10 Top US Microbreweries to Drink Your Way Through

In beer we trust.

Naomi Chadderton

An experienced editor and journalist specialising in news and lifestyle.

The US is home to a vibrant and ever-evolving craft beer scene, with each brewery offering its own take on flavour, tradition and innovation. From cosy taprooms tucked in the heart of bustling cities to rural breweries surrounded by scenic views, these are the places where the magic happens.

Whether you’re drawn to bold, experimental brews or classic styles with a twist, these top breweries offer more than just great beer - they provide a glimpse into the culture, creativity and community that make craft beer so special. That’s why we’ve handpicked the best spots across the country to explore, sip and discover what makes American craft beer so unique…

Cheers!

1Hill Farmstead Brewery, Greensboro, Vermont

This award-winning brewery (at one point it was even crowned the best brewery in the world by Rate Beer) nestled in the scenic rolling hills of Greensboro has earned global recognition for its exceptional and meticulously crafted beers. Here founder Shaun Hill pays homage to his family heritage by naming many of the brews after his ancestors, who once called the land home. For a truly traditional taste consider Edward, an American pale ale honouring Hill's grandfather, which features citrusy hop flavours complemented by delicate malt undertones.

2Side Project Brewing, Maplewood, St Louis

Another Rate Beer favourite (it was named the no. 2 brewery in the world in 2020), Cory and Karen King's Maplewood brewery is acclaimed for its barrel-aged beers, rustic saisons and wild ales. Boasting three Maplewood locations, drinkers can also pay a visit to Side Project Cellar's taproom and tasting room, which is a relaxed spot to sample the brand's extensive lineup of barrel-aged beers and guest taps. Don’t mind if we do.

3Yuengling and Son, Pottsville, Pennsylvania

Regularly named as the best brewer in the game, the original Yuengling brewery is the oldest in the nation, having been established in 1829 by German immigrant David Gottlieb Yuengling. The business has stayed in the family for its nearly 200-year history, with Dick Yuengling serving as the fifth-generation company’s president. Visitors can enjoy free tours of the brewery every day except Sundays, and we highly recommend you follow yours with a tasting.

Exterior Yuengling and Son building, Pottsville, Pennsylvania

4Athletic Brewing, Stratford, Connecticut

While non-alcoholic beers were once dismissed as an afterthought, Athletic Brewing Company has completely revolutionised the market. In fact, it recently passed Heineken and Budweiser as the No. 1 brand by sales in US grocery stores. Founded in 2017, the brewery has quickly gained a loyal following by crafting high-quality beers that rival their alcoholic counterparts including the fan-favourite Upside Dawn Golden Ale, which blends crisp, hoppy notes with a smooth, malt backbone. Whether you’re tee-total nor not, you don’t want to miss out.

aerial view of Athletic Brewing, Stratford, Connecticut

5.Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, Chico, California

Known for its bold and innovative brews, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has become a landmark in California's craft beer scene, and visitors to the brewery can tour its state-of-the-art facilities, where they’ll learn about the brewing process from hop selection to fermentation and even experience the iconic barrel-ageing room. For a truly unique experience, be sure to check out the Beer Garden, which features a stunning outdoor space with a beautiful view of the nearby foothills, perfect for enjoying a pint in the California sun.

exterior of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, Chico, California

6Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn, New York

An essential stop for beer enthusiasts in New York, check out Brooklyn Brewery, founded in 1988 for its creative pours. Here you can tour the brewery to see where classics like Brooklyn Lager are made and enjoy tastings in its vibrant taproom, which often hosts events and live music, while the brewery’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation is reflected in its rotating selection of experimental beers, making each visit unique.

Looking into Brooklyn brewery building at night

7Arkane Aleworks, Largo, Florida

A welcoming spot to sample innovative beers, Arkane Aleworks in Largo combines science and creativity, with many beers named after elements and scientific principles. Their flagship Fission IPA is a local favourite, boasting bold hop flavours, while the brewery’s taproom, often filled with experimental and seasonal releases, provides a perfect setting to discover new brews. A must-visit for craft beer lovers in the Sunshine State.

8Masthead Brewing Company, Cleveland, Ohio

Masthead Brewing Company has become a beloved fixture in Cleveland’s craft beer scene since opening its doors in 2015. Located in a former warehouse, its spacious, industrial-style taproom is a top meeting point for guests to enjoy a wide variety of beers, from hop-forward IPAs to smooth stouts. Known for its more out-there brews, Masthead frequently pushes the boundaries of flavour, with rotating seasonal and small-batch options while, if you need something to soak up the booze, be sure to sample its local food trucks.

people sat at the bar Masthead Brewing Company, Cleveland, Ohio

9Oxbow Brewing Company, Newcastle, Maine

Tucked away in the charming town of Newcastle, Oxbow Brewing Company is all about farmhouse ales and rustic beers. Much-loved for its European-inspired styles, the brewery embraces traditional methods, locally sourced ingredients and wild yeast to create unique pours, all of which can be enjoyed with views of Maine’s natural beauty. Can you think of anything better?

exterior view of Oxbow Brewing Company, Newcastle, Maine

10Ghost Town Brewing, Oakland, California

Founded by a group of passionate homebrewers, Ghost Town Brewing in the heart of Oakland has won numerous accolades, including multiple medals at the Great American Beer Festival. Known for its hop-forward IPAs and experimental brews like the Ghost Town IPA and Pigeon Pale Ale, it’s easy to see why this is one of California’s most popular breweries.