The Best American Cities for Craft Beer Lovers

From Maine to Colorado and several states in between, the US is filled with breweries and beer-centric cities for hop heads to explore. From the home of PBR to a city that didn’t abandon its prohibition laws until 1969, these US beer cities are drenched in rich history and unique origin stories that appeal to history buffs and beer lovers alike. So if you’re ready to tap into something new this season, why not plan a trip to the best American cities for craft beer lovers? There’s a cold glass with your name on it.

Asheville, North Carolina

Despite nicknames like “Beer City” and “Craft Beer Capital of the World,” Asheville, North Carolina’s history with beer is relatively recent. The groundwork for the city's beer-centric reputation began in 1994 when Chinese-Jamaican immigrant, Oscar Wong opened Highland Brewing Company. In those early days, the brewery lived in the basement of a popular pizza joint downtown. According to a post on exploreasheville.com, the company’s quick turn from hobby brewery to successful Asheville business is why Oscar Wong is widely accepted as the “Godfather of Beer City USA.”

Today, Highland Brewery is still running strong in Asheville as an immigrant-founded and woman-led company. Though it has long since moved out of the basement and into bigger and better buildings. Of course, several other craft breweries have hopped on board since then. According to the city's official website, Asheville has over 20 breweries pouring over 200 types of local craft beers every day. Places including Wicked Weed Brewing, Burial Beer, Wedge Brewing Co., Diatribe Brewing Co., Hi-Wire Brewing, and Green Man Brewery are a few of the most popular breweries among locals and tourists.

In addition to the breweries themselves, Asheville also hosts a handful of beer festivals including the annual Beer Week and the Heavy Mountain Music and Beer Fest. Several local breweries also participate in festivals and competitions outside of the city. In past years, Wicked Weed Brewing took home gold from the Great American Beer Festival. Meanwhile, the Asheville Brewing Company won awards for their beer, Ninja Porter–which has been a long-time favorite among Asheville locals. 

Portland, Maine

Home to an abundance of historic brewpubs and niche microbreweries, Portland, Maine has come a long way since 1851, when it became the first state to pass a prohibition law in the US. Today, Portland is a hub for hops and barley fans of all kinds and has earned itself the nickname, “Beervana.” The city’s first brewery, D.L. Geary Brewing Company, opened its doors in 1983 after company owner David Geary was inspired by a trip to Scotland. Present day, that brewery is still thriving as a staple on the Maine Beer Trail. 

Shipyard Brewing Company which opened a few years later in 1992 is another example of Portland’s early beer scene success. Today, Shipyard brews roughly 20 original beers including the well-loved Export Ale. The 90s-era brewery is “the 14th-largest craft brewing company in the United States.” Those looking to try as many Portland brews as possible will want to venture out onto Industrial Way–a city street featuring several of Portland's best breweries all within 100 feet of each other. This street includes spots like Allagash Brewing Company, Definitive Brewing Company, Foundation Brewing Company, Austin Street Brewery, and Battery Steele Brewing. Planning a trip around the annual Wavy Days Festival is also a great way to sip on a wide variety of the city’s best, award-winning beers. 

Chicago, Illinois

In a city famous for deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches, it’s no surprise that the craft beer scene in Chicago, Illinois is alive and thriving. With nearly 200 breweries and counting, Chicago is home to more breweries than any other city in the US. With so much variety, finding a cold one in The Windy City is never hard. Chicago boasts everything from IPAs and pale ales to pilsners and French biere de garde style beers. And the city’s history with beer dates back to the 1800s.

According to an article from Serious Eats, German immigrants William Haas and Konrad Sulzer founded the first impactful brewery in Chicago around 1835 with little help from the city's mayor. Later, that brewery would undergo personal changes but ultimately was responsible for producing a range of tasty brews including the widely popular Lill’s Cream Ale. Then, in 1988, the popular Goose Island brewery got its start in Chicago. Today, Goose Island is a well-known brand available in several countries around the world. Beer lovers will find a wide range of craft and small-batch beers only available in the city. Even the well-known Guinness brand offers beers that you can only get at Open Gate Brewery in Chicago.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Home to America’s oldest operating brewery in the US, Philadelphia and beer drinking go way back. In fact, some of the most frequented taverns in Philadelphia date back to colonial times. Prior to the nationwide prohibition laws, The City of Brotherly Love had a thriving beer scene with more than 60 active breweries. And, some of these old brewery buildings are still standing in the city today. However, most have been turned into condos or apartment buildings.

