USA TODAY 10Best
Discover the hoppiest havens: 10 best beer cities in the US
Best Beer City (2024)
These cities across the United States have been selected by an expert panel and voted by our readers as the 10 best beer cities for hosting the most outstanding beer scenes in the nation. That means stellar collections of established and up-and-coming breweries, beer bars, brewpubs, beer festivals, and even thriving homebrewing communities where a novice brewer can get their foot in the door.
- Santa Rosa, California
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Richmond, Virginia
- Fort Collins, Colorado
- Columbus, Ohio
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
Photo courtesy of Visit California | Max Whittaker
No. 10:
Though Santa Rosa is usually considered to be wine country, the Northern California city says it’s “where wine country meets beer city.” This theory is supported by the fact that it plays host to breweries, pubs, and multiple beer festivals throughout the year. Celebrate the city’s brewing heritage during its month-long FeBREWary event.
Photo courtesy of Visit Philadelphia
No. 9:
The City of Brotherly Love is a hard-drinking town — ask anyone who’s been on South Street during last call — and more and more Philadelphians are focusing their efforts on enjoying the area’s impressive craft brews. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of top-notch beer bars, from the much-lauded Monk’s Cafe to the equally impressive City Tap House. Yards Brewing Company is the city’s most popular craft brewery, and there are several smaller outfits that have popped up in recent years. Perhaps it’s also the year-round event calendar that sets Philly’s beer scene apart. Spanning 10 days, Philly Beer Week is the country’s oldest and biggest event of its kind.
Photo courtesy of Explore Asheville
No. 8:
The "Paris of the South" offers an impressive number of breweries, friendly beer bars, and bottle shops (Appalachian Vintner) that provide enthusiasts with easy access to more than 100 local beers. First-time visitors to Asheville often start out at Wicked Weed’s comprehensive brewpub, and adventurous types make a beeline for the brewery’s “Funkatorium,” where sour and funky beers are served.
Photo courtesy of Visit Indy
No. 7:
The Indianapolis beer scene features everything from intimate taprooms to huge brewery warehouses. Options include the bookstore/brewpub Books & Brews, experimental brews from Guggman Haus Brewing Co., and a popular outdoor beer garden at Triton Brewing Company and Bistro, to name just a few. The Indy Brew Bus takes beer lovers to four different breweries to enjoy beer samples.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Ketterman
No. 6:
Venture out to the Jax Ale Trail, which allows visitors to collect stamps at more than 20 breweries around Jacksonville. You can even earn prizes based on how many stamps you collect in your passport. While you're in town, be sure to visit Goozlepipe & Guttyworks at Kickbacks, which houses one of the largest beer cellars in the Southeast.
Photo courtesy of Double Image
No. 5:
With more than 30 craft breweries, Richmond, Virginia, continues to stake its claim as a craft brewery destination. If you visit five breweries along the Richmond Beer Trail (and get a trail map stamp), you can bring home some free swag. Don't leave town before checking out the well-curated beer list at The Answer brewpub.
Photo courtesy of Funkwerks Brewery Fort Collins
No. 4:
With more than 20 craft breweries, Fort Collins punches well above its weight when it comes to beer. This city of only 168,000 houses the nationally-renowned heavyweight New Belgium as well as smaller, award-winning breweries such as Odell, Funkwerks, and Equinox. In fact, Fort Collins produces 70% of Colorado’s craft beer.
Photo courtesy of Experience Columbus
No. 3:
The Columbus, Ohio, beer culture continues to gain momentum and includes national brands as well as nano breweries. Beer aficionados can also join a walking tour of the Brewery District through Columbus Food Adventures.
Photo courtesy of VISIT Milwaukee
No. 2:
There’s good reason the Milwaukee baseball team is called the Brewers. Beer giant Miller Brewing put the city on the beer map, and a host of modern craft breweries and beer bars have maintained its legacy as an epic beer destination. Beer history is on display at places like the Historic Pabst Brewery and Miller: The Brewery. Those looking to try something new can do so at some of the city’s many beer gardens, pubs, beer bars, and craft breweries.
