USA TODAY 10Best
Cheers to the best: Top 10 beer bars across the United States
Best Beer Bar (2023)
It's no easy task to choose just one beverage at these 10 bars, voted as the best in the U.S. by our readers. Each offers a stellar selection of draft, bottled, and canned beers, many with a focus on local or regional selections. Pair that with a relaxed atmosphere and knowledgeable bar staff ready to help any guest become a beer connoisseur, and you've got a recipe for a great beer bar.
- Hop City Beer & Wine - Birmingham, Alabama
- ChurchKey - Washington, D.C.
- HopCat - Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Max's Taphouse - Baltimore, Maryland
- The Whale - Asheville, North Carolina
- Monk's Cafe - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- O'Brien's Pub - San Diego, California
- Brick Store Pub - Decatur, Georgia
- Side Hustle Taproom - Seattle and Kirkland, Washington
- Pilot Project Brewing - Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Photo courtesy of Hop City
No. 10:
Hop City Beer & Wine is a must-stop for beer lovers in Birmingham. With more than 1,200 varieties of craft and imported beer to shop and 66 rotating draft beers to choose from, there is truly something for everyone. Visitors can take home a growler or enjoy a brew at the bar or on the patio.
No. 9:
The decor of this Washington beer bar is plush, encouraging patrons to dive into the experience. With around 500 beers on offer, it does take a while to take it all in. Some 50 taps and five casks dispense beers from around the world, each at the perfect temperature and served in the appropriate glassware. The draft list is organized by characteristics such as smoke, roast, fruit and spice, tart and funky, crisp, or hop.
Photo courtesy of HopCat
No. 8:
HopCat started in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2008 and has garnered heaps of praise and many awards for its selection of great beer from around the world. Some of the best local, regional, and global craft beers are on 49 taps, and more than 250 bottles expand the offerings. It could be their famous beer-battered Cosmik Fries, but more likely it’s the wide range of beers, passionate bartenders, and a fun atmosphere that make HopCat a top destination for beer aficionados.
Photo courtesy of David Stuck
No. 7:
Patrons who enter this brick bar in Baltimore will be blown away by the beer selection: 1,500-plus bottles and cans, 108 taps and four casks. From newbies to experts, all levels of beer drinkers can find something to enjoy here – including standard favorites and rare imports – and all it takes is a quick chat with one of the highly knowledgeable bartenders.
Photo courtesy of Daniel Barlowe
No. 6:
The Whale prioritizes history and quality across their beer selections. One of the most notable features are their "wild cards", which puts the bartender in charge to pour one of their most unique beers on the menu – "something you have never seen or heard of, but are glad you discovered," they say.
Photo courtesy of Eddy Marenco
No. 5:
Advertised as "the soul of Belgium in the heart of Philadelphia," Monk's Cafe prioritizes fine beer. Their Beer Bible is a guide to help bargoers select the beer that best fits their palate, choosing from over 200 bottles and 25 taps.
Photo courtesy of Tyson Blake
No. 4:
Not only is O'Brien's Pub one of San Diego's first craft beer bars – established in 1994 – but it's also one of the most respected with 28 craft beers on tap. They especially emphasize Belgian beers, hoppy pours, and rarities from around the world to ensure beer enthusiasts are getting a unique pour whether it's their first visit or 100th.
Photo courtesy of Brick Store Pub
No. 3:
Located in downtown Decatur, Brick Store Pub is a neighborhood magnet for beer lovers. The main bar, which features one of the best selections in the region, maintains a focus on craft beer and imports from England and Germany. Upstairs is the Belgian Room, dedicated to the finest Belgian beers with eight taps and a huge selection of bottles. Beers are served in style-specific glassware at just the right temperature.
Photo courtesy of LauriPatterson // Getty Images
No. 2:
With locations in Seattle and Kirkland, Side Hustle cuts out the middlemen between small producers and industrial taprooms by offering a full line of brewery-fresh beer sourced directly from local breweries on the day it is kegged. They're on a mission to better support local brewery economies while providing a transformative place to drink great beer.
Photo courtesy of Alana Swaringen
No. 1:
Not your typical beer bar, this brewery incubator helps to support startup breweries by providing two tasting rooms in Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Both locations offer about 24 taps that are switched out regularly based on the breweries they're currently working with.
