13 Of The Best Craft Breweries In The U.S. - 2023 Edition
We're well into the swing of the beer revolution, and it's clear that the love of craft beer isn't slowing down anytime soon. You might know someone with a home brew setup, or maybe you've tried your hand at brewing your own ales. There's no shortage of microbreweries perfecting their must-try India Pale Ale (IPA) or milk stout.
Regardless of what craft brews you love, there are enough breweries around for you to set out on your quest for the perfect pint –- and there are even more popping up each day. Microbreweries are often small shops with local to limited distribution and a lot of love for the art and science of brewing beer. They're preserving the history and culture of the hobby while stimulating tastebuds and bringing communities of beer lovers together to drink, eat, and enjoy each other's company.
Put some gas in your car or get your frequent flyer points in order and consider these United States craft breweries as you develop your palate and try some of the best beers that the industry has to offer.
1. O'Connor Brewing Co.: Norfolk, Virginia
If you're a beer lover who has spent any time in the historic Tidewater area of Virginia, you've probably heard the legend of El Guapo. And if you haven't, you're in for a treat. This is the flagship brew of O'Connor Brewing Co., a microbrewery that's been going strong in the city of Norfolk for the past two decades.
It's a brewery that values outdoor time, beautiful weather, and togetherness, with a cold, flavorful beer in your hand. This is why the brewery's El Guapo agave IPA has become a favorite at festivals and beach days in the Norfolk and Virginia Beach areas each year when the weather gets warm. It quickly became the top beer in the state, making O'Connor a mainstay for people who love beer.
In addition to its flagship IPA, O'Connor boasts mouthwatering selections like the Juicy Ride tropical wheat beer, Proper Lager helles style lager, Dynamite Haze hazy pale ale, ODIS nitro stout, and Hip Hop Anonymous double IPA. The brewery offers a constant rotation of beers on tap depending on the season and is constantly releasing new offerings that you have to try while they last.
You can even have a hand in the direction of O'Connor's next great beer; the brewery has a small batch tasting room where beer fans can participate in research and development one sip at a time. O'Connor also has a regular calendar of events, including Tasty Tuesday extended happy hours, El Guapo's and Tacos, trivia night, and live music.
2. Angel City Brewery: Los Angeles, California
Angel City Brewery is located in the heart of Los Angeles' Arts District. It serves up some heavenly options for people who love beers that range up and down the taste spectrum, from mouth-puckeringly hoppy to chocolatey, creamy malts. This microbrewery was founded in 1997 and sits in a large, artfully painted warehouse building just outside of the city's downtown area.
Since its inception, Angel City Brewery has grown to become one of the premiere beer breweries in Southern California. It's a great place to stop by both to support the art scene and the art in a glass that it brews to perfection. Some of the staple options that Angel City serves on tap and distributes in bottles include the Angel City IPA, Black Lager, Angel City Pilsner, L.A. Blonde blond ale, Little Tokyo "Super Dry" Japanese rice lager, and To Live and Thai in L.A. Czech pilsner. The brewery also offers some limited edition offerings like the Bridge Builder hazy IPA, Faux Snow hazy white IPA, and Sunbather session sour ale.
It's a community-oriented brewery, featuring a calendar that is regularly packed with events, including Spinnin' Sundays live DJ music night, movie night, Sunday yoga, and art gallery openings. Angel City also features a regular rotation of food trucks so that you can get a delicious bite to eat to go with your pint.
3. Normaltown Brewing Co.: Athens, Georgia
Normaltown Brewing Co. is a small batch brewery located in the heart of Athens, Georgia. This is the home of the University of Georgia (UGA), Civil War history, a thriving music scene, and immaculate beer. At Normaltown, you'll get a hyper local experience that lets you soak in the culture and taste.
As a small brewery, the mad scientists of Normaltown have free reign to experiment with new and different flavors. Some of the beers you can try at the microbrewery include Summon the Fog, Elder Masters, the Sudden Blaze Milkshake IPA, and blonde and oatmeal stouts.