Photo courtesy of Brian Craig for Experience Grand Rapids
No. 1:
Michigan’s second-largest city sports the state’s strongest beer scene, thanks largely to the presence of the world-renowned Founders Brewing Co. Not to be outdone, there are several other brewing operations around town, most notably the Belgian-inspired Brewery Vivant. The city’s official “Beer City Ale Trail” lists more than 80 breweries in the surrounding area, and the local calendar is constantly filled with beer festivals, events, and promotions. Throw in exceptional beer stores such as Siciliano’s Market, and it’s easy to see why Grand Rapids proudly stakes its claim as “Beer City USA.”
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Alexis Dickie
Alexis Dickie is a beer and travel enthusiast who... Read More
Alexis Dickie is a beer and travel enthusiast who has visited over 1,275 breweries in 36 states and 34 countries. As a Michigan native Alexis was introduced to the craft beer scene early via Bell's Two Hearted and Oberon before visiting her first taproom, Monday Night Brewing in Atlanta. She immediately fell in love with the brewery atmosphere and her passion for craft beer was formed. 10+ years later, Alexis and her pup Mosaic are residents of Charlotte, North Carolina. She writes about craft beer and creates beer and travel itineraries on her blog Adventures & Ales while documenting her journeys on Instagram at @adventures.and.ales.
Alexis Dickie
Alexis Dickie is a beer and travel enthusiast who has visited over 1,275 breweries in 36 states and 34 countries. As a Michigan native Alexis was introduced to the craft beer scene early via Bell's Two Hearted and Oberon before visiting her first taproom, Monday Night Brewing in Atlanta. She immediately fell in love with the brewery atmosphere and her passion for craft beer was formed. 10+ years later, Alexis and her pup Mosaic are residents of Charlotte, North Carolina. She writes about craft beer and creates beer and travel itineraries on her blog Adventures & Ales while documenting her journeys on Instagram at @adventures.and.ales.
Beth Demmon
Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer, author,... Read More
Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer, author, and podcast host specializing in covering the craft beer and cider industries. Her work has appeared in outlets such as The Washington Post, Food & Wine, Saveur Magazine, PUNCH, Good Beer Hunting, San Diego Magazine, and many more. She is a Certified BJCP beer judge, a Certified Cider Professional through the American Cider Association, and member of the North American Guild of Beer Writers. Her first book, The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider: American Ciders for Craft Beer Fans to Explore, will be on shelves on September 12, 2023. She lives in San Diego, California. Learn more at bethdemmon.com, follow her on Instagram at @thedelightedbite, or subscribe to her free newsletter on Substack, Prohibitchin'.
Beth Demmon
Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer, author, and podcast host specializing in covering the craft beer and cider industries. Her work has appeared in outlets such as The Washington Post, Food & Wine, Saveur Magazine, PUNCH, Good Beer Hunting, San Diego Magazine, and many more. She is a Certified BJCP beer judge, a Certified Cider Professional through the American Cider Association, and member of the North American Guild of Beer Writers. Her first book, The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider: American Ciders for Craft Beer Fans to Explore, will be on shelves on September 12, 2023. She lives in San Diego, California. Learn more at bethdemmon.com, follow her on Instagram at @thedelightedbite, or subscribe to her free newsletter on Substack, Prohibitchin'.
Dave Stamboulis
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer... Read More
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos appear in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand, which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to updating the Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe.
Dave Stamboulis
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos appear in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand, which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to updating the Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe.
