Best Brewery Cities in America (& the Best Brewery in Each City)
If you're looking for a vacation that's more about beer than beaches, we've got you covered with our list of the best brewery cities in America.
Tessa ZuluagaAuthor
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| BUILT FOR RESTAURANTSAs the popularity of craft beer continues to rise across the United States, it's no surprise that many cities have become hubs for innovative breweries, creating flavorful brews that draw in locals and tourists alike. There are countless cities with thriving brewery scenes, each with its own distinct personality and standout breweries.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best brewery cities in America and highlight the top brewery in each city. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or simply curious about the craft beer culture, this guide will introduce you to some of the most exciting and flavorful breweries in the country.
Portland, ME - Allagash Brewing Company
Asheville, NC - Highland Brewing
Portland, OR - Ecliptic Brewing
Denver, CO - Call to Arms Brewing Company
San Diego, CA - Rincon Reservation Road Brewery
Grand Rapids, MI - Brewery Vivant
Burlington, VT - Switchback Brewing Co.
Cincinnati, OH - Brink Brewing Co.
Pittsburgh, PA - Necromancer Brewing
Boulder, CO - Twisted Pine Brewing Company
Austin, TX - St Elmo Brewing Company
Madison, WI - Giant Jones Brewing Company
Boston, MA - Trillium Brewing
Seattle, WA - Lucky Envelope Brewing
Athens, GA - Creature Comforts Brewing Co.
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Portland, ME - Allagash Brewing Company
You may know Allagash for its ever-popular Belgium White, but they also offer sour, barrel-aged, and many other delicious beers. Visit Allagash’s Tasting Room or Beer Cellar in Portland, Maine to try their tasty options. Another cool thing about this place – all tips from the tasting room are donated to charity!
Asheville, NC - Highland Brewing
Highland Brewing Company, headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, is the largest independent family-owned brewery from the Southeast. You can visit Highland’s Taprooms or The Meadow Bar, a lush lawn open in the summer.
Portland, OR - Ecliptic Brewing
The ecliptic is Earth’s yearly path around the sun, and this brewery celebrates this journey with delicious food and beer. In Portland, Oregon, you can find both Ecliptic’s original Mothership location and the Moon Room.
Mothership Brewery opened in 2013 and is Ecliptic’s main production facility. Beyond beer, here you can find upscale pub food with a menu that rotates every six weeks, along with wine and cocktails. Their second location, Moon Room, opened in 2021 and features an expanded selection of Ecliptic’s beers and small bites.
Denver, CO - Call to Arms Brewing Company
Call to Arms Brewing Company was started by 3 guys who all have one thing in common – a love for beer. You can visit their taproom located in Denver to enjoy their Careless Pilsner, CTA IPA, and Oats and Hose Oatmeal Porter.
San Diego, CA - Rincon Reservation Road Brewery
Rincon Reservation Road Brewery is SoCal’s first tribally-owned and operated brewery. They aim to pay tribute to their heritage while making quality craft beer from sustainable ingredients inspired by their culture. Check them out to enjoy good beer with rich history!
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Grand Rapids, MI -Brewery Vivant
Enjoy European-inspired beer with locally sourced dishes at Brewery Vivant located in Grand Rapids. Much of the inspiration for this beer came out of a trip to the French-speaking Belgian countryside visiting small farmhouse breweries. The brewery itself is about a mile from downtown and all beer is brewed on the premise. Visit the folks over at Brewery Vivant today for European-style beers including various lagers and other thirst-quenching styles.
Burlington, VT - Switchback Brewing Co.
Switchback Brewing Co was founded in 2002 in Burlington with the goal of brewing unexpected, relatable, great-tasting beer. Today, this brewery has grown to sell 20 different beers year-round and several limited-time specials. In 2014, Switchback added the Tap Room as an outlet to showcase experimental brews you usually can’t find anywhere else. They host beer-themed events all year round.
Cincinnati, OH - Brink Brewing Co.
