14 of the Best Beer Cities in the U.S. to Enjoy Fantastic Beer
Can I get a beer? Research suggests beer originated around 8,000 B.C. in present-day Iraq, meaning beer is one of the oldest known drinks in the world. To this day, the alcoholic beverage acts as a treat on a hot day or a crutch to get through difficult times. Some people base vacations around their fondness for beer. Beer adorers travel to find the tastiest, cleanest-tasting beer in the world. We’ve picked our favorite U.S. beer cities. Do you agree with our selection?
1. Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine, perches on the southern point of the Northeastern corner of Maine. Numerous competitions and festivals set up shop in Portland for a brief stint or multiple years. One of the most intriguing beer festivals, Beers With(out) Beards Beer Festival, took place in Portland back in 2022 for the festival’s fifth run. This fest honors women pursuing their brewing passion. Through displays and tastings of delicious, game-changing beer, these women and non-binary participants open up the space and conversation to inclusion. When in Portland, stop by Allagash Brewery for a sustainable venture focused on crafting fine brews and sourcing locally.
2. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville’s extensive beer history spans back to the 1990s when a man named Oscar Wong migrated from Charlotte to Asheville. Wong founded and opened the Highland Brewing Company, establishing a reputation as the Godfather within Asheville’s beer scene. Thirty years later, Asheville has a week-long event dedicated to the beverage, featuring events like monumental craft beer displays, brewery samples, and brewery demos. Asheville gained its name as Beery City 15 years ago, and with beer donuts, brewed shampoos, and beer ice cream populating the city, it deserves its nickname.
3. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s beer-related nickname reads the Craft Beer Capital of the country with experiments in microbreweries and larger craft beer companies. Almost every neighborhood in Chicagoland has at least one brewery for beer savants to try a new brew. One famous Chicago-based beer is the Bourbon County Stout From Goose Island Beer Co. The thicker, stronger brews gravitate toward the sweeter side, sporting toffee, vanilla, and chocolate spurts. Another regarded beer, the Tome Hazy Pale Ale From Half Acre Brewing Co., reflects on the genre of beer and elevates the taste and appearance. The Hazy Pale Ale looks dusted with a thick cloud through its creamy consistency.
4. Richmond, Virginia
A visit to Richmond provides ample reasons why the city is a must-stop for beer drinkers. Have you ever yearned for a brewery with an impressive list of flavors? Flavors you never thought would work in a beer? Hardywood Park Craft Brewery exhibits flavors like Virginia Blackberry, Farmhouse Pumpkin, Christmas Pancakes, and Gingerbread Stout, a favorite among visitors. Richmond boasts a beer trail with over 35 breweries along the path. Visit five breweries along the trail for a prize.
5. San Diego, California
San Diego’s beer-esque nickname, “The Capital of Craft Beer,” points to the more than 150 craft breweries based in the city. San Diego’s most notable flavor, the West Coast Style IPA, caters to beer drinkers searching for loads of hops in one drink. The brewers add the hops–the tiny plants submerged in the liquid to prolong flavor–to the drink later than East Coast Style IPA. This pattern creates a lighter, bitter beer compared to the darkened, sweet East Coast beer.
6. Grand Rapids, Michigan
Often hailed as Beer City, Grand Rapids, Michigan, nicknamed a trail of over 80 breweries, The Beer City Ale Trail. With over 80 places to sift between, beer drinkers of all backgrounds can find a beverage to enjoy. Beer fuels an immense portion of the tourism economy in Grand Rapids, so the city dedicated an entire month (July) to the alcoholic beverage. Grand Rapids hosts plenty of beer-infused festivals yearly, such as the Beer City Beer Fest in September. Visitors or locals can also reap the benefits of hotel beer packages. The Beer City package showcases a stay at the Grand Rapids Holiday Inn, a Founders Brewing Co. gift card, and two souvenir beer glasses.
7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Called The Soul of Belgium in the Heart of Philadelphia, Monk’s Cafe pleases customers with endless Belgian ales. The brewery’s Boon Geuze Selection flexes its brimming sour taste, while the Chimay Dorée disperses fruity flavors throughout the ale. Apart from the Belgian heavy brewery, arguably the best in Philly, the city proves its loyalty to beer through a week-long celebration. Philly’s upcoming beer week takes place between May 30 and June 5, 2025.
8. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana’s beer horizons stretch from small, cozy spaces serving tasty drafts to booming industrial spaces serving hundreds a night. For $30 per person, beer lovers can explore Indianapolis’s boozy scene via the Indy Brew Bus. The shuttle transports guests between busy local breweries, supplies them with samples, and explains the rich history of the beer city. Indianapolis’ scene focuses on bringing representation to the forefront. Find a marbled countertop planted in the middle of a quaint, green, and gold-hued establishment. Kismetic Beer Company, the female-owned and operated brewery, tones down the alcoholic content in their drinks to prioritize taste and comfort during consumption.
9. Fort Collins, Colorado
Fun fact: Fort Collins, Colorado, is responsible for 7% of the United States’ beer supply and 77% of Colorado’s craft beer supply. Authentic Belgian beer treats consumers. New Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins began when two people embarked on a bicycle adventure through Belgium. Excited by the taste and quality of Belgian beer, the couple decided to gift the beverage to Fort Collins, Colorado. An original beer, Fat Tire, started as one-half of the company’s first product line. The ale, whose name alludes to a bike reference, fuses sweet hops with distinct malt flavors for a unique drinking experience.
10. Tampa, Florida
Tampa, Florida, skirts under the radar for famous beer cities. In recent years, though, the Floridian city seems to have gained popularity among tourists who seem to notice Tampa’s buzzing beer scene. Tampa and surrounding areas of Tampa Bay, like Saint Petersburg, count over 100 breweries, each equipped with mouthwatering drafts and IPAs.Tampa favors holding random events at breweries. For example, I’ve attended concerts, yoga, painting sessions, and even plant events at breweries. The breweries here hone in on supporting local businesses, hence the collaborations. St. Pete Orange Wheat is my favorite beer in the Tampa area. The drink leans on zesty strokes of orange, color, and flavor for a uniquely Florida drink.
11. Portland, Oregon
The diversity in pubs and breweries led locals to nickname Portland Beervana, emphasizing the haven provided to beer enthusiasts worldwide. Portland’s beer enthusiasm extends into extensive breweries and innumerable beer-themed festivals yearly. In February alone, Portland entertains Craft Beer Month, Oregon Beer Awards, and Zwicklemania – a weekend-long beer and food tasting. When looking for a pub to grab a pint of Guinness, pick T.C. O’Leary’s, an Irish pub with a call to that Pacific Northwest vibe. The pub serves Irish food alongside Oregon-originated eats and drinks.
12. Denver, Colorado
According to an article published in Denver.org, Denver brews more beers than any other city in the U.S. at 200 a day. Denver counts about 70 breweries in the city that host the annual Great American Beer Festival. Denver’s beer festival opens the beverage booths to beers, alcoholic lemonades, seltzers, and teas for guests’ maximum enjoyment. The competition comprises ales and IPAs from breweries all around the U.S.
13. Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, homes to over 50 breweries, each representing a different part of Columbus’s beer scene. To reach visitors’ and locals’ attention regarding the city’s beer reputation, Columbus hosts events like The Columbus Brew Festival, The Columbus Beerfest, a walking tour of breweries, and Oktoberfest. Columbus residents shared opinions over the best breweries in Columbus according to preferences. Jackie O’s attracts beer drinkers who are fond of heavier beverages like stout beer. Pretentious caters to people who fancy sours and saison or pale ales.
14. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee’s storied history with beer reaches back into the Reconstruction Era, a period after the Civil War when Americans tried to adjust to the evolving climate. During the Reconstruction Era, Milwaukee brewed beer from Blatz, Miller, Pabst, and Schlitz, shipping the drinks off around the country. Thanks to its productive output, the city became known as The Brewing Capital of the World. Opinions vary on whether Milwaukee still deserves this title. However, you can’t deny its recognition as a beer city. Milwaukee values beer so much that they named a brand after the city. Milwaukee’s Best serves up a pale ale created right in the heart of Milwaukee.
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