The search for the ultimate beer city in America has become a widespread pursuit, resulting in countless roundups from various sources, including beer magazines, travel guides, and real estate blogs.
These lists often feature the same well-known locations while occasionally including lesser-known cities that might not offer the same allure — a nod to places like Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, that may not fully satisfy the beer lover’s palate.
To uncover a more compelling top 10 list of beer cities, we took a multifaceted approach.
We evaluated several factors, including breweries per capita and the overall number of breweries in each city.
However, numbers alone do not tell the whole story; we also examined the diversity of the beer scene, the presence of renowned breweries that attract visitors, and the variety of beer styles available.
From well-established institutions to innovative startups, and considering the overall beer culture, we aimed to highlight cities with vibrant beer bars, walkable neighborhoods with multiple breweries, as well as plentiful food-and-beer options and festivals.
With insights from industry insiders, we identified a mixture of five “old school” and five “new school” picks for beer enthusiasts.
Old School Beer Cities:
**Asheville, North Carolina**
Asheville has long been recognized as a beer destination, boasting around 28 breweries — approximately 17 breweries for every 50,000 residents.
Noteworthy breweries such as Sierra Nevada and New Belgium chose to set up their second locations here, while Wicked Weed attracts fans of barrel-aged sour beers from across the country.
Longstanding establishments like Highland and Green Man, founded in 1994 and 1997 respectively, continue to thrive, along with renowned spots like Burial Beer Co., known for its hazy IPAs and pastry stouts.
The breathtaking Appalachian mountain backdrop and the city’s creative energy converge to create a unique craft beer atmosphere.
Ashlee Mooneyhan, external communications manager for Sierra Nevada, notes that Asheville’s appeal is immediately evident to anyone who visits.
Visitors will find a blend of artistry, creativity, and stunning natural scenery, leading them to wish for an extended stay.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene in September 2024 serves as a poignant reminder of the local resilience: while the breweries faced various levels of damage, they rallied to support each other and their community.
Today, Asheville’s beer scene not only perseveres but flourishes, with offerings like Burial’s VISUALS rooftop bar and Eulogy music venue, plus drag shows at Catawba Brewing and eclectic brews at One World Brewing.
**Denver, Colorado**
Denver has cemented its status as a craft beer hotspot, featuring 70 breweries, or 3.74 breweries for every 100,000 residents.
The city benefits from state laws that favor independent brewing operations, coupled with a strong appreciation for locally-sourced ingredients to develop exceptional beers.
From neighborhood to neighborhood, beer enthusiasts can explore historic breweries like Wynkoop Brewing Co. (opened in 1988) and Odell Brewing Co. (1989), along with acclaimed spots like Bierstadt Lagerhaus and Cerebral Brewing.
Carrie Knose Wilson, communications manager at the Colorado Brewers Guild, emphasizes that Denver is synonymous with high-quality, innovative craft beer.
The annual Great American Beer Festival draws industry members and fans alike, providing an ideal opportunity to navigate Denver’s breweries and experience the diverse array of styles available.
**Portland, Maine**
Without surprise, Portland, Maine, holds a firm spot on best beer city lists due to its impressive array of around 25 breweries — or 18 per 50,000 residents.
Allagash Brewing Company stands out as a pivotal player in the industry, having popularized Belgian-style beers in the U.S., with its flagship Allagash White recognized as a fan favorite.
Oxbow’s Blending & Bottling, alongside Bissell Brothers known for genre-defining hazies, showcases the creative spirit thriving within the city.
Nick Bonadies of Belleflower Brewing highlights the tight-knit community that fosters creativity and quality throughout Portland’s beer scene.
This vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by access to top-notch locally grown ingredients, making the experience uniquely fulfilling.
Shimmering cobblestone streets, lobster rolls, and live music enhance the beer experience, capped off with iconic beer bars like Novare Res Bier Cafe, known for diverse offerings from around the world.
**Portland, Oregon**
The west coast counterpart, Portland, Oregon, has earned the nickname “Beervana” with its impressive collection of over 60 breweries.
Established names like Widmer Brothers and McMenamins lead the charge from the 1980s while offering traditional and innovative beer styles.
This Portland boasts a mix of classic lagers, West Coast IPAs, and experimental varieties from breweries like Great Notion and Ruse Brewing, allowing for an extensive range of options.
The proximity to a significant portion of the country’s hop supply gives Portland a seasonal advantage; during the harvest, brewers can create wet-hopped beers, celebrated at various local festivities.
