The Quest for the Holy Grain
Best Beer Bars

| Baltimore | Maryland | Pennsylvania | Washington, DC | Rocky Mountain Region | Alaska | Austria |Slovak Republic | New Orleans | North Carolina | Georgia

| Galveston | Annapolis | California | New York | West Virginia | South Carolina |Northern Virginia | London/U.K. | Delaware | Deutschland | Switzerland | France | New Mexico

What makes a great beer bar? It is not necessarily the number of taps, although it's
enjoyable to walk into an establishment and see a long array of these long-necked sentinels patiently waiting to serve you. It's more that beer must be a priority. The taps should be well cared for, and the beer should always be fresh. The proprietor should have a definite philosophy that the beer is important, and a plan about what drafts are being offered. It's nice to always see several local breweries represented. Some of the draft beers should change on a rotating basis. A good bottle selection is also a plus...one that takes the beer drinker along different paths; not simply a rehashing of the draft selections. Ask questions of the bartender...is he or she knowledgeable?
See what other customers are drinking. Their choices and attitudes will often reveal what type of place you're in. To summarize, consider:

  • Tap selection
  • Local beers
  • Bottles
  • Staff awareness
  • Beer freshness
  • Clientele
  • Overall philosophy

 

 

We are aware that there are more great beer bars than those listed here. It is the Questors' policy to visit each one before posting it on the site. If you know of others, please email at walter@beerquest1k.com

Download this Notesheet for evaluating a Beer Bar, Brew Pub or Retailer.

 

Georgia

 

Taco Mac
Various locations in metro Atlanta , Georgia and Chattanooga , Tennessee

Taco Mac is a cross between a decent beer bar and a McDonalds. Founded by two guys from Buffalo who know something about chicken wings, it's a family-friendly place with a big enough beer selection to keep at least the casual drinker happy. There's a bunch of Taco Macs - 26 in the metro Atlanta area and one in Chattanooga (sadly, there are none in Savannah ). I've dined and drank in several, including most recently the Woodstock Taco Mac in the northern Atlanta suburbs. Here you'll find plenty of trucker dads, soccer moms, and nine-year olds. The food is typical chain family stuff, and, yes, the wings are tasty. Beers change frequently; Woodstock Mac had 50 on tap and 437 in the bottle when I was there. That's about what you'd find in a decent beer store, but don't go there looking for, say, Lagunitas' latest Zappa release. Even so, with several hundred beers at each location (and a slightly different list at each) you'll enjoy filling your Passport Club card while the family downs affordable burgers and fries. And wings of course.

 

 

Maryland

 

Royal Mile Pub
2407 Price Avenue Wheaton, MD 20902 301.946.4511

Just off the main drag of Georgia Avenue in Wheaton, MD, lies the Royal Mile Pub. Friendly and unpretentious, Royal Mile offers 10 taps and about 60 bottles of beer. Although they offer delicious and interesting Scottish food and other pub fare, they are very serious about the beer here. The selection is well-chosen to reflect the best in German, British, and Scottish beers, and American microbrews as well. The staff was friendly and helpful, and, very importantly, the beers were served in their correct glasses. Royal Mile is also a haven for lovers of single malt scotch, but that would be a topic for another website.

 

 

North Carolina

 

Flying Saucer Draft Emporium
328 W Morgan St
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 821-7468

If you're going to be anywhere near Raleigh, NC, say Savannah or Baltimore, you have got to stop at the Flying Saucer. With beer, brats, and beer goddesses it scores the beer bar hat trick.
First, the beer. There is a large blackboard that heralds the new arrivals on draught, but that is just the tip of the iceberg that has about 75 quality taps and a like number of different bottles. That includes a large selection of Belgian style ales and lambics as well as the usual array of beer styles. You can choose from six beer samples, including one with NC beers only, or you can build your own sampler of any five 5 oz. drafts for $10.
Brewfusions are a specialty. Local beers include Carolina, Foothills, Highlands, Cottonwood, Duck Rabbit, French Broad and Triangle.The brats are great. Try brat nachos; stay away from the brat with mayo. You'll find really good bar food here. You'll also find beer and cheese pairings.
Beer and brats are served by beer goddesses. Their scoop necked bare midriff shorts say so. They do not lie. The skirts they wear would be obscene on a nude beach, the white knee high bride's hose complete with ribbons topped by bare thigh up to the goddess' bottom will make you say, “Huh” to the conversation everytime she passes by. Must see beer servers!


 

New Mexico

 

Route 66 Microbrewery
Albuquerque Airport

The Route 66 Microbrewery is, despite its name, a beer bar at the Albuquerque Airport. One must go through security to drink there, but it is a good place for beer geeks to fill in their beer lists as the bar serves ten local craft brews as well as ten of the other usual suspects. Selections from the Tractor Brewing Company seemed popular.

 

France

 

BRASSERIE PUB AU BUREAU 21 PLACE ST LOUIS,
Metz, 57000, France

Advertised as a pizza place, The Bureau is actually a rather nice place to drink just off the busy shopping district in Metz, France. The bar area is dark and richly appointed, with about 15 seats at the bar and other seats for about 20 more. The dining area seats about 40 with benches, booths, and alcoves, and there is more upstairs. But we are here for the beer. They have 13 Belgian and French beers on tap, as well as bout 50 more bottles, sorted by style on the menu. The prices are resaonable for this area.


 

O'Carolan's Harp
19 Avenue Robert Schumann
57000 Metz. France
phone: +(33) 3 87 36 88 44

O'Carolan's Harp is an Irish bar in Metz, France. It is the first bar one comes to enroute to the busy shopping district a block away. The bar is darkly paneled and has small lights, with about 10 tables and a large bar that seats about 20. A larger dining area is in the back. They have nine beers on tap including Guinness and Kilkenny as well as several Belgians and about 30 bottled beers. Beware: The tax is 20%, thus a E3.00 beer costs E3.60.

