Top Ten - Brewdex

1. The Drowned Lands Brewery

Warwick, NY

Within the historic walls of a former post-Prohibition facility in Warwick, New York, The Drowned Lands Brewery is a destination for those who appreciate a deep connection between the land and the glass. They are renowned for their expressive, terroir-driven beers, which often highlight locally sourced ingredients and unique fermentation techniques that reflect the geography of the surrounding Hudson Valley. Amazing sour beers here, and they also make ciders.

2. Hidden River Brewing Company

Douglassville, PA

Along the banks of the Schuylkill River, Hidden River Brewing Company sits inside Brinton Lodge, a quirky and haunted 300-year-old mansion. The beer is smooth, and the location offers indoor seating, including a Library where you can sip IPAs next to full shelves of books. They occasionally have live music and offer Ghost Tours in the Fall months. Truly a hidden gem outside the Philadelphia suburbs.

3. Ocean Lab Brewing

Carolina, Puerto Rico

With its slogan "Born on the Beach," the Ocean Lab Brewing Co is most famous for its beachfront location within the Vivo Beach Club in Isla Verde. They offer fresh house-brewed beer, panoramic ocean views, and live entertainment. Known for its diverse and creative selection of suds, Ocean Lab produces a variety of styles, all crafted to suit the tropical climate. You cannot beat the views here, and it's a welcome sight when visiting in the Winter months.

4. Flying Dog Brewery

Fredrick, MD

Founded in 1990 by George Stranahan and Richard McIntyre, Flying Dog Brewery is famous for its rebellious spirit, bold flavors, and iconic label art by Ralph Steadman. Originally based in Colorado, the brewery moved to Frederick, Maryland, in 2006, where it became a cornerstone of the mid-Atlantic craft scene. Known for its commitment to free speech and "disobedient" beers like Raging Bitch and Snake Dog IPA. I had the pleasure of getting a production tour for the Maryland facility while I worked at Tröegs, but they've since opened a taphouse at Baltimore's BWI Airport.

5. Cushwa Brewing Company

Williamsport, MD

Earning a reputation for its commitment to high-quality, small-batch craft beer, Cushwa Brewing Company is always a good time. They share a space with Rad Pies Pizza Shop, which pairs with crisp, refreshing lager knwon as "The People's Champagne." Whether you are visiting their taproom to enjoy a flight or seeking out their latest can release, Cushwa continues to be a driving force in the Maryland craft beer scene, blending approachable charm with professional-grade brewing expertise. Also very easy to visit if driving I-81 between PA and WV.

6. Southern Grist Brewing Company

East Nashville, TN

Southern Grist Brewing Company has earned a following for its highly creative, experimental approach to craft beer. They are best known for pushing boundaries with innovative styles, including their popular fruited sours, decadent pastry stouts, and unique flavor-infused IPAs. By rotating their taps and frequently collaborating with other breweries, Southern Grist has become a must-visit for those seeking bold, unconventional flavors. We stopped here on our large Texas trip and along with Living Waters Brewing, makes this a place I want to soon return.

7. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Milton, DE

Home for the comapny's "off-centered" brewing and distilling operations, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery's welcomes guests with a "steampunk" treehouse and outdoor fermenters. The tasting room offers over 40 beer taps, including exclusive selections crafted on their R&D brewing system—as well as a gift shop and guided production tours. Beyond its role as a production powerhouse, the Milton brewery acts as a community gathering space, hosting various events such as "Yappy Hours," run clubs, and local celebrations like the annual "302 Day". The tasting room and its "Intergalactic Deck" are also dog-friendly, welcoming well-behaved, leashed pups to join their owners while they enjoy a pint.

8. St. Boniface Craft Brewing Co

Ephrata, PA

Located in PA's Amish Country, St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company, is deeply rooted in the concept of Paidea—the idea of education and the cultivation of character—also one of their flagship beers. As one of the smaller locations on this list, do not miss 3LB IPA or Libation Double IPA at the taproom or at the beer distributor. By maintaining a focus on quality and community engagement, St. Boniface has established itself as a welcoming hub where enthusiasts can appreciate the intersection of traditional brewing and intentional, artisanal creation.

9. DSSOLVR

Asheville, NC

In the heart of Asheville's beer culture, DSSOLVR stands out with a punk rock flair. Known for being one of the more creatively adventurous breweries in the Southeast, they have a niche for hop-forward IPAs and crisp lagers to imaginative fruited sours and barrel-aged projects. Beyond their technical prowess in the brewhouse, DSSOLVR is celebrated for a distinct, vibrant visual identity that carries over into their community-focused taproom experience. Also a good Social Media follow, for songs about Crab Rangoon, events like Shrektoberfest, or their annual "Four Feet to Hell" hot dog eating contest.

10. Able Baker Brewing Company

Las Vegas, NV

In the heart of Vegas' growing Arts District, Able Baker Brewing is a cornerstone of the city's craft beer scene. Named after the "Able" and "Baker" atomic tests conducted in the nearby Nevada desert, the brewery is celebrated for its commitment to technical brewing excellence and a diverse tap list that caters to all palates. Their expansive, industrial taproom serves as a vibrant community hub, and it appears to be a local favorite. Flights come with rubber ducks as a fun touch, and they have a wide variety of beers on tap to try. By combining a unique historical narrative with a forward-thinking approach to recipe development, Able Baker has solidified its reputation as a must-visit destination not too far off the Vegas strip.

Last Update: June 27th, 2026

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