DRAFT Magazine

We’ve scoured the country from Alaska to Hawaii and Portland, Maine to Portland, Ore., to find the bars where you’re guaranteed to sip unmatched suds. Romantic or boisterous, scuzzy or dressed to the nines, the flavor of the places where fine brew is served runs the gamut. Here, the 150 places where craft is king and fun comes in all fashions.

Today: Oregon.

Bailey’s Tap Room
Portland, Oregon
Located within walking distance from Portland’s waterfront and best hotels, Bailey’s is a sleek watering hole that pours out the region’s best and often most obscure (like Walkabout’s Jabberwocky) beers on tap and on cask. Keeping it local, the cheeses and truffles are West Coast delights and pair oh-so-well with the beer born from the same terroir.
213 SW Broadway

Belmont Station
Portland, Oregon
This funky standalone building triples as a biercafé, beer bar, and bottle shop. Though it only has 15 taps, the beer shop’s stocked with a staggering 1,000-plus bottles, all stored properly (read: temperature controlled and away from light) and ready for purchase. For those who like the sweeter side of brew, it also boasts the largest selection of ciders and meads in the city. Pick up a fresh deli corned beef on rye and a brew to match for an idyllic afternoon chill session.
4500 SE Stark St.

Concordia Alehouse
Portland, Oregon
From the outside, Concordia’s boxy and a little, well, green, but it’s still the sort of place you wish you had in your ’hood. It’s a clean, quiet joint with a kick-ass beer selection on 22 taps comprised of rare Northwest favorites and some hard-to-find foreign selections. The steaks are cooked to perfection, and there’s not a skimpy dish in sight. Despite all the goodness, you won’t be dealing with lines or beer snobs; just good people who like good brew.
3276 NE Killingsworth St.

Green Dragon
Portland, Oregon
Last year, Rogue Ales purchased the legendary Green Dragon, and blogs were abuzz with rumors of “massive changes” planned for the place. Yes, there have been changes, but it remains a damn good beer bar. There are 30 more beers on tap for a total of 49, and it still hosts meet the brewer nights and other beer-centric events on a regular schedule. Even more, there’s fresh live music and quality food, all in a brick- and beer paraphernalia-walled space with a supercool vibe.
928 SE 9th St.

Henry’s 12th Street Tavern
Portland, Oregon
This Pearl District bar’s 18,000 square feet quickly fill up with a button-down and loafer crowd after work; it’s not your typical “beer geek” crew, but anyone who knows their way from sour ale to imperial stout will quickly feel at home among the 100 taps offering local favorites, seasonal releases and more. Set your beer on the bar’s chill strip and dig into a filet mignon.
10 NW 12th Ave.

Horse Brass Pub
Portland, Oregon
This iconic bar has been at the epicenter of one of America’s beeriest cities for more than a quarter century, and it still quietly sets itself apart. Unabashedly English, the food ranges from fish and chips to steak and kidney pie, while the beer’s an unparalleled selection of more than 50 taps highlighting local favorites and the best of craft here and abroad. There’s also hand-pumped cask ale, of course; three rotating selections round out the beer menu for an authentic British experience.
4534 NE Belmont St.

We’ve scoured the country from Alaska to Hawaii and Portland, Maine to Portland, Ore., to find the bars where you’re guaranteed to sip unmatched suds. Romantic or boisterous, scuzzy or dressed to the nines, the flavor of the places where fine brew is served runs the gamut. Here, the 150 places where craft is king and fun comes in all fashions.

Today: Oklahoma.

James E. McNellie’s Public House
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Modeled after the public houses of Dublin, McNellie’s offers neighborhood friendliness alongside a world-class selection of beer and scotch. Browse the more than 300-strong beer menu to discover your next favorite U.K. brew (Thwaites Lancaster Bomber, anyone?) as well as beer from any number of former English colonies, and beyond. Come on Wednesday nights for $3 Burger Night, and stick around to see live music upstairs. This may not be the land of Joyce, but there’s no shortage of inspiration inside these walls.
409 E. 1st St.

