Discover the 10 Best Cities in America for Craft Beer

1. Fort Collins, Colorado

The city of Fort Collins, Colorado is one of the best-known craft beer cities in America. In fact, Fort Collins is known as the beer capital of Colorado, which has a pretty substantial craft beer culture. The first local brewery opened in Fort Collins in 1989, known by the name of CooperSmith’s (which you can still visit today). Odell Brewing opened only a few weeks later.

One of the best-known breweries in Fort Collins is New Belgium. New Belgium Brewing is an awesome hub for drinking and socializing. Did you know they host an annual bike parade called the Tour de Fat? It ends with an awesome party at the indoor/outdoor brewery right in Fort Collins!

2. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Another one of the best craft beer cities in America is located in the Midwest. That city is Grand Rapids, Michigan! While lots of Michigan towns have local brews, Grand Rapids takes the cake as the most established craft beer city in the state. There are 40 craft breweries in the city. Some of the most well-known stops are The Mitten, Brewery Vivant, and Jolly Pumpkin.

Each brewery in Grand Rapids has its own flare, so you can expect a fantastic sampling of brews as you tour the city. There are lots of cool Grand Rapids beer tours, allowing you to taste the most brews in the shortest amount of time!

3. Portland, Oregon

Heading back West we’ll hit Portland, Oregon, which is one of the most established craft beer cities in America. Portland’s beer scene is also historic, dating back to the 80s. In fact, Portland has a beer-themed nickname: Beervana! This city is located in brilliant proximity to an incredible agricultural scene, and Willamette Valley hops are some of the best. If you’re visiting Oregon to check out wineries, make sure to stroll through some breweries, too.

Some of the best-known breweries in the city include Wayfinder Brewing, Upright Brewing, Steeplejack Brewing, and Little Beast Brewing. However, there are over 70 breweries in the city, so it’s hard to just pick a few! While you can expect a mix of flavors, Portland is known for a sturdy, hoppy IPA.

4. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Heading back to the Midwest, we hit another prominent craft beer city in America: Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minneapolis prides itself on having an innovative and creative beer scene, making for some of the most fun breweries in America. The city has loads of award-winning breweries, including Indeed Brewing Company, Fulton Beer, Modist Brewing Co., and Town Hall Brewery. You can expect a diverse spread of tastes when you’re visiting Minneapolis.

5. Asheville, North Carolina

Another beautiful home of craft beer in America is Asheville, North Carolina. Asheville has a big reputation for producing some of the best craft beer in the country. However, the city had a late start, with its first brewery not coming into town until 1994 — nearly 10 years after some of the other cities on this list. However, Asheville wasted no time catching up and is now home to more than 50 spots to sample local brews.

Some of the best-known breweries in Asheville include Highland Brewing Company, Wedge Brewing Company, Twin Leaf Brewing, and Hi Wire Brewing. Additionally, New Belgium, the Fort Collins, Colorado brewery, has a location in Asheville!

6. Indianapolis, Indiana

We’re heading back to the Midwest to celebrate another fantastic American craft beer city: Indianapolis! Indianapolis, Indiana is home to lots of great beer stops, some of which are nationally celebrated. The first brewery in Indiana was actually founded in 1834, though the craft beer scene didn’t pick up in the city until later. In 1989, Indiana as a state started to create more brews and the craft beer scene burst to life.

7. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We’re staying in the Midwest to celebrate another important craft beer city in America: Milwaukee, Wisconsin! Milwaukee has over 70 breweries and even more brewing companies, making it a great spot to sample loads of delicious brews. Milwaukee’s beer scene started in the mid-1800s and has stayed consistently vibrant! The famous Miller beer was born in Milwaukee, which is part of what has kept Milwaukee on the craft beer map.

8. Chicago, Illinois

The big city of Chicago, Illinois also makes the results for the top craft beer cities in America. In fact, Chicago is home to the most craft breweries of any city in the country, with a whopping total of 202. Denver, Colorado takes the second-place spot, with just under 200 breweries. Chicago is known for great IPAs and stouts. The Daisy Cutter Pale Ale from Half Acre Brewing Company is one of the best-known IPAs in the country!

9. Atlanta, Georgia

Let’s leave the Midwest for a moment and visit the big southern city of Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta has one of the most vibrant craft beer scenes in all of America. There are more than 50 breweries in Atlanta, Georgia, and the scene is ever-growing. Georgia’s beer history dates back to the 1700s, and the state was a leader in craft beer in America for a hundred years from 1830 to the mid-1900s.

13. San Diego, California

Of course, California has to make the list of craft breweries in America. The state of California contains the most breweries of any state, with almost 1,000 breweries! San Diego is one of the top spots for brews in California, boasting over 150 independent craft beer breweries. With beautiful weather and a lot of selection, it’s no surprise that San Diego is an awesome place to pick up a beer.

The first commercial brewery in San Diego opened at the end of the 1800s. Since then, the beer scene has grown. Now, San Diego is known for producing West Coast-style IPAs, which have an even more hoppy finish than a standard IPA. You can expect some pine flavors in a West Coast IPA, as well.