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
Amber Gibson
Amber Gibson spends 350 nights a year in hotels... Read More
Amber Gibson spends 350 nights a year in hotels searching for the latest and greatest in the travel industry. Her writing and photographs have appeared in print, online, and on the radio for outlets including Forbes, National Geographic Traveler, Departures, Four Seasons Magazine, Conde Nast Traveller, NPR, Saveur, Departures, Rhapsody, Hemispheres, American Way, Private Air, and Serious Eats. She graduated as valedictorian from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and received a fellowship to attend the 2017 Wine Writers Symposium at Meadowood Napa Valley. Champagne, dark chocolate and gelato are her biggest weaknesses.
Amber Gibson
Amber Gibson spends 350 nights a year in hotels searching for the latest and greatest in the travel industry. Her writing and photographs have appeared in print, online, and on the radio for outlets including Forbes, National Geographic Traveler, Departures, Four Seasons Magazine, Conde Nast Traveller, NPR, Saveur, Departures, Rhapsody, Hemispheres, American Way, Private Air, and Serious Eats. She graduated as valedictorian from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and received a fellowship to attend the 2017 Wine Writers Symposium at Meadowood Napa Valley. Champagne, dark chocolate and gelato are her biggest weaknesses.
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'.
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.
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.
Julia Herz
Julia Herz is executive director of the American... Read More
Julia Herz is executive director of the American Homebrewers Association® (AHA)—the nation’s largest hobbyist not for profit organization for homebrewers and fermented beverages. Julia is a BJCP Certified beer judge, Advanced Cicerone®, medal-winning homebrewer, and experienced zymurgist having made beer, mead, and fermented foods since 1994. Julia is the co-author of Beer Pairing: The Essential Guide from the Pairing Pros (Voyager Press, 2015), the CraftBeer.com Beer & Food Guide and Co-host of Sense of Beer Style Show. Prior to joining the AHA, Julia was the craft beer program director and publisher of CraftBeer.com for the Brewers Association, where she led the development of the Brewers Association’s Independent Craft Brewer Seal. Julia has been a guest on national media outlets including National Public Radio, Sirius/XM, CBNC Squawk Box and Closing Bell, Fox News, Good Morning America, the Food Network, and American Public Media’s Splendid Table. Julia has been at the helm of the 43-year-old membership organization since December 2021 and is available for interview or speaking opportunities to help your audiences discover the joy and ease of the hobby of homebrewing.
Julia Herz
Julia Herz is executive director of the American Homebrewers Association® (AHA)—the nation’s largest hobbyist not for profit organization for homebrewers and fermented beverages. Julia is a BJCP Certified beer judge, Advanced Cicerone®, medal-winning homebrewer, and experienced zymurgist having made beer, mead, and fermented foods since 1994. Julia is the co-author of Beer Pairing: The Essential Guide from the Pairing Pros (Voyager Press, 2015), the CraftBeer.com Beer & Food Guide and Co-host of Sense of Beer Style Show. Prior to joining the AHA, Julia was the craft beer program director and publisher of CraftBeer.com for the Brewers Association, where she led the development of the Brewers Association’s Independent Craft Brewer Seal. Julia has been a guest on national media outlets including National Public Radio, Sirius/XM, CBNC Squawk Box and Closing Bell, Fox News, Good Morning America, the Food Network, and American Public Media’s Splendid Table. Julia has been at the helm of the 43-year-old membership organization since December 2021 and is available for interview or speaking opportunities to help your audiences discover the joy and ease of the hobby of homebrewing.
Latiesha Cook
Latiesha Cook is the Co-Founder, President and CEO... Read More
Latiesha Cook is the Co-Founder, President and CEO of Beer Kulture, a St. Petersburg, Florida based nonprofit focused on increasing diversity and inclusion in the craft beer industry. Born in the Bronx, New York, Latiesha is a wife, mother of four, Cicerone certified beer server, published author and entrepreneur. In her leadership role at Beer Kulture, she has guided the team in launching an array of initiatives designed to diversify craft beer, including Cicerone scholarships, internships, a job board, and kollaboration beers with breweries around the world, as well as community projects to help local neighborhoods and causes throughout the country.
Latiesha Cook
Latiesha Cook is the Co-Founder, President and CEO of Beer Kulture, a St. Petersburg, Florida based nonprofit focused on increasing diversity and inclusion in the craft beer industry. Born in the Bronx, New York, Latiesha is a wife, mother of four, Cicerone certified beer server, published author and entrepreneur. In her leadership role at Beer Kulture, she has guided the team in launching an array of initiatives designed to diversify craft beer, including Cicerone scholarships, internships, a job board, and kollaboration beers with breweries around the world, as well as community projects to help local neighborhoods and causes throughout the country.
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.
