12 US Cities Every Beer Lover Should Visit

San Diego, California

San Diego's craft beer scene is so renowned that numerous experts have recommended the city. It is particularly famous for popularizing the intensely hoppy Double IPA (DIPA). One of the city's most celebrated breweries is Stone Brewing, which gained recognition for its IPAs in the late 1990s. However, San Diego offers much more than just hoppy brews. Allo Gillinsky, a certified cicerone and operator of Craft Beer Concierge, notes that while "IPAs dominate the landscape, there are breweries producing experimental styles and lagers to cater to all tastes." A standout example is Pure Project's Methode Traditionnelle beers, crafted outside of Belgium using traditional lambic production methods.

As of the latest count, San Diego County boasts 228 breweries. There is a notable concentration of breweries in downtown and East Village, but the northern areas, including Oceanside and Vista, also feature several noteworthy breweries, according to Sean Inman, the beer writer behind the Beer Search Party blog. For instance, The Lost Abbey's Belgian beers are consistently popular. Although the brewery has several tasting rooms throughout San Diego, its beers are currently brewed in Vista.

Chicago, Illinois

In 2018, Chicago boasted the highest number of breweries of any city in the U.S. Although the rankings may have shifted by 2024, the city still offers an impressive selection, with over 160 breweries within its limits and more than 200 when including the surrounding suburbs.

As Sean Inman notes, "Chicago has a wealth of excellent beer that you might not find elsewhere because it's a major hub." One of the most iconic names in Chicago brewing is Goose Island Brewery, which was sold to Anheuser-Busch for $38.8 million. Its establishment in 1988 played a pivotal role in launching Chicago's craft beer movement. Today, you can discover innovative brews like fruited gose at Off Color Brewing and lactose hazy IPA at Marz Community Brewing, alongside traditional European styles at Dovetail Brewery. Another key player in Chicago's brewing scene is Pilot Project Brewing, a brewery incubator that supports emerging local brewers by providing a space for experimentation and guidance on operational matters.

Short on time to visit multiple breweries? Head to Hopleaf, one of the top beer bars in the area, featuring 68 beers on tap and an extensive selection of bottled options.

Portland, Oregon

Oregon's largest city has garnered numerous endorsements from our experts, including Christian DeBenedetti, the author of "The Great American Ale Trail." DeBenedetti is the founder of Wolves and People, a brewery located in Newberg, Oregon. Although Portland is smaller than Chicago and has fewer breweries, its establishments are celebrated nationwide. One standout is Great Notion Brewing, which has earned multiple accolades over the years.

Sean Inman strongly advocates for Portland, Oregon, noting that "the variety and range of breweries there is unmatched, especially compared to places like Denver." He highlights Threshold Brewing, known for its Polish-style beers. Inman also recommends Duality Brewing, a husband-and-wife operation that offers "unique and unconventional brews," though they are only open three days a week, making it a must-visit. For a brewery experience with a distinctive aesthetic, Brujos Brewing features a goth-inspired theme and specializes in hazy IPAs, often collaborating with other craft brewers across the country.

Additionally, Portland boasts a vibrant food scene that perfectly complements the craft beers, ensuring you’re well-fueled for your next stop.

New York, New York

Beer writer Courtney Iseman notes that New York City's beer culture is "incredibly diverse, offering something for everyone." DeBenedetti also endorses New York City, particularly Brooklyn. The narrative of contemporary brewing in New York City is relatively new, as many older breweries closed down due to soaring rental prices. Nevertheless, Brooklyn boasts a rich brewing heritage, rooted in the German immigrants who arrived in the mid-19th century. Brooklyn Brewery began its operations in the 1980s and opened its Williamsburg location to the public in 1996, playing a significant role in igniting the craft beer movement in the area.

The New York City Brewer's Guild now comprises over 40 members and continues to grow. Iseman suggests sampling Belgian-style ales at Transmitter, Grimm, and Endless Life; English styles at Strong Rope; Czech beers at Wild East; and hazy IPAs at Other Half, Finback, and KCBC—many of which are, not surprisingly, situated in Brooklyn.

