Draft Magazine's Top 100 Beer Bars in USA

Always has a great selection, and the staff couldn't be nicer. Does a wonderful job of featuring the local L.A. beer scene while also getting a lot of tougher-to-find beers (for the L.A. area, anyway) on tap too. I consider myself very lucky to be just 2 miles away.

 

Whoops, you're right. I feel better (and stupid).

 

I've been to 6 of the bars on the list. Seeing as how the best beer bar in Asheville is Thirsty Monk and it doesn't touch any of the 6 I've been to, I'm not surprised. Nothing against Thirsty Monk, they do just fine. But it's not in the same class as the 5-star establishments listed. That being said, I'm happy to have just moved into town!

 

Once again, not trying to be the devil's advocate, but Wicked Weed is a brewpub and I don't think they qualify for the list. Also, as far as Asheville not being about quantity, there are like more than ten breweries within a 10-mile radius but I was surprised to not see more actual beer bars when I first came here. Oh well, this place is definitely growing and who knows? Maybe, within a few years some more beer bars will open and one of them will make the list!

 

I guess it's a matter of opinion. As you said in a previous post, they have all quality beers but the list isn't the biggest so there's not as much variety as in places like say, Avenue Pub in New Orleans, Novare Res in Portland and of course Churchkey in DC. I just think of how blown away I was when visiting those places and how not blown away I was at Thirsty Monk. But it's like rgordon said, it doesn't really matter anyway does it?

 

I'm not in any manner trying to put down or cast a negative light on Imperial or Bazi....in fact, if I wanted to go somewhere to have a quality meal and a good Belgian then Bazi would be at the top of my PDX list, but to say they are 'better' beer bars than The Beer Mongers or Apex...not so sure about that.

Seems like Draft might have been looking for a few 'sneaky' choices, which I can somewhat appreciate, but not when Imperial's service has often times been on par with Apex's and Bazi (as mentioned) continues to add rather questionable tap selections for a Belgian-style bar (Dogfish Head 90 minute..huh?).

 

Surly Goat...don't know how I've never been yet

 

Great list… I've been to several of the CA joints including Hamilton's, which is awesome. Glad to see a couple MN joints on the list. Happy Gnome is a no-brainer, but they missed Butcher and the Boar and McKenzie's… and I actually think they chose the wrong Republic. The original location is better IMHO.

 

Wooooo Az got a Nod

 

Very true, and the huge array of options at the top US bars will always be a tough metric for even very ambitious bar owners to measure towards. For me, the atmosphere, literally the vibe, means more to me than a huge selection ever could- and, of course, good beer- not every beer!- is a must. Cheers.

 

And Churchkey continues to be insanely overrated. People are sheep.

 

Tapwerks, really?! I would much rather spend my time at McNellie's (Tulsa or OKC) or Republic (OKC) than have to go deal with the college age douchebags that infest Tapwerks on a nightly basis. Plus, either of the McNellie's and Republic both have better food and have staffs that actually know what they are talking about when it comes to beer.

 

I can't believe Captain Seaweeds was left off the list!

 

How does El Bait Shop compare to Red's Ale House? I am originally from Iowa. When I do visit it is to Carroll to visit the in-laws, Albia to see my family or Iowa City to visit friends still in the area and go to Kinnick to see a game. When visiting Iowa City I make sure I go to Red's, The Sanctuary and John's.

 

Ebenezers and Great Lost Bear both listed !!! Yay
No Flying Saucer listed anywhere.. kind of bogus I say

 

I remember (kind of ) I got Duchess de Bourgogne and Espresso Oak Aged Yeti in the same night...many more than one.

 

The Midwest list is waaaaaaaaay off...

 

I was visiting the IBM research triangle for work and hit up Busy Bee for dinner. Was able to go nuts with local brews; Foothills, Duck Rabbit, & Mother Earth. What I like was that they have a few TV's (Tarheels\Wolfpac basketball on) but it still retains its identity as a craft bar first. I'd certainly recommend it to others.