 

New Orleans

 

Cooter Brown's Tavern
& Oyster Bar
509 S. Carrollton Ave.
New Orleans, LA
phone: 504-866-9104

New Orleans is an alcohol-besotted town with very few good beer places. One of them, however, is Cooter Brown's . The dingy tavern is adorned with caricatures of 1950's to 70's-vintage celebrities. Each caricature is 60% head and holds a beverage in a tiny hand. Tables for 2 are end-to-end across a sizeable beer hall area. The few booths are mirrored, the ceiling is tongue and groove and you'll find a juke box, an ATM, and a pool table. But there are two reasons to come to Cooter's... beer and oysters.There are over 40 drafts and hundreds of beers from almost three dozen countries. A pitcher of Coors light will run you $9 and Lindeman's Framboise Lambic will set you back $32. A dozen oysters will cost you $8.The tavern sets 200 yards from the Mississippi levee and if the levee breaks here NOLA will suffer its biggest beer setback to date.


Switzerland

 

Brasserie FEDERAL
Bahnhofplatz 15 8001 Zürich
Tel. +41 44 217 15 15

Switzerland is unique among the German speaking countries in that the people are not particularly into beer. There is a dominant brewery in each of the geographic regions. Each brewery bottles their beer. Each bar and restaurant in that region has that one brand of beer, and usually only one tap at a time. The restaurant beer list will also have that brand in bottles, usually dunkel or weisse, and maybe a guest beer such as Heineken. The grocery usually has only the local beer. In areas that are near the regional boundaries, some of the bars will have the beer from the other region.
A Mecca for Swiss beer drinkers would be in the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) in Zurich. On the main floor, the Brasserie Federal has 100 Swiss beers on display and on their beer list. But be advised: no service person is assigned to the sit down side of the bar. Service is poor to worse. And if you find the beers too pricy...there's a great beer store directly downstairs!

Slovak Republic

 

Plzenský dvor
Cintorínska 26
Bratislava

Tel.: 02/ 5292 6591

Plzensky Dvor is a beer bar on a side street near the busy shopping area. It is a long, narrow beer hall in the German tradition. The only English words they know are "Pilsner Urquell." Wait a minute! Is that English? Nevertheless, there are several other draft beers on their menu.


 

Austria

 

Tschugamuga
Schladming, Austria


Tschugamuga is a small beer bar near the tourist district of Schladming. It has four tables and six stools at the bar with a dining area in the back. There are four beers on tap, and many bottles, including Guinness and Corona. One of the bottled beers, Murauer Bock, says it's made exclusively for Tschugamuga. It's a cool little place to drink.

 

Plutzer Brau
Schrankgasse 2/Ecke Stiftgasse
1070 Wien

Although Plutzer Brau is in a trendy neighborhood in Vienna, it does not stand out. Hidden at the end of a cul-de-sac, it is hard to find and has seen better days. Although they have nine taps, including one called Plutzer Brau, the beer is all guest; they make none of their own. The food was good but the prices were high.

 

 

Deutschland

 

Bolay's Bierstube
Türkenstr. 17
66111 Saarbrücken
Deutschland
Tel. (0681) 398618

Bolay's is one of the 20 bars in the busy tourist area of Saarbrucken, Germany. Though referred to as a sports bar, it is a small and cozy place to drink. The bar seats about seven and there are about ten tables. They have four different taps, featuring draft beers from the Bruck brewery, as well as bottled Belgians. The proprietors went out of their way to make this Questor comfortable.

 

Solberfass'je Haxenhaus
Grosse Friedberger Strasse 8
60313 Frankfurt am Main

A small cafe in an area of small cafes, Solberfass'je is unique in that it has six taps, all of different styles and from different brewers as well as a selection of bottled beer. The ground floor seats about 25, although there is an upstairs as well as an outside area. The food looked good, but was kind of pricey.

 

Mommseneck Am Potsdamer Platz
Alte Potsdamer Str. 1
Berlin, 10785
Germany
phone: 0049 30 25296635

website

Mommseneck is located in the center of a bustling tourist district. They have abundant seating outside in both the front and the rear, lots of seating in the barroom, a large bar, and an upstairs, too. They have 12 local beers on tap and a beer list with 100 bottles. About 50 of these are German beers, about 25 are European beers, and the rest from elsewhere. The service is what you would expect in a large popular bar, and the prices reflect how far the beer has traveled to get there. It's a nice place to enjoy beer with other tourists.



 

London/U.K.

 

Bavarian Beerhouse
190 City Road
London EC1V 2QH
Phone 0207 60 80 925

The Bavarian Beerhouse is a copy of a German style drinking establishment with about 30 picnic tables set up for eating and drinking. The seven draft beers are all from Munich. When I pointed this out to the waitress, she said every one that worked there was from Munich.

 

The Dove
19 Upper Mall,
Hammersmith, London, W6 9TA

The Dove has the smallest bar in Britain, maybe 4 feet across, with a service bar only slightly bigger, and two small rooms inside. Walk outside to the one-and-a-half patios, and enjoy a wonderful view of the Thames. They have six European beers and 4 Fuller's handpulls.


 

From Foamee's Guide to Oxford:

Gloucester Arms Pub-
old and dark and very comfortable with 60's music. There were two other alcoholics in the place. The main attraction seemed to be: "Tetley Pints L1.70 all day" They also had 6 European beers and 3 handpulls.