Tapwerks Ale House & CAFE
Oklahoma City
More than 100 bottles and 212 taps give Tapwerks the largest selection of beer in the state of Oklahoma (as well as cred for its name). With this many labels, it’s really impossible to disappoint. Erdinger Kristall Klar, Westmalle Dubbel, and Left Hand Sawtooth Ale are just a few of the varied draft choices, while the bottle selection pretty much rounds off any of the loose ends. Check out live music from up-and-coming OKC bands upstairs, or just hang out and play trivia at the bar (tip: don’t miss out on the Guitar Hero tournies).
121 E. Sheridan Ave.

We’ve scoured the country from Alaska to Hawaii and Portland, Maine to Portland, Ore., to find the bars where you’re guaranteed to sip unmatched suds. Romantic or boisterous, scuzzy or dressed to the nines, the flavor of the places where fine brew is served runs the gamut. Here, the 150 places where craft is king and fun comes in all fashions.

Today: Ohio.

Buckeye Beer Engine
Lakewood, Ohio
Created as a springboard for owner/brewer Garin Wright’s Buckeye Brewing Co., The Beer Engine has since honed its beer list to include a slew of uncommon crafts. Aficionados will park themselves close to the 27 taps, where brews from Heavy Seas, Klokke, and Boulder Beer pour alongside a regular cask that often drips Jolly Pumpkin. Another 200 bottles range from American classics to European oddities. Naturally, Buckeye makes an appearance, too, both on tap and at regular beer dinners.
15315 Madison Ave.

The Comet
Cincinnati
Sometimes you want to quietly ponder the complexities of your Trappist ales; other times, you simply want to down your IPA in the presence of a great band and a monster burrito. The Comet’s a good spot for the latter, with 200 American and European microbrews, local and national acts most nights, and a Mexican menu touting bean, chicken, beef and tofu burritos, and a salsa of the month. The local art display and vintage black-and-white photo booth make The Comet truly otherworldly.
4579 Hamilton Ave.

McNulty’s Bier Markt
Cleveland
Bier Markt officially transgressed from tavern to compound when it opened Speakeasy, a Prohibition-themed cocktail bar, in its basement last year (the building also houses the wine-and-pizza spot Bar Cento). On the main floor, you’ll still find the original pub’s killer collection of nearly 100 Belgian bottles, and 18 wise taps that permanently include Gulden Draak, Ommegang Rare Vos, Brooklyn IPA, and $1 PBRs. Bartenders will employ a three-step Perfect Pour system for whatever you choose.
1948 W. 25th St.

Nicholson’s Tavern and Pub
Cincinnati
Owner W.N. Sanders’ extensive research throughout the U.K. resulted in this elegant Scottish public house, a 7,500-square-foot ode to the Highlands. Nicholson’s boasts an 80-foot mahogany bar, two patios, and a cozy fireplace room; what anchors the pub, however, is the largest selection of single-malt Scotch in the region and Sanders’ hand-selected tap list. Twenty-five brews pour the likes of Belhaven and Brewdog, and a cask rotates regularly.
625 Walnut St.

Winking Lizard Tavern
Bedford, Ohio
This reptile-themed beer bar has spawned 13 other Ohio locations, but the original Lizard in Bedford remains our favorite. Sure, the pub’s got a packed menu of American bar faves and a host of taps and bottles, but the main draw is the annual World Tour of Beers, a trek for the palate of 150 far-reaching taps and bottles (think Moretti La Rosa from Italy and St. Ambrose Oatmeal Stout from Canada). Patrons who reach 100 brews sipped score the coveted World Tour jacket and an invite to the end-of-tour party in January.
25380 Miles Rd.