Brink Brewing, located in Cincinnati, is proud to have roots grounded in the community. The entire organization is made up of just fourteen people. No one at Brink wears just one hat, and everyone employed brings unique insight to their product and environment.
At Brink Brewing Co. they firmly believe that good beer makes good neighbors – and we agree! Check them out to try their popular Jackpot Joey Golden Ale or Blast Me To Bermuda Sour.
Pittsburgh, PA -Necromancer Brewing
Necromancer Brewing is based in Pennsylvania and is known for its creative and unique beer flavors, which often incorporate unusual ingredients like bacon, donuts, or hot peppers. Some of their popular beers include "Bourbon Barrel Aged Breakfast Stout", "Mexican Hot Chocolate Porter", and "Kettle Sour With Pineapple, Coconut, And Lime".
The brewery has a taproom where customers can try their beers, and they also distribute their products to local bars and restaurants. You can also check out their Drag Bingo!
Boulder, CO - Twisted Pine Brewing Company
Twisted Pine Brewing Company has been serving the people of Boulder, Colorado cold beer since 1995. Over the years they have expanded their tasting room, adding both food and more space for guests. Twisted Pine Brewing’s ale house is a wonderful gathering place for the community to enjoy a cold beer and shareable food!
Austin, TX - St Elmo Brewing Company
Austin may be the Live Music Capitol of the world, but did you know it also has great beer? St. Elmo Brewing Company was founded in 2016 with the goal of creating "approachable and balanced" beers that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
The brewery is located in a 5,000-square-foot warehouse space in the South Austin neighborhood and has a taproom that offers a rotating selection of 20 different beers on tap. Stop by to try their core beers like Carl Kolsch, Chico Pale Ale, and Angus Dry Irish Stout, as well as seasonal and limited-release beers.
Madison, WI - Giant Jones Brewing Company
Giant Jones Brewing was founded in 2016 with the goal of creating "big, bold beers with a feminist twist." They are an independent woman-owned brewery – how awesome is that? Giant Jones Brewing Company is known for its commitment to using local and sustainable ingredients in its beers, including hops and barley grown in Wisconsin. The brewery also supports a number of local organizations and causes and frequently hosts events and fundraisers to benefit the community.
Boston, MA - Trillium Brewing
Trillium Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Boston. It was founded in 2013 with a focus on brewing hoppy and wild beers using locally sourced ingredients. Trillium operates several locations in Boston, including a flagship brewery and taproom in the Fort Point neighborhood, as well as additional taprooms in Fenway and Canton. The brewery offers a rotating selection of beers on tap, including a range of IPAs, stouts, sours, and farmhouse ales, as well as barrel-aged and limited-release beers. Yum!
Seattle, WA - Lucky Envelope Brewing
Lucky Envelope Brewing is a craft brewery located in Seattle, Washington. It was founded in 2015 with the goal of creating approachable and unique beers that reflect its cultural heritage and Chinese traditions. Lucky Envelope Brewing's taproom features a rotating selection of beers, including core beers like the Helles Lager, the Hazy IPA, and the Mosaic Pale Ale, as well as seasonal and limited-release beers.
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Athens, GA - Creature Comforts Brewing Co.
Creature Comforts Brewing Co. is a craft brewery located in Athens, Georgia. It was founded in 2014 by Chris Herron, David Stein, and Adam Beauchamp, with a focus on creating approachable and well-balanced beers with a modern twist.
Creature Comforts is known for its use of locally sourced ingredients and for its commitment to sustainability, including using solar power and reclaimed water in its brewing operations. The brewery also supports a number of local organizations & causes and hosts events and fundraisers to benefit the community.
As we wrap up our tour of the best brewery cities in America, it's clear that the craft beer scene continues to thrive and innovate in cities across the country. From the hop-forward IPAs of the West Coast to the smooth and creamy stouts of the Midwest, each region has its own unique take on craft brewing. These top breweries offer a glimpse into the exciting and ever-evolving landscape of American craft brewing.
So why not plan your next vacation or weekend getaway to one of these top brewery cities and experience the delicious brews for yourself? Cheers to good beer, good times, and good company!
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