The Goose is only a block from the tourist trail, but contains locals watching the telly and smoking. With 35 taps it seems like a real beer bar, until one realizes that they have the 6 European beers repeated a total of 5 times, plus 5 local handpulls.

The guide book says the Kings Arms is a good place to meet "professors and gays", so tourists abound. They have 6 European beers and 5 handpulls in a comfortable setting.


 

Turf Tavern
7 Bath Place
Oxford, OX1 3SU
01865 24 3235

The Turf has been in it's present location since the 1700's, with a "liquids concern" on the site since the 1300's. It lies just outside the walls of Oxford. Down a maze of alleyways, it's worth the trip. (See website)The main bar room is rather small, but they have three levels of sitting rooms as well as three separate patios that are heated when need be. They have 11 different hand pulls on an agressive rotation.

 

Porterhouse Pub
21-22 Maiden Lane
Covent Garden
London WC2 E7NA
Tel: 020 7379 7917
Int'l: 00 44 20 7379 7917

Porterhouse is one of a chain of Irish pubs. This location, in a busy tourist area, is rather new, and large for an Irish pub, but has lots of small rooms and cozy nooks. They have ten of their own beers, all made in Dublin, at the Porterhouse Brewery. They also feature about five guest hand pulls, and an enormous selection of bottled beers.

 

Churchill Arms
119 Kensington Church St., Kensington, London, W8 7LN
020 7727 4242

The Churchill Arms, a bar in the Notting Hill area of London, is a classic bar very popular with the locals. The many frosted windows let it be both light and dark inside due to the dark paneling and many Churchill memorabelia. The full line of Fullers, with duplicates, highlights the 19 taps. There is also a portrait gallery of American presidents, and a butterfly collection. Children welcome in restaurant only.

 

Sun in Splendour
7 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, LONDON, W11 3DF
Tel. 08713322456

Sun in Splendour is a bar deep in the tourist area of Notting Hill. With throngs of tourists, and probably some locals, the bar is crowded. With many windows, it's brightly lit, and sofas, upholstered stools, and other comfy seats crowd the place. The bar is standing room only. The prices on the food menu were quite reasonable, but they don't serve food during what would be happy hour. They offer 13 taps of European beer.

 

Portobello Gold
95/97 Portobello Rd
Notting Hill - London W11 2QB

Portobello Gold is an old and dark place in the high tourist area of Notting Hill. Several couples were on the patio, but the inside was empty, although the classic interior and 60's music were enticing.The bar has two halves, one with sofas and booths, and the other with a harder edge...about 10 stools around the bar and permanent stools situated around the peremiter. They have 9 European beers on tap plus two hand pumps. The food menu prices are very high end.

Annapolis

 

Heroes Pub
3 Riverview Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 573-1996

A beer bar in a firefighters-themed sports bar...can't wait to see this, says I. What a surprise! 48 taps, neighborhood atmosphere, and a friendly staff all made the visit a pleasure. The taps presented indeed a colorful array, and featured many regional micros along with 14 or so imports.

Heroes is a lively place. The interior is spacious, and includes a very long bar and dartboards. Carie, our barmaid, was knowledgeable about the beers, and could not have been more helpful. We consumed 4 drafts, all of which were fresh and well-cared for. Include Heroes in Annapolis on your list of great beer bars with one of the largest draft selections in the state.

 

 

Old Stein Inn
1143 Central Avenue
Edgewater, MD 21037

410-798-6807

How far do you have to go to find a cozy little German bar and restaurant, featuring 10 taps with imported German drafts and authentic German cuisine? That all depends on how far you live from Edgewater, MD. Located roadhouse-style right on Central Avenue in this small

 

maritime suburb, Old Stein Inn is about 15 minutes south of Annapolis. The drafts come in either .3 or .5 liters, and if one of these doesn't suit you, they have about 25 German bottles.The bartenders, in this case, Dathan and Lee, went out of their way to be friendly and informative, as did Mike, the owner. The clientele knows their beer...that's why they come here. There is also a Biergarten for warmer weather.

 

Galway Bay

63 Maryland Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-263-8333

Galway Bay is a great little pub adjoing a fine Irish restaurant. Slightly off the main tourist path, Galway Bay offers about 12 well-cared for taps and as many bottles. The bartenders are friendly and know their craft, especially Hoss and Dave. The crowd seems mostly a mix of professionals,both tourists and locals. They sometimes have acoustic music, but no raw oysters. If you're in Annapolis ask for directions...it's a short and very nice walk from the Main Street corridor, and you get to see the Governor's Mansion and the State House.

 

Baltimore Area

 

Victoria Gastro Pub

8201 Snowden River Parkway
Columbia, MD 21045
410.750.1880

A gastropub is a public house serving food that is a step above your average pub fare. This would be true of Victoria. Of course, we were there for the beer. Victoria offers 24 taps, which seem to be carefully selected and cared for. Additionally, they have about 100 bottled beers. The staff was helpful with suggestions and explanations. The drafts were expensive, but big, and the food that we ordered was very tasty. So if you've never visited a gastro pub, Victoria would be a great one with which to start.

 

Muggsy's Mug House
1236 Light Street in Federal Hill
410-528-9111
Dyoung@muggsysmughouse.com

For those of us still mourning the closing of Sean Bolan's, Muggsy's Mug House has arrived on the beer scene. Occupying the same location in Federal Hill as did Bolan's, Muggsy's offers 18 taps and about 40 bottles for your enjoyment. Danny, the proprietor, promises the arrival of Belgians, firkins, and other sudsy selections, that will attract appreciators of great beer. Muggsy's features a Mugg Club, the parameters of which you can peruse on their website. A stop at Muggsy's is imperative on your next visit to Federal Hill.