**San Diego, California**
San Diego has been a renowned craft beer capital for over a decade, with a legacy that shows no signs of waning.
The city is home to a plethora of world-class breweries like AleSmith and Lost Abbey, as well as smaller craft operations that push the boundaries of style and flavor.
San Diego currently fields around 2.52 breweries per 100,000 residents, maintaining its significant influence in the industry since the founding of Karl Strauss Brewing Company in 1989.
Even as the total number of breweries dipped from over 150 at its peak, San Diego’s history ensures its continual presence on any best beer city list.
The local scene remains diverse, with breweries such as Mujeres Brew House and Chula Vista Brewery representing the talents of underrepresented communities.
New School Beer Cities:
**Austin, Texas**
Despite often being overlooked in beer city rankings, Austin boasts an array of vibrant culture, from live music to delectable Tex-Mex, making it a prime destination for beer aficionados.
With approximately 37 breweries, or 1.57 per 100,000 residents, the city is home to the storied Celis Brewery, crucial to introducing Belgian witbier to American audiences.
Jester King stands out as a purveyor of spontaneous- and mixed-fermentation ales amidst a sprawling property that encourages visitors to relax and enjoy.
Other noteworthy breweries include Live Oak Brewing, St. Elmo Brewing, and a host of others, collectively showcasing Austin’s diverse and evolving beer landscape.
Ruvani de Silva, a beer writer, highlights the significance of Austin’s brewing talent as making it a worthy destination for those seeking exceptional beer experiences.
**Chicago, Illinois**
Chicago ranks highly in brewery numbers, boasting over 60 breweries — approximately 3.44 for every 100,000 residents, combining both quality and quantity.
Iconic names like Goose Island and Half Acre are pivotal in shaping the local beer culture, which continues to thrive with new and established breweries.
Off Color Brewing, Revolution Brewing, and Hopewell Brewing Co. represent the diverse beer styles available in the Windy City.
Chicago also hosts renowned beer bars, including Hopleaf and Map Room, while the Festival of Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer captivates the community each year.
With numerous new initiatives and a vibrant beer culture, Chicago remains an essential stop on any beer lover’s itinerary.
**Minneapolis, Minnesota**
Minneapolis, with over 30 breweries accounting for 1.5 per 100,000 residents, steadily carves a space for itself among top beer cities.
Breweries like Modist Brewing and Surly Brewing have gained national acclaim, further underscoring the city’s prowess in delivering flavorful brews.
The Fair State Brewing Co-op exemplifies innovation through its cooperative ownership model and dual innovation, specializing in quality lagers and THC beverages.
The city enjoys a thriving beer culture, along with proximity to noteworthy breweries in nearby St. Paul and Duluth, making it an overlooked gem for beer enthusiasts.
**Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania**
With over 40 breweries producing approximately 2.3 breweries per 100,000 residents, Pittsburgh stands out as a distinct contender.
Beyond impressive figures, the city is marked by its passionate community that takes pride in the diversity of its beer offerings and the stories behind each brewery.
Mel Larrick, executive director of the Pittsburgh Brewers Guild, speaks to the inclusivity and progressiveness of this scene manifested in events like Barrel & Flow, which celebrates Black-owned breweries and artists.
From long-standing establishments like East End Brewing Company to innovative newcomers like Hitchhiker Brewing and Velum Fermentation, the future looks bright for Pittsburgh’s beer culture.
**Richmond, Virginia**
Richmond features over 30 breweries, amounting to about 2.22 breweries per 100,000 residents, each with its unique niche in a competitive marketplace.
The Veil Brewing Co., renowned for its innovative hazies and barrel-aged stouts, stands alongside classic brews from Triple Crossing and international lagers from Väsen Brewing Company.
Bingo Beer Co. also appeals to a range of beer lovers with its diverse offerings, while The Answer Brewpub garners acclaim for both its craft brews and culinary delights.
The energy in Richmond reflects its creative roots, making it a dynamic hub where beer culture intersects with vibrant arts and culinary scenes.
In conclusion, whether lingering in old school destinations with rich brewing history or discovering the hidden gems of the new school era, these top 10 beer cities in America offer a vast array of experiences for every beer lover.
From the breathtaking mountains of Asheville to the artistic streets of Richmond, the American beer scene thrives in all corners, welcoming enthusiasts with creativity, diversity, and a shared passion for quality brews.
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