Americans’ passion for craft beer runs deep. With nearly 10,000 craft breweries across the country — plus countless beer bars and brewpubs — the beer landscape has become one of the most diverse and creative anywhere in the world. From small‑batch classics to boundary‑pushing experimental brews, the variety available today can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming.
To help celebrate the standouts, we set out to highlight the best of the beer scene by asking beer experts to nominate their top picks across each of eight categories. Then, our readers voted to determine the winners — and here’s who came out on top.
Click on each category below to see the full winners list:
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Best Beer Bar: O’Brien’s Pub in San Diego, California
O’Brien’s Pub is a can’t-miss destination in San Diego – Photo courtesy of Tyson Blake
O’Brien’s Pub is one of San Diego’s oldest craft beer bars, as it was established in 1994, and one of the most respected, with 28 craft beers on tap. This pub specializes in Belgian beers, IPAs, and global rarities to ensure each beer enthusiast gets a unique pour, whether it’s their first O’Brien’s pint or their 100th.
Full list of winners: Best Beer Bar »
Best Beer City: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan, wins Best Beer City for sixth consecutive year – Photo courtesy of IDEOLOGY Productions for Experience GR
Michigan’s second-largest city sports the state’s strongest beer scene, thanks largely to the presence of the world-renowned Founders Brewing Co. There are several other brewing operations around town, like Belgian-inspired Vivant Brewery & Spirits.
Grand Rapids’ official “Beer City Ale Trail” includes a list of more than 80 breweries, and the local calendar is constantly filled with beer festivals, events, and promotions. Throw in exceptional beer stores like Siciliano’s Market, and it’s easy to see why Grand Rapids proudly stakes its claim as “Beer City USA.”
Full list of winners: Best Beer City »
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Best Beer Festival: Suwanee Beer Fest in Suwanee, Georgia
What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than at Suwanee Beer Fest? – Photo courtesy of Suwanee Beer Fest
This St. Patrick’s Day party in Georgia doubles as one of the state’s biggest and best craft beer festivals. Suwanee Beer Fest at Town Center Park features more than 400 craft beers from across the U.S., unlimited tastings, live music, games, food trucks, and a home brew contest.
Full list of winners: Best Beer Festival »
Best Beer Garden: Watermark Brewing Company in Stevensville, Michigan
Take in the scenery alongside great beer at Watermark Brewing Company – Photo courtesy of Watermark Brewing Co.
Nestled in the heart of Stevensville, Michigan, Watermark Brewing Co. has been a community cornerstone since its founding in 2016. The sprawling beer garden boasts lush greenery, comfortable seating, firepits, and open-air views perfect for gatherings of all sizes.
Inside, the modern yet welcoming taproom serves as the hub for an ever-evolving lineup of meticulously crafted beers. Focused on fostering local connections, Watermark Brewing Co. partners with area food trucks and encourages guests to bring their own bites to enjoy alongside their beverages.
Full list of winners: Best Beer Garden »
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Best Beer Label: Scars are Beautiful – Lua Brewing
Scars are Beautiful from Lua Brewing is a meaningful tribute to resilience – Photo courtesy of Lua Brewing
Scars are Beautiful is inspired by brewer and cancer previvor Jess Klembara. An abstract line drawing of a female form rendered from neck to thigh in watercolor-like washes of burgundy, teal, and purple anchors the label.
Multiple typefaces emphasize contrast, pairing bold, direct lettering with softer script to echo the message of resilience and self-acceptance. Inside is a West Coast IPA ale whose expressive character complements the label’s emphasis on vulnerability, strength, and contrast.
Full list of winners: Best Beer Label »
Best Brewery Tour: Tröegs Independent Brewing in Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tröegs Independent Brewing wins Best Brewery Tour for sixth year in a row – Photo courtesy of Tröegs Independent Brewing
Visitors to Hershey, Pennsylvania, can enjoy a one-hour guided production tour of Tröegs Independent Brewing. The experience includes a behind-the-scenes look at the mill room, hop cooler, brewhouse deck, fermentation cellars, and packaging lines. A welcome beer kicks off the exploration and three more samples are included.
Full list of winners: Best Brewery Tour »
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Best Brewpub: Lua Brewing in Des Moines, Iowa
Kick back and relax at Lua Brewing – Photo courtesy of Lua Brewing
A microbrewery and restaurant, Lua Brewing is known for its innovative craft beers and a diverse menu, from smashburgers and fried pickles to house-harvested caviar and tofu bites. Guests can chill out at the taproom or on the dog-friendly patio.
Full list of winners: Best Brewpub »
Best New Brewery: Hearth Brewing in Harrison, Ohio
Stop in for a warming experience at Hearth Brewing – Photo courtesy of Hearth Brewing Team
Just east of the Indiana-Ohio border, Hearth Brewing has been serving up stone-fired pizzas, fresh craft beer, and a cozy atmosphere since 2024. On a cold day, brews like the Punked Ale pumpkin ale and spiced Autumn Ale are perfect for chasing away the cold, with savory dishes like grilled cheese and buffalo chicken sandwiches appearing on the menu as well.
Full list of winners: Best New Brewery »
Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in more Readers’ Choice Awards.
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