We’ve scoured the country from Alaska to Hawaii and Portland, Maine to Portland, Ore., to find the bars where you’re guaranteed to sip unmatched suds. Romantic or boisterous, scuzzy or dressed to the nines, the flavor of the places where fine brew is served runs the gamut. Here, the 150 places where craft is king and fun comes in all fashions.

Today: North Carolina.

Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria
Asheville, North Carolina
Four locations are sprinkled throughout the Carolinas and Tennessee, but if we had to choose one, it would be in Asheville, arguably the Portland, Ore. of the East Coast. While Barley’s offers labels from notable craft breweries, it excels at representing North Carolina’s best: Catawba Valley, Big Boss, French Broad, and Pisgah, to name a few. Venture up to the second floor of this renovated 1920s appliance store, where you’ll find pool tables and another 19 taps to wet your whistle.
42 Biltmore Ave.

Busy Bee Café
Raleigh, North Carolina
Fantôme Pissenlit, Dogfish Head Burton Baton, and Terrapin Midnight Project are just a few of the treats to be had at this Raleigh bar, and while the selection isn’t vast, every beer is worth a try. Aside from the high-end suds (available at both its main and upstairs bar), Busy Bee has solidified itself as a go-to Raleigh hot spot with live music, delicious food (here’s help: order the Braised Dorper Lamb Shank), and a menu of gourmet coffee drinks for designated drivers.
225 S. Wilmington St.

The Raleigh Times Bar
Raleigh, North Carolina
Located inside the historic building that once housed the now-defunct Raleigh Times newspaper, this Belgian-inspired nightlife hub is where the growing hordes of local beer enthusiasts come to try out the best beer from the Old World, and the menu never disappoints. Rarities — at least in U.S. bars — like Monchshof Schwarzbier and Sinebroychoff Baltic Porter are just the tip of the iceberg. Well over 100 brews, most of which center around traditional Belgian styles, make this the vanguard of Raleigh’s craft beer movement.
14 E. Hargett St.

Tyler’s Taproom & Restaurant
Carrboro, North Carolina
With three locations in Durham, Carrboro, and Apex (and soon, downtown Raleigh), Tyler’s is the old reliable drinking establishment in the Research Triangle. Part bar, restaurant, bottle shop, music venue, and speakeasy, Tyler’s covers just about every entertaining need, and even though beer shares the spotlight, there’s no slacking on quality. On its well-devised tap selection, expect to see the latest offerings from local brewers like Foothills Gruffmeister Maibock, as well as a few must-haves from nationwide breweries. Special tappings like the recent double dry-hopped Stone Old Guardian barleywine and beer dinners push this locale into true beer-bar greatness.
102 E. Main St.

Village Draft House
Raleigh, North Carolina
Resist the urge to belt out “99 Bottles of Beer” while you choose among the 99 taps on the wall (apparently, the staff reserves the right to slap you if you sing it). This relatively unassuming bar is perfect for delving into the craft brews coming out of North Carolina — with offerings from Big Boss, Highland, Cottonwood, Carolina Beer, and Carolina Brewing, the menu reads as a primer to the local craft scene. While sipping from the plethora of local craft, patrons can cheer on their alma mater’s basketball team, attempt to outsmart each other in trivia or just feast from the massive food menu.
428 Daniels St.

We’ve scoured the country from Alaska to Hawaii and Portland, Maine to Portland, Ore., to find the bars where you’re guaranteed to sip unmatched suds. Romantic or boisterous, scuzzy or dressed to the nines, the flavor of the places where fine brew is served runs the gamut. Here, the 150 places where craft is king and fun comes in all fashions.

Today: New York (state)

Clark’s Ale House
Syracuse, New York
Come to Clark’s for beer, yes, but also one of the most divine roast beef sandwiches your tongue will ever wrestle with. It might pair with some brews better than others, but any one you select on this dedicated-to-craft list will make this a meal to remember. A cask rotates local hits, while the rest of the 21 taps contain solid selections like Brooklyn Brown and Middle Ages Syracuse Pale Ale. It’s simple, unpretentious awesomeness.
122 W. Jefferson St.

