Brewing Up A Good Time: Best Brewery Cities In The USA
Breweries have become more than just a place to drink beer now. They have become a cultural 3rd space in America. A place where you can meet up with friends, a place where (usually) families are welcome, and a casual place that doesn’t rush you out the door.
And America has really embraced the craft beer movement and largely is leading it so today we are going to chat about the best brewery cities in the USA! From smaller mountain towns to major metro areas and everything in between America has every brewery culture you can dream of. So let’s get into it so you can start planning your next trip (or trips!)-
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Brewing Up A Good Time: Best Brewery Cities In The USA
What US cities have the best brewery culture?
1: Portland, Maine
Portland Maine is first up because by size of town compared to number and quality of breweries they are the leader in my humble opinion.
Known for tons of unique breweries and styles that are rare and hard to find elsewhere and matched with an amazing food and hiking focused community surrounding them it’s the perfect trip for craft beer lovers.
2: Asheville, North Carolina
If you are reading this while Asheville is still recovering from Hurricane Helene then know that you are helping by supporting the breweries! The majority have re-opened and are not only in need of our support but the breweries in western NC are doing so much themselves to help their communities.
Since moving to North Carolina I have become further and further impressed by the breweries and the unique beers that come out of this small mountain town. Wicked weed brewery has the most flavorful sours (and I am a sour girl!) and Hi-wire is the perfect example of Asheville classic beer. I am so thankful to have a hi-wire taproom near us here in Charlotte but the original location is top tier and a must stop if you’re around Asheville.
3: Denver, Colorado
Not one I have gotten too but that can’t stop Denver from making this list. Because the pure amount of breweries alone make Denver a brewery powerhouse!
Let’s start by mentioning that Denver is home to the Great American Beer Festival- which for any hard core craft beer lovers is something you should try to attend once in your life.
Denver also offers a huge spectrum of breweries like Denver Beer Co. and Great Divide, where I can boldly claim innovation meets tradition. The city’s brewery culture is also soooo deeply integrated into its social fabric, offering beer lovers everything from hop-heavy IPAs to insanely smooth stouts, all with a backdrop of stunning mountain views.
4: San Diego, California
West coast IPA’s are so many people across America and the worlds favorite style and it originates in the San Diego area. But even if you aren’t an IPA fan (I would take quite a few styles over IPAs….) there are 150 breweries and more opening annually in San Diego so no matter your preferences there is PLENTY of options for you.
Plus, the creative energy that flows through Southern California is able to be literally tasted in their unique and exciting craft beers!
5: Charlotte, North Carolina
I won’t lie and say the brewery culture wasn’t a pull for us moving to Charlotte (though Columbus where we moved from is a little later on this list). With breweries all over the city (and suburbs) in Charlotte you are never too far from enjoying the gorgeous NC weather on a brewery patio. Plus with so many of our own breweries and the place majority of Asheville breweries open their first tap rooms!
I want to do a full round up of our favorite Charlotte breweries as we try them all but the leaders so far are Wooden Robot, Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and Protagonist.
6: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh has a really cool brewery vibe that pulls from the industrial culture of its past and its modern culture. And the brewery culture is deeply engrained into neighborhoods which means that each brewery is a cool reflection of the people and community surrounding it.
And an honorable mention that didn’t quite make the list is Philly- the fellow big PA city that also embraces some really creative but grit based breweries.
7: Brooklyn, New York
I’ll admit that when I think of booze and NYC I think of cocktail bars. But Brooklyn has become synonymous with the craft beer renaissance in New York City which is so cool! And not all that shocking that Brooklyn is the home of this creative movement in such a creative city!
8: Columbus, Ohio
Seventh Son and LandGrant along with many other breweries have been putting Columbus on the map as a brewery city. And not just in the midwest!
There is a lot of breweries that you will hear people chat about in Columbus but I gotta share my favorite gem- Antiques on High. Owned by seventh son Antiques on high is exclusively sours and they are sooo good! Maybe it’s my sour bias but seriously they are delicious. And you can usually get one at seventh son or at Getaway which is their Dublin taproom (it’s not the greatest taproom, needs stronger vibes but it’s a not crowded way to experience Seventh Son beers!).
9: Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids AKA the “Beer City USA”! Founders Brewing Co., along with so many other innovative breweries like Brewery Vivant and The Mitten Brewing Co. contribute to the most vibrant local beer culture. Grand Rapids also has so many local entertainment and/or education based events focused around craft beer too.
10: Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s reputation for coffee is matched by its craft beer prowess! At least in my craft beer and coffee loving mind.
The city’s climate is ideal for hop growing, which leads local breweries like Fremont and Elysian to create pioneering brews, particularly hop-forward IPAs and heavy but stunning stouts. Seattle’s breweries are often gathering places for the community, reflecting the city’s inclusive and also very experimental spirit.
11: Chicago, Illinois
Another midwest city on the list but the biggest by far is Chicago!
Experimental ales are where my brain goes to in Chicago but something I love about Chicago’s brewery culture is that there is public transportation that you can use to get between breweries. One of the only on the list where that is the case.
12: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Last but certainly not least is Milwaukee – which is most known for their larger, powerhouse breweries. But the city has embraced and encouraged the craft beer movement and has continually new breweries popping up and making waves. So add this and maybe Madison too to your list if you find yourself near Wisconsin!
Korra The Explorer
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