Best Brewpub (2016)

While honoring its hometown’s nickname, Titletown opened in 1996 in the old Chicago & Northwestern railroad depot, which dates back to 1898. Visitors choose between sampling fresh beers in the atmospheric tap room or up on the “roof tap,” which, despite the elements, is open year-round. A variety of vintage spaces and cellars are available for private events. This being Wisconsin, the kitchen churns out calorific offerings such as fried local cheese curds and a platter of authentic Wisconsin sausages billed as "brats, brats, and more brats."
Photo courtesy of Titletown Brewing Company

Billed as the world’s first LEED-certified commercial microbrewery, Grand Rapids’ Brewery Vivant resides in a refurbished historic funeral home. The atmospheric pub, which from certain angles resembles a Belgian monastery, provides an ideal locale for enjoying goblets of Belgian and French inspired beers. (Plenty of strong ales are always on hand to help combat Michigan’s chilly temps.) From pickles and charcuterie to beer cheese, everything on the inviting pub menu is house-made.
Photo courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids

In 1991, The Schlafly Tap Room became the first brewery to open in St. Louis since Prohibition. Today, area beer lovers pack the historic building to enjoy a fresh beer or three, especially during lively beer and food festivals. Each year, the facility brews around 70 styles beers, roughly 16 of which are served on tap at any given time. The lengthy menu runs the gamut from familiar favorites to smoked local trout dip and kolsch-steamed mussels.
Photo courtesy of The Schlafly Tap Room

In one of America’s sudsiest cities, Urban Chestnut stands out for its pair of outlets: a brewery and brewpub in the Grove neighborhood, and a brewery and biergarten in Midtown. Both locations serve up Teutonic treats - from warm pretzels and currywurst to crispy pork knuckle sandwiches - that pair perfectly with the fresh beers on offer. The brewery divides its output into the “revolution series” (artisanal, modern styles) and “reverence series” (classic, European-inspired brews).
Photo courtesy of Urban Chestnut Brewing Company

Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca Beer Co. has solidified its standing as one of New York State’s most beloved breweries thanks to its innovative, flavorful beers. Not to be outdone, the taproom delights visitors with its family-friendly vibe and farm-to-table culinary approach. The menu proudly lists the contributions of a plethora of local purveyors. Popular offerings include a “vegan brew” burger (made with mushroom, tempeh, and brewer’s grain) and New York cheddar soup made with the brewery’s “Green Trail” pale ale.
Photo courtesy of Ithaca Beer Company

In California’s Inland Empire, TAPS (which has two other California locations) offers plenty of seating options across its two indoor private dining rooms and lakeside patio. Fresh steaks and seafood are hand-cut daily, and the kitchen oversees a lengthy menu that has something for everyone. Around 30 traditional, food-friendly brews are available. The company also distributes its beers to several restaurants and bars throughout Southern California. Regulars make a point to reserve a space for special beer dinners.
Photo courtesy of TAPS Fish House and Brewery

In a city with no shortage of solid pizza-and-beer spots, Piece stands apart thanks to its commitment to quality. Around seven house-brewed beers are on tap at any given time; popular options include "Dysfunctionale" American pale ale and "Take Back the Streets" double pale ale. Standing in sharp contrast to Chicago’s signature deep-dish variety, Piece serves up thin New Haven-style pies. The large Wicker Park space is filled with wood beams and skylights, and weekly offerings such as pie-and-growler deals and live band karaoke keep regulars coming back for more.
Photo courtesy of Piece Brewery and Pizzeria

Chicago’s bustling Logan Square is the site of Revolutions Brewing’s brewpub, where a varied mix of beer lovers come from far and wide to congregate on benches made from salvaged wood. What was once a dark warehouse now hosts a pair of hardwood bars that are patrolled by knowledgeable staffers. The lengthy menu is filled with handcrafted items; charcuterie is made in-house, and a pig sourced from a local farm is butchered every week.
Photo courtesy of Revolution Brewing

A Grand Rapids icon that doubles as one of Michigan’s most popular breweries, Founders’ delights local beerhounds on multiple levels. The casual taproom overlooks the brewhouse, and the draft selection always includes some options that are only available on-site. Housed in a former trucking depot, the space resembles a German beer hall, right down to the patio and beer garden. Visitors stay satiated with a deli menu of handcrafted sandwiches. Live music and open mic nights keep things lively.
Photo courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids

3 Floyds’ brewpub attracts craft beer lovers to its home in the northwestern Indiana town of Munster. A pair of chefs introduce a new menu each season, and many dishes are made with the brewery’s beers and ingredients from local farms. Typical offerings include bacon and porter caramel popcorn, cheese curds in togarashi tempura and Asian shrimp pizza with lemon leaf glaze. In addition to 3 Floyds’ flagship brews, a variety of seasonal and exclusive beers are poured.
Photo courtesy of Bernt Rostad / Flickr