Lazy Boy Saloon
White Plains, New York
Featuring beers from more countries (33) than states (14), the Lazy Boy Saloon (LZB to the locals) goes well beyond the borders of White Plains to cull its brew list. Enjoy a bucket of “Westchester County’s BEST Chicken Wings” and a beer from Smuttynose or Captain Lawrence while listening to live jazz. Plan your trip for a Thursday, when the bar greets you with a fresh cask.
154 Mamaroneck Ave.

Mahar’s Public House
Albany, New York
Mahar’s doesn’t mess around with its beer drinking. Bartenders and regulars enforce its many rules — nay, laws — and they “invite you to go elsewhere” if you can’t abide by them. Departing, however would be a mistake. One of the best places in the country for cask ale also features an immense, 500-label-strong selection of taps and bottles. Sit down, shut up, and enjoy the ride.
1110 Madison Ave.

We’ve scoured the country from Alaska to Hawaii and Portland, Maine to Portland, Ore., to find the bars where you’re guaranteed to sip unmatched suds. Romantic or boisterous, scuzzy or dressed to the nines, the flavor of the places where fine brew is served runs the gamut. Here, the 150 places where craft is king and fun comes in all fashions.

Today: New York (the outer boroughs).

Barcade
Brooklyn, New York
This Williamsburg hot spot may only have 25 craft beers on tap, but we’ll trade quantity for quality any day of the week. Plus, the walls are ringed with old-school arcade games costing just a quarter. (None of this $1.50-to-play-Ms. Pacman junk.) And good gosh is the clientele attractive.
388 Union Ave.

Beer Table
Brooklyn, New York
This tiny New York venue — seriously, it’s barely bigger than a table — might not have the largest selection in the neighborhood, but proprietors Justin and Tricia Phillips more than make up for any lack of depth with a wonderfully curated list of drafts and bottles from faraway breweries like Florida’s Cigar City and England’s J.W. Lee’s. Don’t miss their famous (and affordable) three-course dinners every Tuesday night for a true imbibing and culinary experience.
427 B 7th Ave.

The Diamond
Brooklyn, New York
This Brooklyn gem features sessionable beers such as Southern Tier Harvest and Sly Fox Pils. Additionally, it has a wide selection of options that will knock you on your ass. From Val Dieu Brune (8 percent ABV) to De Dolle Oerbier Reserva (13 percent ABV), you’ll be stumbling down the streets of New York’s best borough in no time at all.
43 Franklin St.

Spuyten Duyvil
Brooklyn, New York
This local hangout could probably fit its entire beer list on one sheet of paper, but that doesn’t mean it’s not impressive: Cigar City Espresso Maduro, Brooklyn Manhattan Project, Lion Stout all the way from Sri Lanka. Nothing wrong with short and sweet. This funky spot’s hoppin’ most nights of the week, and don’t be surprised to catch the occasional A-lister with a baseball cap pulled low (read: “Just trying to chill here, guys”) hunched over a few awesome brews.
359 Metropolitan Ave.

Studio Square
Long Island City, New York
This isn’t your average biergarten. Queens, New York’s latest take on the traditional German drinking venue offers your typical brats and kolbase, but also a sizable sushi menu come this spring. Likewise, you’ll find loads of German beers among the 60 tap lines, but Dogfish Head, Captain Lawrence and other regional favorites find their way into steins as well. If you’re feeling exceptionally adventurous, go for the homemade sangria.
35-33 36 St.

We’ve scoured the country from Alaska to Hawaii and Portland, Maine to Portland, Ore., to find the bars where you’re guaranteed to sip unmatched suds. Romantic or boisterous, scuzzy or dressed to the nines, the flavor of the places where fine brew is served runs the gamut. Here, the 150 places where craft is king and fun comes in all fashions.