 

Judge's Bench
8385 Main St
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 465-3497

If you haven't checked out the Judge's Bench in Old Ellicott City lately, it's time to do so. Mike, the new owner, has a vision of making this a "local pub version of beer drinkers' Nirvina." He is well on his way. The 17 taps are carefully chosen and the beer seems very well cared for. The chef creates some great dishes, and there is live music every night. Judge's Bench is one more reason to visit Ellicott City.

 

Metropolitan Coffeehouse & Wine Bar
902 South Charles Street
(410) 234-0235

Located in Federal Hill, the Metro is a wine bar that takes beer very seriously. With 6 taps downstairs and six taps upstairs (when open), the Metro offers an excellent selection of microbrews, Belgians, and other imports. The taps are well-chosen and seem to be well cared for, and the menu also offers about 50 bottles.
Thursdays are firkin nights, and will draw a crowd of more serious beer drinkers.
The staff was extremely friendly and the crowd is mainly local urbanites. Food creative and reasonably priced. You need to check this one out for yourself.

Bertha's
734 South Broadway
Fells Point, MD 21231
(410) 327-5795

Bertha's is a great bar, pure Baltimore, and classic Fells Point. They have a tap selection of about 10 good ones, and several bottles. They don't bother trying to be a great beer bar as such, but there are always a few good locals and the well-rounded selection is always fresh. Bertha's is world-famous for mussels, and you'll see their bumper stickers all over the country. Great bar food, and an adjoining restaurant that is famous for it's fine food round out the Bertha's experience...oh yes...they have the most awesome urinal in the city.

 

Frisco Grille & Cantina
8865 Stanford Blvd
Columbia, MD 21046
410-312-4907

 

The Frisco Grille & Cantina (nee Frisco Burritos) is Columbia's pre-eminent beer bar. Proprietor Adam Carton added a state-of-the-art 20-tap system, and is the process of welcoming many of the area's beer afficinados, who have been wandering aimlessly since the closing of The Last Chance Saloon years ago. Almost all of the 20 taps rotate, featuring imports and micros with emphasis on locals. If what you thirst for is not on tap, check out the array of 65 available bottles. The food is great, and the staff very friendly and helpful.
Wednesday night is pint night, with free give-aways. Give them a call and inquire about the live music.

 

Grand Cru
527 East Belvedere Avenue
Baltimore 21212
410.464.1944

Grand Cru is not a beer bar; it's a wine bar that's a great beer venue, and therefore merits inclusion here. Just look at their 6 taps, and you will see that they have been thoughtfully chosen. Just sample one, such as a Bitburger Pils or a Belgian, and you will agree that they are meticulously cared for. In the cooler, the Questor will find about a dozen 750-ml bottles of hard-to-find brews, and maybe six 12-oz. bottles of the same. The selection leans toward Belgians.
Proprietor Nelson Carey was very helpful, and the staff was professional and knowledgeable. Grand Cru additionally sponsors beer tastings and brings in firkins.

 

Ale Mary's

1939 Fleet Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21231
(410) 276-2044

Opened in March, 2005, Ale Mary's was a beer bar from its inception. Bill and Tom Rivers(right)and wife Mary, offer Guinness and five well-selected micros on tap, augmented with a generous list of about 35 bottles. The food is excellent. Located on the cusp of Canton and the fringe of Fells Point, a stop at Ale Mary's is a mandate on your next brew-hunting excursion.

 

No Idea Tavern
1649 SOUTH HANOVER STREET, FEDERAL HILL, MD 21230 • 410.685.IDEA (4332)

No Idea is a friendly neighborhood watering hole with 4 taps and about 20 or so bottles. There is pool, shuffleboard, and other games, as well as lots of unbelievable beer specials. Regular drafts come in big 20 oz. glasses. It's fun and you'll want to return.

 

 

Phoenix Emporium
8049 Main Street
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 465-5665

For a nice selection of bottled beers with a modest rotation rate consider the Phoenix Emporium in Historic Ellicott City. The proprietors have also started a "100 Beer Club" whereby a client can earn recognition and prizes by consuming 100 different bottled beers. No time limit.

 

Max's on Broadway
737 South Broadway
Baltimore, MD
888-674-6297

Max's (MOB) is a steady fixture in Historic Fells Point on the corner of Broadway and Lancaster Street. With about 68 different drafts, and hundreds of bottles, Max's claims the largest draft beer selection in Maryland. The taps are generally well-cared for too. The crowd? Young. Want to escape? Walk upstairs to the Mobtown Lounge. A laid-back cigar-friendly atmosphere with numerous taps and bottles.


 

Mahaffey's was voted Baltimore's Best Local Pub in Jan. '05

Mahaffey's Pub

2706 Dillon St
Canton, MD 21224
410-276-9899

Wayne Mahaffey set out to run the best beer bar in Canton, and most patrons would agree that he has succeeded. With 9 taps, a hand engine, and numerous bottles, Wayne not only provides variety, but different and ever-changing variety. He moves unusual kegs through the establishment with astonishing rapidity and regularity. Most of the taps rotate. There is a 100-Beer Club, a Mug Club, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the beer. Food specials draw large crowds on many evenings.

 

 

The Wharf Rat at Fells Point

801 S. Ann Street

The Wharf Rat is a bar with true character, embodied in its nautical memorabilia of Old Baltimore. Serves about a dozen of its excellent Oliver's Beers and has about 6 guest taps. If that's not enough, they can come up with about 30 different bottled beers. Two hand engines. The beer is superior. Good jukebox, decent food, and a men's room you won't forget. Raw oysters the size of Big Macs. The Oliver's beers are brewed at the Wharf Rat's Harborplace Brewpub which ain't a bad place to visit either.
R.I.P. Capt. Frank

 

Many Americans are in need of counseling as to how the leek should be worn on St. David's Day.

