Discover America’s Best Breweries

It wasn’t long ago that the American beer market was dominated by a handful of factory-produced brews that only vaguely resembled what beer should be. Thankfully, those days of choking down poor-quality beverages are long gone, thanks to an explosion of microbreweries in recent years. The Brewers Association’s latest count of over 7,000 microbreweries has tripled since 2012. Here’s a short list of some of our favorite breweries found in discerning beer shops nationwide.

Oskar Blues Brewery

Longmont, Colorado

If you’ve stashed a canned craft beer into your hiking pack, you have Oskar Blues to thank. This Colorado-based brewery led the industry into more recyclable and lighter packaging, which was previously considered suitable only for macro brews. But that’s not all Oskar Blues offers. Visit the Longmont location for live music Friday to Monday and its popular beers anytime the doors are open. Dale’s Pale Ale is a classic, but don’t miss Death by Coconut, a semi-sweet porter with 6.5% ABV that goes down easy no matter the occasion. You can also find Oskar Blues in taprooms and breweries across the country, including Austin, Texas, Boulder, Colorado, and Brevard, North Carolina.

Founders Brewing Co

Grand Rapids, Michigan

While beer fans often think of California, Colorado, or Seattle, Michigan ranks fourth for the number of breweries, making Grand Rapids a must-visit. Founders Brewing Co, since opening in 1997, has gained numerous accolades, including several beers in BeerAdvocate’s top 100. Try the All Day IPA for a session-friendly beer with 4.7% ABV or indulge in the unforgettable Backwoods Bastard bourbon scotch ale from their Barrel Aged series. For those traveling to this beer mecca but not all the way to Grand Rapids, Founders also has a location in Detroit.

Goose Island Brewery

Chicago, Illinois

Goose Island presents an excellent variety of seasonal brews, with around 20 on draft each day. It maintains two local locations, with the original Lincoln Park location celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2018. Try the famous Stilton burger, featuring a pepper-crusted burger generously topped with roasted garlic and delicately fragrant cheese. Goose Island takes its beers seriously: the Pere Jacques is a Belgian-style abbey ale with caramel notes, and you can tour the West Fulton production facility or drop by its taproom for a taste. Outside of Chicago, Goose Island’s taprooms can be found in Philadelphia and five international cities, with beer widely distributed using their beer finder.

Sierra Nevada Brewery

Chico, California

When road-tripping through Northern California, make sure to visit Sierra Nevada, a pioneer of sustainable brewing. The brewery prides itself on its eco-friendly practices, such as solar panels and hydrogen fuel cells, which substantially reduce its carbon footprint while producing top-quality beers. Options for touring the high-tech facility abound, whether exploring independently or guided by an expert. Sample beers crafted on-site regardless of the tour you select.

Take a seat in the taproom and enjoy the food: the restaurant offers vegetarian dishes celebrating seasonal produce and aged beef from locally-raised cattle. Adjacent is a beloved municipal park, perfect for hiking, swimming, and biking, with trails becoming wilder as you venture into the Sierra Nevada foothills. Alternatively, you can experience all this – minus the Sierra Nevada foothills – at the brewery’s North Carolina location.

Draughthouse

Austin, Texas

Austin combines a scintillating music scene, multicultural festivals, and renowned barbecue joints with a robust beer scene. Draught House is a vibrant and welcoming destination that offers a rotating selection of seasonal brews alongside an extensive array of microbrews from across the nation. It’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon, complete with an outdoor patio, food-truck options, and an endless beer menu.

Magic Hat Brewery

Burlington, Vermont

Vermont has a deep-rooted love for beer, with more craft breweries per capita than any other state. Whether you’re visiting for the breathtaking fall foliage, hiking the Long Trail, or enjoying scenic backroads, Burlington is an ideal stop. Magic Hat, perhaps the state’s most famous brewery, offers free tours and samples of its popular brews. The most renowned beer is No 9, featuring a hint of apricot, while those seeking a classic taste may enjoy the Circus Boy, a refreshing unfiltered hefeweizen.

Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery

Boulder, Colorado

After a day spent mountain biking, hiking, or rock climbing in Boulder, unwind at the Mountain Sun Brewery. This favorite spot boasts a laid-back atmosphere, luring in diverse crowds, alongside a menu of hearty pub fare. The true star, of course, is the beer: you’ll find a range of choices, including rich creamy porters, golden ales, and unique blends like blackberry wheat. Enjoy live music, such as bluegrass and folk, starting at 9:30 or 10 pm on Sundays and Mondays. The Mountain Sun family also operates brewpubs and eateries in Denver and beyond.

Dogfish Head

Rehoboth, Delaware

In the beach town of Rehoboth, Delaware, Dogfish Head experiments with innovative brews—“Off-centered ales for off-centered people”—utilizing unconventional ingredients to create bold brews with exciting combinations. Consider trying the Raison d’Etre, a Belgian-style brown ale brewed with beet sugar and raisins, or the oak-aged Burton Baton, an unexpected blend of English-style old ale and imperial IPA. After a day at the nearby beaches, their beers, complemented by delicious pub fare, provide a rewarding finish.

Boston Beer Company

Boston, Massachusetts

Founded in 1984, the Boston Beer Company (commonly known for its Samuel Adams brewery) rose to prominence with its remarkably balanced Boston Lager, which redefined American beer standards. Visitors can enjoy free tours (with complimentary beer) and a trolley ride to Doyle’s Cafe, a historic establishment renowned for its pizza and clam chowder, with additional Samuel Adams options. Delve deeper with tour options ranging from $10 to $50, and explore an expansive selection of seasonal and artisan brews (the Brewmasters Collection).

Brooklyn Brewery

Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Situated directly across the East River from Manhattan, this brewery serves as a testament to Brooklyn’s brewing prowess. Brooklyn Brewery crafts exquisite pilsners, pale ales, and other classic brews, alongside seasonal offerings like the summer ale, ideal for warm days at the ballpark. You can join a weekend tour for free or simply drop in for a cold beer. For a more intimate experience, a small batch tour during the week is available for $18. While the brewery may have minimal ambiance, a short stroll leads you to an array of shops, bars, restaurants, and attractions in this hip north Brooklyn neighborhood.