Today: New York (Manhattan).

Against the Grain
New York City
Perhaps the most romantic beer bar on our list, this literal hole in the wall comfortably seats about 15 people in its 350-square-foot space. It’s a beautiful bar, gently lit with exposed brick walls; an impressive spot if you’re wooing. The beer selection’s not crazy but solid, the likes of Racer 5 on one of its six taps, and about 60 other crafts ranging from Schlenkerla Rauchbier to Mad River Double IPA rounding out the list.
620 E. 6th Street, 212.358.7065

Anotheroom
New York City
Part of the Manhattan mini-chain of “room” bars — The Room and The Otheroom share an owner with this TriBeCa hotspot — Anotheroom trades volume for elegance, both in décor and its excellent beer list. If you want a cocktail, look somewhere else as the bar doesn’t offer any, but those seeking a palate-cheering beer and a pitch-perfect atmosphere won’t be disappointed.
249 W. Broadway

Blind Tiger Ale House
New York City
One of Gotham’s first beer bars remains one of its best. With a bottle list exceeding 50 options, another 28 taps and a couple casks thrown in for good measure, if you can’t find a drink that appeals to you, you’re just not trying. Watch for several Allagash taps and Stoudt’s Scarlet Lady out of a firkin, and drool over the bar’s list of vintage brews hid away in the cellar. The place gets packed after work, so plan accordingly.
281 Bleecker St.

d.b.a.
New York City
This is the perfect place to bring your old man if he only drinks Scotch. With 90 different varieties, he’s sure to find at least one that’s palatable. Meanwhile, you can enjoy a bevy of the 250 beers d.b.a. offers. Who knows? Maybe you can even convert pops to a craft beer aficionado. Drink good stuff indeed.
41 1st Ave.

McSorley’s Old Ale House
New York City
“I was sitting in McSorley’s. Outside it was New York and beautifully snowing,” wrote E.E. Cummings in 1925. This bar’s “Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt drank here” old; for more than 150 years it’s served up its signature McSorley’s ale. Creak across the sawdust floors and breathe in a century’s worth of memorabilia, then settle in for a pint of ale that comes in only two styles: light or dark. This bar’s simply a national treasure.
15 E. 7th St.

Rattle ‘N’ Hum
New York City
As the only bar on this list above 14th Street in Manhattan, Rattle ‘N’ Hum has the dubious distinction of being the best beer bar for the roughly 1.5 million people living in the general vicinity. While sometimes it seems as though every single one of these Manhattanites packs the place, during down times the Midtown location — boasting 40 taps and four casks — can compete with any venue in the city.
14 E. 33rd St.

Village Pourhouse
New York City
Remember when beer was just fun? When the well-retained, frothy head on a beer was just annoying, the flavor had no notes, and no one was jotting anything down about it anyway? The Village Pourhouse does. Sure, the original location boasts 100 beers from more than 20 countries, creative flights, and beer classes for those who want to actually learn something. But for those who don’t, there’s midday chugging contests, tons of TVs, party rooms, games, and a fun crowd accidentally drinking awesome beer.
64 3rd Ave.

We’ve scoured the country from Alaska to Hawaii and Portland, Maine to Portland, Ore., to find the bars where you’re guaranteed to sip unmatched suds. Romantic or boisterous, scuzzy or dressed to the nines, the flavor of the places where fine brew is served runs the gamut. Here, the 150 places where craft is king and fun comes in all fashions.

Today: New Jersey.

Andy’s Corner Bar
Bogota, New Jersey
As a state, New Jersey gets a bad rap, but get off the Turnpike and you’ll find some true winners. Case in point: Andy’s. One of the least pretentious places in the Garden State features new kegs every day, 100-plus bottles of quality craft, and a vibe that will make you reconsider any preconceptions.
257 Queen Anne Rd.