To date, iPhones can replace carpenter’s levels, guitar tuners, clocks, calculators and voice recorders. But so far as I can predict, no app will ever allow the iPhone to take the place of beer.

Sensing this limitation, Chicagoan Jim Powers brainstormed what might be the next best thing: BeerCompass (99 cents). This handy app does exactly what it’s advertised to do: find beer now. And as frat boys everywhere will no doubt delight to find out, BeerCompass is bonehead simple to use.

BeerCompass users need to simply touch the compass needle, which framed by two lovely winged lasses hoisting their steins (and yes, I do mean beer steins). This sets the app in motion, complete with cheesy sound effects such as a bottle being popped open and a “ta-dah!” horn. And guess what? I found out that 17 taverns sit within a mile of my house. This isn’t a compass; it’s a malt liquor divining rod.

Designed to work anywhere from your house to a hotel in Munich, BeerCompass lists and maps multiple beer destinations based on a user's location. You can also call up the tavern of your choice with one touch.