Beer Gardens to New Breweries

It's undeniable that Americans have developed a deep affection for craft beer. With nearly 10,000 craft breweries across the nation (and the number steadily increasing), along with thousands of beer bars and brewpubs, the sheer abundance of high-quality beer available today can be quite overwhelming.

Therefore, we embarked on a mission to uncover the cream of the crop in the beer scene. We solicited recommendations from beer experts in ten different categories and then let our readers vote for their favorites. Here are the winners who emerged victorious.

Discover the Best Beer Bar: O'Brien's Pub in San Diego, California

O'Brien's Pub stands out not only as one of San Diego's pioneering craft beer bars, having opened its doors in 1994, but also as one of the most highly regarded establishments in the city. With an impressive selection of 28 craft beers on tap, they place special emphasis on Belgian brews, hop-forward pours, and rare finds from across the globe. Whether it's your initial experience or your hundredth visit, O'Brien's guarantees beer enthusiasts a distinctive and memorable pour.

Best Beer City: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids, Michigan, the state's second-largest city, boasts the most robust beer scene in Michigan, largely due to the presence of the renowned Founders Brewing Co. However, it's not just Founders; there are numerous other breweries in the area, with Brewery Vivant being a standout, known for its Belgian-inspired offerings. The official "Beer City Ale Trail" of the city lists over 80 breweries in the vicinity, and the local calendar is consistently packed with beer festivals, events, and promotions. Add to that exceptional beer stores like Siciliano's Market, and it's clear why Grand Rapids proudly earns its title as "Beer City USA

Top Beer Club: Your Beer Buddy

At Your Beer Friend, the cicerones dedicate significant effort to carefully selecting the finest craft beers. With a following of over 20,000 beer enthusiasts, their beer club offers a monthly subscription featuring six handpicked crafts, craft beer tasting cards, a beer snack, and exclusive access to their monthly virtual tasting events. It's an excellent opportunity to enjoy a curated selection of unique beers chosen by knowledgeable experts.

Top Beer Festival: Barrel & Flow Fest in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

During Pittsburgh's Barrel & Flow Fest, some 3,000 craft beer industry professionals and enthusiasts come together for a weekend celebrating Black-owned breweries, with collaborations with Black artists and entrepreneurs from throughout Pennsylvania and the United States.

Top Beer Garden: The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten in Charlotte, North Carolina

Situated in Charlotte, North Carolina, The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten stands as the largest beer garden in the southeastern United States, surrounded by majestic 100-year-old hickory, pecan, and oak trees. Prepare to satisfy both your thirst and hunger cravings, as their beer selection spans from India Pale Ales to Hefeweizens, complemented by a variety of German-inspired food options including pretzels, sausages, and pork schnitzel.

Top Brewery Tour: Tröegs Independent Brewing in Hershey, Pennsylvania

In Hershey, visitors have the opportunity to embark on a 1-hour guided production tour at Tröegs Independent Brewing. This immersive experience offers a glimpse behind the scenes, exploring areas such as the mill room, hop cooler, brewhouse deck, fermentation cellars, and packaging lines. The tour begins with a welcome beer and includes tastings of three additional samples, enriching the exploration of the brewing process.