Dennis Malcolm "Ale" Sharpton
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a... Read More
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker and beer judge to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites combined. His current media outlets include USAToday, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, James Beard Foundation, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Along with being featured in various publications, on the web, radio, podcasts, television, beer fests, conferences, and ongoing Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ video series, Ale utilizes his Cornell University School of Hotel Administration education and vast work experience to consult in the culinary industry as well. Forbes, Smithsonian Institution, UNTAPPD, Good Beer Hunting, and numerous others have showcased Ale’s accomplishments. In a collaboration going on six years with brewing giant New Belgium, Ale has produced a beer he conceptualized called Piano Keys—a chocolate vanilla imperial stout—geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project with New Belgium also spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises funds to support nonprofits embracing the same mission as Piano Keys. Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction, logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media. Although a native New Yorker, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home. Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram (@realalesharpton).
Dennis Malcolm "Ale" Sharpton
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker and beer judge to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites combined. His current media outlets include USAToday, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, James Beard Foundation, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Along with being featured in various publications, on the web, radio, podcasts, television, beer fests, conferences, and ongoing Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ video series, Ale utilizes his Cornell University School of Hotel Administration education and vast work experience to consult in the culinary industry as well. Forbes, Smithsonian Institution, UNTAPPD, Good Beer Hunting, and numerous others have showcased Ale’s accomplishments. In a collaboration going on six years with brewing giant New Belgium, Ale has produced a beer he conceptualized called Piano Keys—a chocolate vanilla imperial stout—geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project with New Belgium also spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises funds to support nonprofits embracing the same mission as Piano Keys. Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction, logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media. Although a native New Yorker, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home. Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram (@realalesharpton).
Gary Monterosso
Gary Monterosso is an award-winning critic, who... Read More
Gary Monterosso is an award-winning critic, who has written for national and regional publications. He is a regular guest on “You Oughta Know,” on WHYY-TV, a PBS station based in Philadelphia. Gary also hosts one-minute beverage updates on several southern NJ radio stations. From 2010-2017, he was seen on the History Channel show called “The Epic History of Everyday Things.” He is the author of the book, “Artisan Beers.” After a 41-year career as a NJ- based educator, Gary now teaches beer appreciation classes at Wilmington University. Gary has appeared on many television programs discussing craft beers and has guested on BBC radio offering an American perspective on the beverage. In late 2014, he lent his expertise to CBS News New York, by offering fall beer recommendations. One of the highlights of his career was a three-year stint on the Sirius Satellite Radio network, talking about the latest happenings in the beer world. In 2014, Gary was selected by Chilled Magazine to be a member of the “Chilled 100,” signifying him as one of the top 100 beverage personalities in the United States. He continues to be a fixture at regional beer events by hosting dinners and tasting seminars. He has qualified as a Certified Beer Server, a part of the Cicerone Certification Program, recognizing his knowledge of beer styles, culture, the brewing process and ingredients.
Gary Monterosso
Gary Monterosso is an award-winning critic, who has written for national and regional publications. He is a regular guest on “You Oughta Know,” on WHYY-TV, a PBS station based in Philadelphia. Gary also hosts one-minute beverage updates on several southern NJ radio stations. From 2010-2017, he was seen on the History Channel show called “The Epic History of Everyday Things.” He is the author of the book, “Artisan Beers.” After a 41-year career as a NJ- based educator, Gary now teaches beer appreciation classes at Wilmington University. Gary has appeared on many television programs discussing craft beers and has guested on BBC radio offering an American perspective on the beverage. In late 2014, he lent his expertise to CBS News New York, by offering fall beer recommendations. One of the highlights of his career was a three-year stint on the Sirius Satellite Radio network, talking about the latest happenings in the beer world. In 2014, Gary was selected by Chilled Magazine to be a member of the “Chilled 100,” signifying him as one of the top 100 beverage personalities in the United States. He continues to be a fixture at regional beer events by hosting dinners and tasting seminars. He has qualified as a Certified Beer Server, a part of the Cicerone Certification Program, recognizing his knowledge of beer styles, culture, the brewing process and ingredients.
Jackie Dodd Mallory
Jackie Dodd-Mallory is a beer and food writer and... Read More
Jackie Dodd-Mallory is a beer and food writer and photographer based in Seattle. She is the author of three best-selling cooking with beer cookbooks and the owner of craftbeerphotography.com you can find her on social media @TheBeeroness.