The Wharf Rat is a superb bar with excellent ales, but, as the staff told us, "We're a bar...not a restaurant." On a busy night you may want to inquire before you order a snack as to how long the wait might be. This could prevent exasperation on both sides of the bar.

 

South Charles Street

 

Ropewalk Tavern

1209 S. Charles St.
Federal Hill
410-727-1298

 

Ropewalk Tavern has come a long way from the days when it was a one-room saloon. It now boasts numerous rooms, multi-levels, and more bars than I can sit at. Ropewalk offers a chance for customers to earn their Masters of Beer Appreciation, and brass plaques on the wall list those who have taken advantage. If you leave your cigars at home, you can buy some there.

With 17 taps and 155 bottles, Ropewalk is a great beer bar as well as one of Federal Hill's liveliest night spots. The eclectic decor sports pool tables, murals, and statues of sailors, Indians, and republicans. The food is good, and the owners and staff will make you feel at home.

Manager Linda laughs it up with a regular

An eclectic decor

Many of the artifacts are of historic Baltimore significance

 

John Steven, Ltd.

1800 Thames St.
Fells Point
410-327-5561

John Steven Ltd. is so renowned for being a fine bar & restaurant, it may get overlooked for being a great beer bar. Don't make this error! With about 14 taps leaning toward local products, and maybe 25 bottles, John Steven is definitely a great place to go for a beer. And the food is great, too.

 

 

 

Growler's Pub

Fleet St.& Potomac
Canton

410-276-7553

When John Bates left Racers to open his own bar, he brought with him the desire to provide a diverse and delicious variety of beers. He has done so. With 10 well-cared for taps and about 30 bottles, Growler's is a friendly neighborhood pub, that makes it well-worth venturing a few blocks North of Canton's square.

 

Marty behind the bar at Growler's

John the Proprietor

 

Look for the understated storefront...its easy to miss but well worth finding.

Racers Cafe
7732 Harford Rd. Parkville
410-882-5212

Racers may have been Baltimore's first true beer bar. About 15 years ago they made the decision to eliminate all pedestrian bottles and serve good beer at reasonable prices. Taps rotate quickly, selection is diverse, and they have a 3-for-$5 special all the time. Beers are ordered by number. (see chalkboard below) Draft beers are micros and imports and they now have a selection of Belgian ales in bottles. Racers is unpretentious and substantial, like the neighborhood it resides in. The people are friendly. There are barrels of free peanuts and pretzels, and from time to time, Racers hosts a beer tasting or brewfest.

 

 

Duda's is reported to be the oldest bar in Fells Point.

Duda's Tavern

1600 Thames St. Fells Point
(410) 276-9719

A true neighborhood establishment, Duda's is nothing if it's not unpretentious. It's a super beer bar without even trying to be. Duda's has 16 taps featuring several locals, and about 70 bottles, including a number of specialty beers. The emphasis seems to be on their fine food, especially the hamburgers and seafood, but the staff is wise to the beer, too. Free pretzels with mustard...I also like the chalkboard listing draft beers with ABV's.

 

 

The Owl Bar

One East Chase Street
Baltimore Maryland 21202
Phone: (410) 347-0888

The Owl Bar

What do William Howard Taft, Chaing Kai-Shek, Cab Calloway, and Henry Fonda have in common? They've all been to the Owl Bar. You won't see it advertised...you have to know it's in the back of the lobby of the historic Belvedere Hotel. As a speakeasy during prohibition, the two owls over the bar served to warn patrons when it was safe to drink.

The Owl Bar has about 18 taps, leaning toward regional brews, and another 12 or so bottles. It may not be your quintessential beer bar...possibly they would need a few more bottles, and a staff that's really into the beer, but its a darn good bar with plenty of interesting choices.

While leaving, ride up to the 13th floor just to get a gargoyle's-eye view of Baltimore. Still thirsty? The Brewer's Art is just across Charles St.

 

The Dog Bar
20 East Cross St.
Federal Hill

410-727-6077

If you are looking for one of the most fun and friendly beer bars in Baltimore, look no farther than Thirsty Dog. Thirsty Dog has about 12 beers on tap, plus one seasonal. Fresh beer has always been a hallmark of Thirsty Dog, as founded by Steve Osmond, and now they make their own beer in Westminster. There should be a draft here to satisfy the taste of any beer drinker. If not, several bottles are available. The staff is always knowledgeable, helpful, and gregarious; and often very busy. The bar is dog-friendly, the pizza is excellent and diverse, and then there is the Dog Deal...all the drafts are 2-for-$3...all the time.

Delaware

 

Fins Fish House & Raw Bar
243 Rehobeth Ave.
Rehobeth Beach, DE
302-266-FINS

Fins is an outstanding seafood place that happens to have a great beer selection...something that is hard to find on the Eastern Shore. If raw oysters are your thing, Fins has 6 varieties...yes, you can get a sampler. Our bartender Jamie was eager to explain all about Fins' philosophy, as well as about the seafood and the beer. They have 8 drafts, 3 of which rotate, and upon our visit that included Paulaner Hefeweizen and Unibrou Ephemere. They also had about 25 bottles. If you, like us, have long considered the Eastern Shore a beer wasteland, visit the town of Rehobeth.