New Orleans, Lousiana

New Orleans is famous for a variety of attractions, from ghost tours to cocktails, but its beer scene deserves just as much recognition. Courtney Iseman considers New Orleans one of her top beer destinations in the country. "While many people flock to New Orleans for its cocktails — which is understandable — the vibrant, close-knit craft beer community is equally deserving of attention and perfectly complements the city's renowned food and cocktail culture," Iseman notes. NOLA Brewing, established in 2008, played a pivotal role in igniting the city's passion for craft beer. However, significant growth didn't occur until 2015, when changes in Louisiana laws finally permitted taprooms.

Following the legislative updates, breweries and taprooms began to emerge throughout various neighborhoods in New Orleans. Iseman suggests trying the lagers at Brieux Carré, cask ale at Brewery Saint X, saisons at Parleaux Beer Lab, and IPAs at Port Orleans Brewing Company. For those seeking fruity sours and unique creations like braggot or hibiscus gose, Miel Brewery in the Irish Channel is a must-visit. To beat the sweltering heat, Miel also offers delightful beer slushies.

Los Angeles, California

As one of the key centers in the nation, Los Angeles boasts a vibrant craft brewery scene. Despite the closure of one of its pioneering craft brewers, Eagle Rock Brewery, the city continues to flourish. "L.A. manages to have a solid brewery in nearly every neighborhood, which is quite an achievement given the city's size," remarked Sean Inman. For instance, Boomtown Brewery attracts large crowds on weekends in the Arts District's industrial zone, while Benny Boy offers a unique blend of brewery and cidery in Lincoln Heights. In Inglewood, you'll discover Three Weavers Brewing Company, one of the few breweries owned by women.

Make sure to venture beyond downtown L.A. to uncover some of the best beers the area has to offer. Notable breweries include Monkish Brewing, a Belgian-style brewery in Torrance located just a block from Smog City, another fantastic brewery that caters to diverse tastes. The Bruery, situated in Orange County, is renowned for its barrel-aged and experimental beers, particularly its pastry stouts. A prime example is the S'moreo, a barrel-aged imperial stout crafted with (vegan) marshmallows, graham crackers, and vanilla.

Portland, Maine

Maine offers more than just its famous lobster rolls. Its largest city, Portland (with a population of under 70,000), boasts an impressive craft beer scene that rivals its namesake in Oregon.

Courtney Iseman highlights that Portland, Maine, "deserves recognition for its abundance of outstanding breweries that blend traditional and innovative approaches." Additionally, Allo Gillinsky appreciates Portland for its "exceptional walkability," which is a significant advantage for visitors or anyone looking to embark on a beer crawl. Gillinsky points out that "you can easily hop from a brewery known for its hazy IPAs to one specializing in farmhouse ales, and then to a taproom catering to lager enthusiasts, all within a 15-minute stroll."

Among the notable breweries is Allagash Brewing, a nationally acclaimed Belgian beer specialist that also features a Bite Into Maine outpost, perfect for enjoying delicious lobster rolls. Iseman suggests sampling the amaro-inspired ales at Oxbow and the hazy IPAs at Bissell Brothers. The woman-owned Belleflower Brewery not only produces fantastic IPAs but also excels in a variety of other styles.

Asheville, North Carolina

All four of our experts endorse Asheville, North Carolina, as one of their top beer destinations. Courtney Iseman describes Asheville as "a stunning, inviting city boasting some of the finest breweries in the nation — truly, from the water to the innovative brewers, there's an abundance of excellent beer." With over 50 breweries in the area, Asheville ranks among the highest in breweries per capita in the country. Highland Brewing Company, which opened its doors in 1994, was the first craft brewery in Asheville. The local brewing scene has since expanded to include numerous fantastic breweries that also serve as community hubs.

One of the city's standout breweries, Burial Beer Co., has resumed operations after the effects of Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Cellarest Beer Project, recognized for its wood fermentations and wild beers, provided free water and functioned as a community pantry during that time. Meanwhile, others like Zillicoah Beer Co. faced more significant damage and initiated fundraising efforts in hopes of reopening.

Denver, Colorado

Denver is home to The Great American Beer Festival (GABF), one of the largest and most renowned beer festivals in the United States. It's no wonder that the city boasts exceptional breweries that make it a worthwhile destination beyond the festival. "There's a lot of innovative stuff that comes from [Denver]," notes Sean Inman. This includes the slow pour pilsner, which originated in Denver at Bierstadt Lagerhaus and has since gained popularity nationwide.

