easy for you to keep your gift certificate giving local and original. CityTins, brand new this holiday, is a set of 22 coasters, each representing an independent restaurants in town. Select a coaster from the tin, bring it to the restaurant and receive $10 off your bill.

The makers of CityTins have gathered a list of great Milwaukee eateries; I'd recommend each and every one of them as one of the top stops in the city.

The participating restaurants include AJ Bombers, Beans & Barley, Cafe Centraal, Cafe Hollander, COA, Hinterland Erie Street Gastropub, Juniper 61, Kil@wat, Lulu Cafe, Mason Street Grill, Maxie's Southern Comfort, Meritage, Metro Bar & Cafe, Milwaukee ChopHouse, Motor, Nanakusa, North Star American Bistro, Swig, Tess, Trinity Three Irish Pubs, Trocadero and Water Buffalo.

Maureen Post Special to OnMilwaukee.com

OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.

After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.

Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.