 

Pennsylvania

 

Beneluxx Tasting Room
33 S 3rd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(267) 318-7269

Beneluxx Tasting Room is an extension of Eulogy Belgian Tavern, which lies only about two blocks east. Beneluxx boasts the most Trappist ales on tap anywhere in the world. Their total taps number about 35, with about 50 brands in bottles. The innovative twist is that the drafts can be purchased by the glass, or by a sample of several ounces, arriving either in a small snifter or Ehrlenmeyer flask. Beneluxx also excels in pairing cheeses and beers. Never has a Two-Hearted IPA tasted so good as it did with a farmhouse cheddar. The staff was more than attentive, and glad to make suggestions or offer explanations. In a town full of Belgians, this has to be one of the best venues in which to taste them.

 

Irish Pole
45 S 3rd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 238-9335

The name did not appear anywhere on the outside. It used to be known as Yeager's and St. Jack's. But it was the sign for 40 taps that drew us in, and Irish Pole was as good as advertised. The 40 drafts ranged from Pabst Blue Ribbon to Blanche de Bruxelles, and Jason, the barkeep, was helpful with the choices. The place seemed authentic and local, from the ancient wood floors to the copper-top bar. Irish Pole features a happy hour 7 days a week, with all drafts $2.00 at the appropriate times. If you're in this neighborhood which is great for bar-hopping, Irish Pole is a necessary stop.

 

Memphis Taproom
2331 E Cumberland St
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 425-4460

Located at the corner of Memphis and Cumberland Streets in a neighborhood referred to as Fishington, the Memphis Taproom is a stellar destination for great beer and fine food. Good word spreads fast. Several hours before our visit, the Chesapeake Chapter of the Society for the Preservation of Beers in the Wood (SPBW) stopped by on their bus tour in search of fine cask ales. They were not disappointed. Memphis offers 11 taps and about 45 bottles, and the choices are diligently thought out. They cover all the bases, including the best of the various brewing styles. Brendan the proprietor and his staff were helpful in explaining beer choices and general philosophy. I shall return.

 

Johnny Brenda's
1201 N. Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19125
215-739-9684

It doesn't look like much from the outside, but Johnny Brenda's has real neighborhood character. From the linoleum floor up to the tin ceiling, Brenda's appears to be a local hangout and popular music venue. And being a partner of Standard Tap in nearby Northern Liberties, it is a great tavern for beer. Brenda's offers 14 taps...all regionals...no bottles. It was a quiet and friendly hangout on a Saturday afternoon, but we were warned that it would be mobbed later. Johnny Brenda's is certainly worth a stop on the Questor's itinerary.

 

Union Jack's Inn on the Manatawny
546 Manatawny Rd
Oley, PA 19512
610-689-0189

Nestled in a quaint Pennsylvania valley a little ways east of Reading,, this hidden treasure boasts about 15 rotating beers on tap and at least 200 bottles to choose from. Enjoy a summer evening on the 3-level patio or a night in the English- style bar. During summer months at Union Jack's, an additional patio bar is open that offers 6 beers on tap that are different from the inside bar. Great beer selection and atmosphere. Only downside is they do not accept credit cards.

 

 

Ugly Oyster
21 South Fifth Street
Reading , PA 19602
(610) 373-6791

In the heart of downtown Reading , Ugly Oyster is a true English Pub. Constructed in England, it was dismantled, transported to Reading and then reassembled. The bar has a Celtic atmosphere and knowledgeable bartenders to help you make your beer selection. With about 10 beers on tap and 100+ bottles the Ugly Oyster is a great place to visit.

 

 

Devil's Den
Corner of 11th & Ellsworth in South Philly
1148 S 11th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 339-0855

Devil's Den sits on 11th street, just below Washington Avenue in South Philly, another cog in the burgeoning beer scene in this area. Everything in the Den looks new and clean, yet the place has a genuine neighborhood aura. The long mahogany bar seats about 20, and there are several dining areas with numerous tables. The 16 taps are brimming with diversity, offering Belgians, Germans, and micros. A thirsty Questor can also choose from about 130 bottles. Erin, the proprietor, explained how she had just tapped her first firkin and was considering making this a regular activity. Although our visit was on a Saturday morning, Devil's Den would be a great place to hang out any evening, and on a return trip we will do just that.

 

 

Capone's
224 W Germantown Pike
Norristown, PA 19401
(610) 279-4748

Located in an extremely beer-friendly region, Capone's is a beer Mecca by any standard. The tavern's long bar offers 16 taps comprised of local microbrews and imports. Clients who are unsure may order a sampler, and if you are enamored of one particular brew, you can fill your growler. The restaurant scores five stars, but that's not the best part for a Questor...adjoining the restaurant is a small beer store stocking over 650 hard-to-find brews; you can carry them out or order them from the bar. Proprietor Matt Capone was accomodating and glad to offer samples from the taps for those unsure of what to order. Any trip to the West Philly suburbs should include a stop at Capone's.

 

The Flying Pig Saloon
121 E. King Street
Malvern, PA 19149
(610) 578-9208

The Flying Pig lies in quaint little Malvern, a few minutes south of Lancaster Pike. It has small town atmosphere with a big beer selection. 23 taps are offered, along with about 250 bottles. This array is augmented with about 15 different bottle-conditioned brews. The bar is horseshoe-shaped and copper-topped and contains about 15 stools. The place also provides about 15-20 tables. Staff were amiable, helpful, and generous, and the place was hopping on a Saturday night. The Flying Pig is a can't-miss attraction in this beer-friendly region.


