10 Great Places to Get a Craft Beer

(Article from USA TODAY Travel Section - 6/20/11)

Brewpubs are the frontline soldiers in the craft beer revolution," says writer Andy Crouch . The author of Great American Craft Beer (Running Press, $22.95) shares 10 great spots where on-site brewers are concocting new ways to satisfy thirst with Larry Bleiberg  for USA TODAY.

Portsmouth Brewery
Portsmouth, N.H. 

This neighborhood pub is celebrating its 20th anniversary, making it an elder statesman in the brewpub revolution. The welcoming atmosphere is a good introduction to this historic seaside town, Crouch says. "They make a wide range of very nice beer." He suggests Black Cat Stout, a dry, dark beer similar to Guinness. 603-431-1115;portsmouthbrewery.com

Brewer’s Art
Baltimore 

This two-level bar has a split personality. Upstairs you'll find upscale, creative cuisine. Downstairs is a cellar bar with a unique range of Belgian-style beers. Crouch likes Resurrection, an abbey-style ale with malt flavor balanced with sweet spicy notes. "It's a little bit higher in alcohol, so it's a slow sipper," Crouch says. 410-547-9310;belgianbeer.com


Church Brew Works
Pittsburgh 

You can visit church — and have a great beer — at this unique brewery, once home to a Catholic parish. "The front of the church is now where the brewing kettles are located, and they do have an angelic charm," Crouch says. He suggests a glass of Pious Monk Dunkel, a German-style lager, with a dark color, and a clean taste. "It's very drinkable and a fun name." 412-688-8200;churchbrew.com

American Flatbread
Burlington Vt. 

Part a healthy-ingredient pizza parlor chain, this location offers a variety of brews from British to German to American style. (The pub's closed for renovation until late June.) Try Summer Gruit Ale, made with herbs and spices instead of hops. "It's strongly herbal and maybe a little minty." 802-861-2999;americanflatbread.com

Pizza Port
Carlsbad, Calif. 

The brewers at this small San Diego-area chain have won recognition in the craft-beer world. "They produce some of the hoppiest and experimental brews in the country," Crouch says. He suggests trying Wipeout IPA, which he calls a quintessential West Coast India Pale Ale. "It's going to be big and bold, lots of strong citrus flavors and aromas," he says. 760-720-7007;pizzaport.com

Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery
San Francisco 

This brewer is located in the heart of the Haight-Ashbury district, where people have been altering their consciousness for decades. "It's not a very big place, but it has a ton of character and it really reflects the history of that neighborhood," Crouch says. He suggests the Cole Porter, which has surprising similarities to coffee. "It's going to have a roasted aroma and flavor," he says. "It's very drinkable." 415- 864-7468;magnoliapub.com

Hopworks Urban Brewery
Portland, Ore. 

Hopworks, one of the newest additions to Portland's busy brewpub scene, stands out because it uses organic hops and malts. Its Hub Lager, a Czech-style pilsner, won a silver medal in the World Beer Cup before the brewery even opened in 2008. "It has a lighter color (and is) lighter on the palate, but with a nice residual bitterness," Crouch says. "A very approachable beer." 503-232-4677;hopworksbeer.com

Town Hall Brewery
Minneapolis 

This downtown pub near the University of Minnesota has sidewalk seating, plus a selection of flavorful beers, Crouch says. He practically gets poetic about Masala Mama, an India Pale Ale. "Beer geeks absolutely adore this beer because it is packed with tons of grapefruit and pine and citrus notes," he says. "It's a really soulful beer." 612-339-8696;townhallbrewery.com

Revolution Brewing Co.
Chicago 

You'll find great food — don't skip the bacon-fat popcorn appetizer — at this Logan Square pub. The beer is worth a trip too. Crouch likes Bottom Up Wit, a Belgian-style wheat beer, which bears a superficial resemblance to Coors' Blue Moon. "If you like that beer, it's time to take a step up," Crouch says. "It's made with coriander and orange peel and the flavor is incredibly refreshing. It's perfect for the summer." 773-227-2739;revbrew.com

Great Dane Pub
Madison, Wisc. 

The massive building, just steps from the state capital, has an outdoor beer garden, a pool hall, and other nooks and crannies for settling down with a beer. Crouch suggests the Stone of Scone Scotch Ale, which has caramel and malt flavors. "It's going to be a little sweeter. It's sort of like Bass for people who like beers that aren't as hoppy or roasted," he says. 608-284-0000;greatdanepub.com