Among the notable breweries is the legendary Great Divide Brewing Company, which earned its first GABF award just three months after brewing its inaugural beer and has since accumulated numerous accolades. A local favorite, Cerebral Brewing, employs a scientific approach to brewing while consistently crafting inventive beers. Crooked Stave is recognized as one of Denver's early pioneers in sour beers, while Cohesion specializes in Czech-style lagers. Our Mutual Friend Brewing Company is celebrated for its innovative and boundary-pushing beers made with local ingredients, a strategy that has garnered it multiple awards.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

A data-driven study has identified Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the top beer city in the U.S. for 2023. This ranking is based on factors such as the number of breweries per capita and the affordability of beer, among other criteria. Interestingly, Pennsylvania ranks as the second-largest beer-producing state in the nation, following California. With over 60 breweries in the city, there's a brewery to be found in nearly every neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

One standout is Trace Brewing, known for its creative beers and one of the few breweries in the city featuring a coolship. They also support the next generation of brewers through a paid vocational program designed to promote diversity within the beer industry. Some graduates of this program have moved on to positions at other breweries. If you enjoy hop-forward options like IPAs and DIPAs, be sure to visit Dancing Gnome, or check out Hitchhiker Brewing Co. for unique dessert beers and beer-infused soft serve ice creams. The Pittsburgh Brewers Guild has also put together a useful online guide to its member breweries.

Richmond, Virginia

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery is renowned for its gingerbread stout and has established itself as the largest independent brewery in Richmond, Virginia. When Hardywood launched in 2011, there were only two craft breweries in the city. Today, Richmond boasts over 30 breweries. San Diego's Stone Brewing selected Richmond for its East Coast location, highlighting the area's burgeoning brewing reputation. Triple Crossing is a local favorite, celebrated for its varied and ever-changing (and consistently outstanding) beer offerings. Väsen Brewing Company is well-regarded for its sour beers and farmhouse ales.

But it’s not just about the breweries. Mekong, a modest Vietnamese restaurant located in a strip mall, has been recognized as the "Best Beer Bar" in the nation for several years by various publications, all thanks to owner An Bui's dedication to craft beer. Bui later opened his own brewery, The Answer Brewpub.

For those looking to explore, Visit Richmond offers a printable map of the city's beer trail, or you can sign up for a mobile passport to earn free merchandise while visiting the breweries.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, boasts a fascinating reputation in the world of beer. It is home to major breweries such as Miller and Pabst, which may not be the first names that come to mind when thinking of craft beer. While Miller holds the title of the oldest large-scale brewery in the nation, Milwaukee's beer culture extends well beyond Miller Light. The contemporary beer landscape in Milwaukee is characterized by a vibrant array of smaller craft breweries.

For instance, Central Waters Brewing Company is known for its exceptional barrel-aged Imperial stouts and has earned accolades for its dedication to sustainability. MobCraft Beer stands out as a unique brewery that sources ideas from the community, allowing patrons to vote on the next beer to be produced. While many people flock to retail stores on Black Friday, some Milwaukee residents eagerly line up outside breweries like Lakefront Brewery, one of the region's pioneering craft brewers, celebrated for its exclusive Black Friday releases. Notably, Lakefront made history in 2005 by producing the first beer to receive gluten-free label approval from the U.S. government with its New Grist Pilsner.

To explore the local beer scene, Visit Milwaukee offers a Beer City Beer Pass, which provides buy-one-get-one-free deals at more than 30 local breweries.

Methodology

To compile this list of top beer cities, we consulted four specialists: a beverage journalist, an experienced beer blogger, a beer writer who now operates his own brewery, and a certified cicerone who organizes beer tasting events. These experts are situated in various regions of the country, contributing to a diverse geographical perspective (though it certainly helped that beverage writers often travel extensively). The list also reflects the writer's personal experiences from visiting and sampling beers in numerous cities across the United States. The experts pointed out not only well-known beer hubs like San Diego and Asheville but also cities with impressive yet lesser-known beer scenes, such as New Orleans.