Aside from the beers, the scenery and hospitality make Normaltown a must-visit whenever you're in the Athens area. "Happy" and "humble" are words that visitors use to describe the staff, who go out of their way to give you the perfect pour, with some friendly conversation to go with it. If you visit in the fall, expect to see UGA football on a screen because the owners and staff at the brewery are also big fans of the Dawgs. Consistency is the hallmark, as the brewery puts time, energy, and dedication into each new beer release that it brews. There's always a food truck pulled up as well so that you can enjoy some delicious food to go with the drink in your glass.
4. Seminar Brewing and Restaurant: Florence, South Carolina
We head to the Carolinas for a seminar on delicious craft beer and succulent food options. This microbrewery, located in the heart of Florence, South Carolina, has an impressive rotation of in-house beers on tap six days a week. It has an impressive array of IPA options, including the Pixels, Hazy Stranger New England IPAs, Reading Day session IPA, and the Citrocity and Spring Break American IPAs.
Seminar Brewing and Restaurant offers award-winning flavor in the form of its 2022 Home Brew competition-winning porter. When you're in the mood for winter beers, this microbrewery offers the Under Chaos milk stout and the BBA's Cold Outside winter warmer. This establishment stands out because it offers a full kitchen in-house so you always have a fresh, hot meal to go with your beer. Some of the succulent offerings include the chicken Philly, Pimento burger, chicken parm, and mushroom Swiss burger. You can enjoy 6- to 18-count wings, BBQ tacos, and a variety of hearty salads.
There's no shortage of events, as Seminar Brewing and Restaurant frequently showcases artists on the Florence music scene, yoga nights, and a variety of holiday-themed events. You can also stop by any day and enjoy some axe throwing and a fun, party-filled environment.
5. Cascade Brewing Barrel House: Portland, Oregon
If you're in the Pacific Northwest, Cascade Brewing Barrel House is worth your time. This beer haven has several offerings on tap, sales by the bottle, and growlers you can take home and enjoy on your time. It's a brew house that specializes in sour ales, and it's been serving the region one cold glass at a time since 2006.
Since the brewers at Cascade are serious about their craft, this is an excellent watering hole to hang out if you'd like to develop your nose and taste palate. Their beers feature a complex blend of hops that are flavorful, aromatic, and with the International Bitterness Units (IBU) volume turned all the way up.
Some of the IPAs on offer include the It's Always Hazy in PDX Hazy IPA, With a Pencil Double Hazy IPA, C.A.S.SS. IPA, and the Death by Snu Snu Sour IPA. If you like cold-weather beers, you'll enjoy the malty, dark chocolate and coffee notes of the I'm Going On the Gargle Irish Stout. There are some palatable, even-keeled ales you can also enjoy, such as the Intermundium Red Ale, Stein of Times Lager, and the in-house Portland Ale.
The kitchen is open five nights a week and offers food items like bruschetta, roasted brussels sprouts, a fried chicken sandwich, and Creole gumbo. Kids are allowed in any non-bar seating areas until 10 p.m., making Cascade a fun outing for the whole family.
6. Peticolas Brewing Company Taproom: Dallas, Texas
You will enjoy a taste of Texas when you stop by Peticolas Brewing Company Taproom. It's located in the heart of Dallas, a stone's throw away from the bustling Design District. In true Texas fashion, Peticolas aims to do things bigger, with three floors of taps and taste rooms for patrons to enjoy.
It's one of the best and most experienced brew houses in the entire state. The owner cut his teeth brewing 800 barrels a year by himself. The proof is in the pudding, as Peticolas Brewing Company offers an array of tantalizing offerings, such as the Bicycle Pump pilsner, Sit Down or I'll Sit You Down IPA, Don't Think It – Won't Happen hazy IPA, Doctor's Orders Imperial IPA, Black Curtains Imperial Stout, and Turn Out the Lights Dry Stout. It also boasts popular limited edition releases like the Standing Ovation Porter, First Love wheat beer, and Rumble in Russia red ale.
Spend some time on any of the three levels of taprooms and you'll find it an experience all its own. Each level features Peticolas' history, as the lights are made from the first kegs the bar purchased, and one of the countertops is made from a repurposed menu board. It's a bustling social space, with areas for ping pong, shuffleboard, foosball, and plenty of flat-screen TVs playing the game.