T. J.'s Restaurant & Drinkery
35 Paoli Plaza, Paoli, PA 19301

...or T. J.'s Everyday as it seems to be affectionately called is a friendly, neighborhood beer bar in a region that knows how to frequent such establishments. Located in a strip center just off of Lancaster Avenue, T. J.'s offers 25 taps of well-selected rotating beers and about 200 bottles. The drafts are clearly presented on a chalk board along with the prices. The staff was friendly and knew their products, and were quick to provide samples. The bar patrons were welcoming to strangers, and were eager to tell of other beer bars in the region. There were many bottles, large and small, that were offered for sale to go. T. J.'s seems to always have something going on, as a trip to their website will illustrate.

The Drafting Room
635 N Pottstown Pike
Exton, PA 19341
(610) 363-0521

The Drafting Room is a beer bar in a run-down srtip mall near Exton, PA, that specializes in local beers. They have about 15 taps of beers from local brewpubs as well as over 100 different bottles on the menu, sorted by style. Everything served is available to go. The pub grub on the menu seemed reasonably priced. The bar itself is quite small and the bar area only has about six tables, but there are several other dining areas.

The Belgian Cafe
21st and Green Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-235-3500

The Belgian Cafe in the Fairmount neighborhood is an offshoot of Monk's, which means there is going to be lots of good beer, slanted heavily to Belgian. Hence the name. Belgian Cafe offers 12 taps and about 250 bottles of micros and imports. Naturally, the selection is diverse, and the barkeep was extremely helpful in aiding with our selections. The bar is dark, and the dining area brighter, being festooned with nudes. Food was good and prices were reasonable.

Race Street Cafe
208 Race Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-627-6181

On the north edge of Old City, in the shadow of the Ben Franklin bridge, can be found Race St. Cafe. It's small, with exposed brick and wood beams, and an L-shaped bar offering 12 well-chosen taps.
Walk those 3 blocks north...it's worth it.


Canal Street Restaurant & Pub 
535 Canal Street
Reading, PA 19602
Phone:  610-376-4009

The Canal Street Pub is situated in an old factory, and combines an unusual atmosphere with great food and beer. The 12-14 taps are well-chosen and well-cared for, combining craft brews, locals, and imports. The styles cover the spectrum. 50-60 bottles are also offered. Our bartender and waitress were friendly and knew their craft.

Canal Street hosts brewfests and live music, and is located on top of Reading's Legacy Brewing Company.
Canal Street Pub is a great place to stop in for a quick one, and an ideal venue for meeting a couple of your best old friends if the situation should arise.


Cobblestone's
205 South George Street
York, Pennsylvania 17403

717-848-FUNN

Cobblestone's is the only beer bar in York...and it's a great place to visit. It's a huge venue in an old Knights of Columbus hall, so there is plenty of space for electronic games, TV's, poker games, a huge bar, and about 63 different draft beers. Needless to say, the selection is diverse, and food and beverage manager Lucas told us that the taps are well-cared for, and that about half of the taps rotate. They have a compact little beer book telling what's on tap, and what beers are coming up . They also fill growlers.
So if you are in the habit of bypassing York on I-83, you may want to re-think your travel plans, and make some time for a stop at Cobblestone's.

The Abbaye
637 N Third St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 627-6711
As the moniker would suggest, The Abbaye is another great place to go in Philly for great beer, especially of the Belgian variety. They offer 10 eclectic drafts consisting of imports and micros, and another 20 bottles or so. The taps rotate constantly. And being in Northern Liberties, there are a number of other beer bars within walking distance.

 

700
700 North 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA
700 has been called a "hip hangout" and a "Northern Liberties nightlife stalwart."We accidently stumbled into 700, and discovered a neighborhood beer bar with bare wood floors, a linoleum bar top, and macaroni & cheese soup almost ready to be served. Woody, our host and barkeep, graciously showed us the 10 well-chosen taps and 2 hand engines. I immediately went for the Paulaner Hefeweizen, turning down a Yards Belgian which I could have scored for the Quest. I could have also picked from the ample selection of about 60 bottles. 700 seemed like a friendly place to get a good beer, and when we return, it won't be by accident.

Grace Tavern
2229 Grays Ferry Ave
Philadelphia , PA 19146
(215) 893-9580

South of Center City and not far from the Schuylkill River , Grace Tavern is a neighborhood establishment that offers good beer. There were 10 taps, and maybe another 30 in the “Bevador.” Leo, our bartender, server, and host was humorous, professional, and able to perform many jobs on a Saturday night with nary a misstep.


South Philadelphia Taproom
1509 Mifflin St .
Philadelphia , Pennsylvania 19145
(215) 271-7787

Located in a residential neighborhood in South Philly, SPTR was a pleasant surprise. They have 10 taps, most of which rotate and about 80 different bottles. The taps are locally flavored. Patrons like Pedro were friendly and anxious to help with the Quest. Tom & English Dave, our bartenders, were friendly, knowledgeable, and generous with the samples. SPTR is off the tourist track yet not that hard to find. Do so.

 

 

McGillin's Old Ale House
1310 Drury St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-735-5562

Large, bustling, and friendly, McGillin's is Philly's oldest bar, having been in operation since 1860. Luminaries, from Tennessee Williams to Robin Williams, have passed through their portals, and for the same reason...to quench their thirst. And this is quite easy to do at McGillin's. They feature 23 taps with many local beers and ales, kept fresh in a state-of-the-art tap system. The place was jumping on a Wednesday night, but Chuck and Kate took the time to explain to this Questor the story of McGillin's. Their hospitality suggests a return trip, and more time spent at McGillin's Old Ale House.

 

The Grey Lodge Pub
6235 Frankford Avenue
Northeast Philadelphia
215-624-2969

"We are not the typical Northeast Philly bar, but then again we aren't the typical anything."