Despite the hardships of prohibition, Philly’s beer culture survived and the city's relationship with beer culture has only grown stronger throughout the years. Today, visitors can discover over 100 local breweries, including popular spots like Conshohocken Brewing Company and Other Half Brewing Philly, which can be found along the Craft Beer Trail of Greater Philadelphia. Those planning on visiting Philadelphia for a cold one may want to plan their trip around one of the several beer festivals hosted here. Events including Philly Beer Week, Beer Fest Philly, and  23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest are all worth checking out.  

Seattle Washington

The state of Washington is the number one producer of hops in the country. So it makes sense that Seattle, one of the state’s most popular cities, is a haven for craft breweries and beer production. Home to over 70 breweries in the city and far more in the immediate surrounding area, finding a brewery to tour or a place to stop for sips is always easy in Seattle.

The Emerald City’s history with beer dates back to 1854 with the launch of the Washington Brewery. In the two decades that followed, The Seattle Brewery and The Rainier Brewing Company would also call Seattle home. But the “explosion” of craft brewing in this area didn’t really kick off until the mid-1980s. Breweries of the time focused on ales generiously hopped and bold in flavor, known as “Northwest”-style ales. Today, IPAs still reign supreme throughout the city. Those looking to taste some of those locally grown hops can head to local hotspots such as Elysian Capitol Hill Brewery or Urban Family Brewing Co.

Fort Collins, Colorado

When you think of big beer cities in Colorado, Denver likely comes to mind. Although the beer scene is large and thriving there, it is Fort Collins, Colorado, that is widely considered the beer capital of the state. Many speculate that access to pristine Rocky Mountain water gives the beers brewed in Fort Collins a special, distinct taste that sets them apart from the competition.

Despite the present-day beer culture, Fort Collins was actually one of the last US cities to still have alcohol prohibition laws in play. It wasn’t until 1969, long after prohibition had been repealed nationally, that Colorado’s beer capital was free to sell beer in the city. Today, there are nearly 30 craft breweries in Fort Collins and plenty more just outside of city limits. Visitors will find everything from the hugely successful Anheuser-Busch to the award-winning New Belgium Brewing Company, Inc., and smaller local spots like Funkwerks. It’s places like these that have helped Fort Collins earn the nickname, "The Napa Valley of beer."

There are several factors that contribute to the city’s ale culture, but free public transit may be one of the best offerings Fort Collins has. Additionally, the city hosts regular festivals and events that highlight local brews such as the Fort Collins Peach Festival and the Colorado Brewers' Festival.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has a long history of brewing, with a handful of popular brands getting their start in the Badger State. As early as the 1840s, Breweries such as Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company, Pabst Brewing Company, and Miller Brewing Company are some of the most notable examples. From these breweries iconic beverages including PBR, Old Milwaukee, Miller Highlife, and Schlitz were born.

Today, Milwaukee is home to roughly 30 breweries and counting. A series of city-wide and brewery-specific tours are available for visitors hoping to get a peak behind the beer curtains. Those who are simply interested in tasting a locally brewed beverage can check out any number of local favorites including Milwaukee Brewing Company, Lakefront Brewery, or Third Space Brewing, just to name a few. Festivals such as Milwaukee Brewfest and Pours for the Park are just a few of the several beer-inspired festivals that happen each year. 

Wrapping Up

Beer has long been an important symbol in America. With roots from all around the globe, travelers can taste a wide range of ale throughout these beer cities. Whether you prefer a hopped-up IPA, a German-inspired brew, or a beer that is allegedly infused with the taste of the Rocky Mountains, these cities have you covered. While traveling in these areas of the states, you can expect to find historic breweries, beer bikes, city tours, and plenty of tasting rooms where you can sip (responsibly) to your heart's content.