7. Bayboro Brewing Co.: St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg is home to beaches, fun in the sun, and a thriving craft beer scene. Bayboro Brewing Co. is one of the best in town with its small batch of deliciously brewed offerings that beer aficionados all over appreciate. The award-winning microbrewery takes as much pride in serving customers daily as it does in explaining the art and science of how hops, malts, and yeast transform into deliciousness in your glass.
Some of the premiere offerings at Bayboro Brewing Co. include the Full Bird West Coast IPA, Toasted Iron American Lager, Blue Blood wheat beer, St. Pete Peel IPA, Puddle Pirate German Kolsch, and the Aurum Diaboli Belgian. It has a full kitchen with delicious fare, whether you decide to dine inside, or outside on the patio or in the Biergarten. Some of the food items include the Bayburger, loaded tots, a variety of pizzas, coconut shrimp, and fried chicken sandwiches.
In addition to an array of beer offerings, you can also sip wine and pair it with some food suggestions. The decor and ambiance make it an excellent outing for date night, groups, watching the game, or hosting events. It offers a little bit of everything for people in St. Pete, whether you're a local or in town on vacation.
8. La Doña Cervecería Brewery: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Located in the heart of the Harrison area of the Twin Cities, La Doña Cervecería Brewery mixes great beer with ambience and culture. It's open six days a week, and features one of the most eclectic blends of cerveza that you'll find in a microbrewery. Some of the go-to selections that you'll appreciate include the Hop-Hops, Naturally, and La Reyna IPAs, Supply Chain Issues stout, Emmolada infused stout, Doña Frida Mexican Lager, Doña Oscura Dark Mexican Lager, and Big Mama blonde ale. Whether your tongue leans hoppy or dark malts, you'll find something that you enjoy. La Doña Cervecería Brewery also mixes it up with beers infused with flavors like raspberry and coffee, in addition to offerings like beer coladas, aged barley wine, and hop-infused seltzer water.
Plenty of bars love soccer, but La Doña Cervecería Brewery takes it to another level by hosting soccer leagues on an indoor field. You can also stop by to watch the soccer matches, in addition to games featuring the Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves.
Pile your plates with succulent food options like tacos, quesadillas, chips and salsa, and chips and guac. The brewery also hosts parties and always offers a lively and festive atmosphere.
9. Revolution Brewing: Chicago, Illinois
This is the Second City's largest independent brewing company and has been open since 2010. The microbrewery, which started as an avid brewer's dream decades before has now grown to become one of the 50th largest breweries in the entire country. If you stop by Revolution Brewing in Chicago, Illinois, you're getting access to a large array of beer options.
Some of the beer that you can enjoy include IPAs like the Infinity-Hero, Anti-Hero, Every Day-Hero, and Hazy-Hero. The brewery has craft beers that pay homage to Chicago, including the Fist City Chicago Pale Ale, Rev Pils Chicago Pilsner, and the Hazy Pitch hazy pale ale. You might also enjoy the Working Man English session beer, Unsessionable Imperial IPA, and the Logan Export lager.
Aside from an immaculate selection of beers on tap, you'll also enjoy plenty of food selections from the full brewpub kitchen. Some tasty items that you might appreciate include the spicy Italian sandwich, garlic cream cheese mashed potatoes, fried mushrooms, nachos, and a plethora of burger options.
The pub boasts a full events calendar, featuring outings like comic book expos, celebratory beer releases, trivia, and sports watch parties. It's a community-oriented bar that will let you get the full Chicago experience whenever you're in town.
10. The St. George Brewing Co.: Hampton, Virginia
Back to the Tidewater area of Virginia on the Peninsula lies a microbrewery with large medieval leanings and sensibilities. St. George Brewing Co. in Hampton boasts nearly two dozen in-house beers on tap and is a mainstay of the community. It has been around since 1998 and remains one of the strongest pillars of the Virginia craft beer scene.