Jackie Dodd Mallory
Jackie Dodd-Mallory is a beer and food writer and photographer based in Seattle. She is the author of three best-selling cooking with beer cookbooks and the owner of craftbeerphotography.com you can find her on social media @TheBeeroness.
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home... Read More
Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"
Jared Ranahan
A Massachusetts native, Jared Ranahan's yearning... Read More
A Massachusetts native, Jared Ranahan's yearning to see the world has led him to live in eight cities across four continents, and he is always seeking out a new city to visit or call home. Jared is especially interested in zoology, history, and natural science, and works to incorporate these disciplines into his stories whenever possible. Jared enjoys hoppy IPAs, peaty scotches, and all forms of sugarcane distillates.
Jared Ranahan
A Massachusetts native, Jared Ranahan's yearning to see the world has led him to live in eight cities across four continents, and he is always seeking out a new city to visit or call home. Jared is especially interested in zoology, history, and natural science, and works to incorporate these disciplines into his stories whenever possible. Jared enjoys hoppy IPAs, peaty scotches, and all forms of sugarcane distillates.
Kendall Jones
Kendall Jones is a lifelong beer enthusiast and... Read More
Kendall Jones is a lifelong beer enthusiast and longtime beer writer. For the past 15 years, he has produced the Washington Beer Blog and also worked as a freelance beer writer, event producer, beer judge, and border collie ball-tosser. He is also the editor-in-chief of The Taster Tray, a craft-focused weekly newsletter. You can keep up with Kendall on Instagram @beerblog, Threads @beerblog, or Facebook @washingtonbeerblog.
Kendall Jones
Kendall Jones is a lifelong beer enthusiast and longtime beer writer. For the past 15 years, he has produced the Washington Beer Blog and also worked as a freelance beer writer, event producer, beer judge, and border collie ball-tosser. He is also the editor-in-chief of The Taster Tray, a craft-focused weekly newsletter. You can keep up with Kendall on Instagram @beerblog, Threads @beerblog, or Facebook @washingtonbeerblog.
Ruth Berman
CEO and BBB (Brains Beyond the Beer) of Bon Beer... Read More
CEO and BBB (Brains Beyond the Beer) of Bon Beer Voyage, an award-winning beer tour company for Belgian and Craft Beer Enthusiasts, Ruth was recently knighted in Belgium by the Knighthood of the Brewers Mash Staff for her contributions to spreading the world about Belgian beer culture. Bon Beer Voyage offers high quality, small group, gourmet beer vacations (Beercations) both in the US and abroad; providing their guests with one-of-kind-experiences, locally guided sightseeing, great food, world class beer, brewery insider visits and beer tastings. She is also a Certified Tour Director, Licensed Tour Guide and a Cicerone Program Certified Beer Server, as well as a member of the Pink Boots Society and the North American Guild of Beer Writers. She has served on the panel of beer experts for USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards since 2014. While traveling, Ruth enjoys sketching and painting watercolors of the breweries she visits.
Ruth Berman
CEO and BBB (Brains Beyond the Beer) of Bon Beer Voyage, an award-winning beer tour company for Belgian and Craft Beer Enthusiasts, Ruth was recently knighted in Belgium by the Knighthood of the Brewers Mash Staff for her contributions to spreading the world about Belgian beer culture. Bon Beer Voyage offers high quality, small group, gourmet beer vacations (Beercations) both in the US and abroad; providing their guests with one-of-kind-experiences, locally guided sightseeing, great food, world class beer, brewery insider visits and beer tastings. She is also a Certified Tour Director, Licensed Tour Guide and a Cicerone Program Certified Beer Server, as well as a member of the Pink Boots Society and the North American Guild of Beer Writers. She has served on the panel of beer experts for USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards since 2014. While traveling, Ruth enjoys sketching and painting watercolors of the breweries she visits.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
