In alpha order because I could pick my favorite but that would make the others feel bad.
The Brickskeller – Washington, DC
-I know it isn’t open anymore but I won’t let keep it off my list. My first visit (and last time, I guess) here I drank my way through all of St. Peter’s offerings.
Brouwers Café – Seattle, WA
- Possibly the best beer bar in the world. I had my first true Belgian style meal complete with mussels, frites and gueze here.
Delilah’s – Chicago, IL
- Among other things (great pizza down the block, Twin Peaks on their TV’s, different music styles playing nearly every night) it is great punk bar with some of the best people watching in the world!
Ebenezer’s Pub – Lovell, M
-Tucked in the middle of nowhere is this gem that has been voted best beer destination in the world more than once!
Falling Rock – Denver, CO
-If you can’t decide which Denver brewery to visit first then spend an evening here, get your fill and take some notes. You will get your brewery bearings for sure.
Fred’s Rivertown Pub – Snohomish, WA
-A small town fish-n-chips place with a great beer and scotch list.
The Map Room – Chicago, IL
-There can be no better place in the world than one where you can drink giant cappuccinos out of dimpled mugs in the morning, not change seats and be drinking a beer out of the same mug by noon!
Monk’s House of Ale Repute – Sioux Falls, SD
-For many years South Dakota was a beer wasteland. However, I am glad to report that the beer scene is getting better (after I moved, of course) so on your next visit to South Dakota’s largest city be sure to stop at Monk’s. They have a great tap and bottle selection and every once in awhile they get keg from Surly!
The Royal Mile – Des Moines, IA
-Hidden away on historic 4th Street in Des Moines you will find a little hole in the wall that begs you to come in – be sure you do. In addition to football on the telly this little English pub has a dozen or so taps that include a handful of nitro taps and several beer engines. If beer isn’t your thing then be sure to check out their whiskey and scotch list.
Stumbling Monk – Seattle, WA
-A hole in the wall with no more than a dozen taps. A mile or so from the Space Needle this may be welcome respite from or primer for all the crowds.