Some of the beers you'll enjoy at St. George Brewing Co. include the flagship beer, the English IPA, the Golden Ale, English Style Nut Brown Ale, St. George Pilsner, London Porter, and Honey Meade Lager. The microbrewery covers all of the basic styles of beers on the spectrum and features seasonal ales that diehards make sure to catch each year. Some of the seasonal offerings include the St. George Oktoberfest, Knights Respite hefeweizen, Jesters Gambit red ale, and Raven Queen dunkel.
You'll also be greeted with friendly faces and Southern hospitality when you stop in for a pint. The bar features weekly trivia night and yoga sessions, and lends its space out for private events throughout the year. This craft brewery takes pride in slaying ordinary beer and has the medals to prove it.
11. Iron Tree Brewing Co.: Christiansburg, Virginia
Southwest Virginia's New River Valley is home to a small microbrewery that mixes local sensibilities with a serious love of beer. Located right down the street from Virginia Tech in downtown Christiansburg, Iron Tree Brewing Co. took a space that had long been vacant and retrofitted it to bring the owners' love of ales to locals. The location opened in 2021 and features a tasting room that houses up to 60 people.
In terms of beer selections, you'll find a variety of options that pay homage to local culture. If you like your beers hoppy, try the Long Train Pale Ale, Hazy River New England IPA, Star Hunter Imperial IPA, and Long Train pale ale. If you prefer dark malty beers, Iron Tree offers the Pepper Street Porter and the Explosions in the Stout. You can taste at your leisure, as the brewery offers servings in sizes from 4-ounce flights to 64-ounce growlers. Grab a seat inside or enjoy the New River Valley sunshine by taking advantage of the outdoor seating area.
The microbrewery partners with several food truck businesses in the area so guests can also take advantage of a variety of meal options to go with their favorite beer. It's a family-friendly brewery that is ideal for a night out with the people you love after a long work week.
12. Eagle Rock Brewery: Los Angeles, California
Everyone talks about the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, but Eagle Rock Brewery serves people in the part of town where they work, go to school, and live more low-key lives. It's a brewery that has served Southern California since 2009 and built a long-standing tradition of good beer and impeccable service. This family-owned brewery was the first microbrewery to open in the city in six decades.
In terms of core beers, Eagle Rock Brewery serves the Populist American IPA, 3056 Pale Ale, AMWOLF German Pilsner, and Manifest Belgian witbier. It has a variety of seasonal beers as well, including the All the Mouth Feels hazy IPA, Raft Bier hoppy pilsner, Juice Pop hazy IPA, The Future is Unclear hazy IPA, and Stimulus 02 Imperial Stout with coffee.
If you love what's brewing, you can take it home in a growler or keg. The brewery is family-friendly and takes pride in supporting community events and causes. It also has food trucks available on most days so that you can enjoy some delicious food to go with your beer.
13. HUDL Brewing Company: Las Vegas, Nevada
If you're ever in Sin City on vacation, stop by this watering hole located right off of the world-famous Las Vegas strip in Nevada. If you sit outside on the patio, you can enjoy a beer in your hand while looking directly at the Las Vegas stratosphere, taking in the hustle and bustle of the city. HUDL opened its doors in 2020 and features a team of people who love brewing the finest artisan beer.
Since HUDL is located in a city full of oddities and attractions, it's only fitting that it has a unique array of beers to match. For instance, HUDL offers several cream ales, including Vanilla Oak, Vanilla Oak on Nitro, and Chocolate Vanilla Oak. If you enjoy wheat beers, there's the popular High Hatter Hefe on Pineapple. There's no shortage of IPAs at HUDL, including Scorched Meadows hazy IPA, Shaggy Assassin Idaho IPA, NAC NAC American IPA, and Salty Swabber Imperial IPA. You can also enjoy dark beers in the form of the Straight from the Teats milk stout, Trip the Light Razztastic double imperial porter, 115 Degrees peanut butter chocolate stout, and Hibernation Station barleywine.
You'll love that HUDL features a strong calendar of events fitting for a city that doesn't sleep, including music bingo and robot brain trivia. The location alone makes HUDL worth a stop to wet your whistle, and the service is next level. It's a spot that knows its beer and always has a strong selection of new brews to try.