Top Bars To Get Local Beer In Connecticut

In recent years, Connecticut has gotten serious about producing craft beer, and has started to make a run at New England heavyweights Massachusetts and Vermont. From Hartford's City Steam to Stratford's Two Roads, high-quality beers are being brewed in all corners of the state. They can be found not just in many liquor stores and supermarkets, but at an increasing number of bars, restaurants and lounges. If you're going out on the town looking for a cold beer, here are some spots to check out that allow you to support local Connecticut breweries.

World of Beer
18 Harbor Point Road
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 290-4317
www.worldofbeer.com

One of the most recent additions to Stamford's Harbor Point, World of Beer isn't kidding with its name. It carries bottles from over two dozen countries and from all over the United States. That includes almost every major Connecticut brewery, among them Charter Oak, Olde Burnside and Beaver Beer. Most notably, it carries Shebeen Cannoli Beer, a brew sweetened with vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon. Non-drinkers can choose from nine different flavors of Connecticut's Freaky Dog soda. The staff will gladly help you choose the right beer for you, and what menu items to pair it with. World of Beer also hosts live music every weekend.

Mikro Craft Beer Bar
3000 Whitney Ave.
Hamden,CT 06615
(203) 553-7676
www.mikrobeerbar.com

Mikro may not be the largest bar in the state (seating capacity is about 50), but its intimate space allows its knowledgable bartenders to give you plenty of attention. It was founded by Mike Farber, who also owns popular state restaurants like Prime 16, and has 18 rotating craft brews on tap. Stony Creek, New England and Black Hog are just some of the Connecticut breweries that have been represented at Mikro. Their beers taste great with Mikro's pork belly sandwich.

Hop Haus
28 West Main St.
Plantsville, CT 06479
(860) 276-9326
www.hophauscraftbeer.com

Hop Haus calls itself "The Home of Craft Beer," and it has room for many made right here in Connecticut. Every week features new beers among its 28 on tap, which have recently included popular favorites like Cottrell Old Yankee Ale, New England Sea Hag IPA and Two Roads Lil Heaven Session IPA. Some weeks it has even offered one of the uniquely flavored beers from Wolcott's Shebeen Brewery. After you've made your selection, dig into some Haus Fries and enjoy the latest game.

Related:  Top Bars With a Rotating Beer Menu In Connecticut

Pies & Pints
1 Store Road
Middlebury, CT 06762
(203) 598-7221
www.piesandpints.biz

The name of this Middlebury pub sums up what it does best – pizza and beer. It serves up a dozen gourmet pizzas and its always changing draft list has featured Connecticut products like New England Galaxy Pale Ale, Thomas Hooker Blonde Ale and Overshores Belle Fermiere. Or try one of Pies & Pints' own in-house brews like "No Time" Session IPA or Hoppy Brown Ale. It's always worth stopping by for one of its occasional Cask Nights, where you'll meet local brewers and sample their latest creations.

Local Kitchen and Craft Beer Bar
85 Mill Plain Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 955-1919
www.fairfieldlocal.com

Local, with its striking metallic decor, brick walls and high ceiling, has become one of the most popular bars in Fairfield. Its name is reflected in the 30 beers on tap, which includes local favorites from Thimble Island to Stony Creek. And there are also selections from Fairfield's own Southport Brewing Company (which owns Local). As for the kitchen, it prepares superior dishes both small (Thai popcorn chicken) and large (short rib ragu).

Related: Top Bars With Local Brews In Connecticut