This according to Scoats, (far right) the genius behind The Grey Lodge Pub. Grey Lodge is an unassuming neighborhood establishment that has been declared one of the top 50 beer bars in the U.S. They have 10 taps with a local flavor, which constantly rotate. About 40 different bottles for those who aren't in the mood for a draft. We found the crowd extremely friendly and Scoats and his staff very helpful. When you go, make sure to check out the bathrooms...both of them! The hand-crafted mosaic tilework, illuminating many famous beer quotes, is alone worth the drive to Northeast Philly.

 

 

 

Dawson Street Pub
100 Dawson St. · Philadelpia, PA 19127
(215) 482-5677

Dawson Street Pub is up the hill and across the tracks from Manayunk's artsy Main Street. They offer 10 draft beers, three of which are pumped through hand engines. There is also an extensive, well-chosen selection of about 85 bottles to choose from. It is a very unpretentious neighborhood bar that nevertheless draws beer lovers both local and from afar. Dawson Street features a lounge, patio, pool table, and live music. The next time you are in Manayunk, depart the hubub of Main Street and ask for good directions to the Dawson Street Pub.

 

 

McGrath's Pub
202 Locust St.
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-232-9914

Located near Restaurant Row, McGrath's is much more than an Irish Bar...it is no doubt Harrisburg's best beer bar and a must stop for any Questor in the Keystone State's Capital City. It boasts 20 carefully selected, well-chosen taps. Many rotate, and included hard-to-find Stone IPA and an ale from Middle Ages. They also offer a selection of 80 bottles to a friendly, eclectic crowd. Beer Manager Adam was happy to talk about the trade, and cheerfully proffered samples.

 

Brewhouse Grille
2050 State Rd.
Camp Hill, PA 17011
717-737-0030

If you set out to find this place, be prepared to stop for directions...especially if you use MapQuest. It helps if you know it used to be called "The Iron Kettle."
The Brewhuse Grille is worth the search; it's a beer bar done right. They have 20 taps - a diverse selection that should please everyone. Then there's the 180 or so bottles rounding out an impressive inventory. The barkeep and the customers were extremely friendly, and ready to talk beer as well as consume it. Brewhouse is about 5 minutes off I-83 and a short drive across the lovely Susquehanna from Harrisburg.

 

 

Zeno's Pub

100 W. College Avenue
State College, PA

814-237-4350

Zeno's bills themselves as "State College's Best Pub" and this is no idle boast. With 29 taps, and nigh on to 200 bottles, Zeno's offers a beer selection that is well-planned and well-managed. Drafts include Germans, Belgians, Canadians, micros, and 1 hand engine. The bartender knew his beer. In a college town it must be a temptation to pump out the Miller Lites and Silver Bullets, but Zeno's crowd knows where to go for good beer and a comfortable atmosphere. Regulars can gain fame in the Beer Club, and if you don't feel like sitting, there's darts and pool. Yes, I'm thinking of going back to college. There's so much to learn.

 

Cooper's Seafood House
701 North Washington Ave
Scranton, PA 18509

(570) 346-6883

Cooper's is an upscale seafood restaurant in Scranton with excellent taste in beer. Cooper's offers 36 taps and maybe 175 bottles...our sources say even more. Any of the bottles shown above can be consumed on or off premises. They offer a Passport beer Club, tastings, and other special events. Their website also features a very useful beer guide. So if you're ever in Scranton, or on your way to Syracuse...

 

 

In Philadelphia, indeed, on the East Coast, when beer drinkers are talking of Belgian beers, the name Monk's will always surface. Monk's offers an incredible selection of beers from the world's breweries, with emphasis on the Belgians.

16th & Spruce Streets Philadelphia, PA
215-545-7005

The front bar offers 6 taps, and the back bar another 17 or so. Most are strong, flavorful, and distinct; nothing is run-of-the-mill. The staff are resourceful in aiding the guest in choosing the brew that he or she should enjoy. Try it if you are in town.

 

 

Standard Tap
901 North 2nd St.
Philadelphia 19123

Standard Tap, located in the Northern Liberties neighborhood, has done what I wish more bars had the fortitude to do...serve all local drafts all the time. No imports, no macros, no bottles. It works. ST has about 12 taps which may include products from such regional brewers as Yards, Victory, Flying Fish, Dogfish Head, Stoudt's, Troeg's, and others. The beer is fresh and the staff knows what they are about. The locale is out of the tourist mainstream, but the neighborhood has other neat bars close by. Don't miss it.

Standard Tap in Northern Liberties

 

The Khyber

56 S. Second St, Philadelphia

Probably better known for their live music than their beers, the Khyber nevertheless offers a selection of 12 local microbrews and presents about 30 or so bottles. These selections seem well-thought out, and the drafts well-cared for, making this rock venue a legitimate Beer Bar. Crowd is eclectic, funk-grunge, and seem to know their music as well as their brews.

 

Eulogy Belgian Tavern

136 Chestnut Street
Old City, Philadelphia
(215) 413-1918.

Philadelphia has a few great Belgian pubs, and this is certainly one of them. Located three blocks from the Liberty Bell, and near the waterfront, Eulogy is a beer-lovers mecca, featuring about 18 taps, mostly Belgian. Augmenting this auspicious array are over 200 bottles from all over the world. Chris, our server, was extremely helpful. Upstairs features another more intimate bar and dining area. Ask to see the beer menu...you'll never get through it all.

 

 

 

 

KClinger's Tavern

304 Poplar Street
Hanover, PA 17331
(717) 633-9197


You probably won't just happen to be in Hanover, PA. You have to go out of your way to get there. The best reason to do this would be to visit KClinger's Tavern. With 39 taps and over 600 bottles, KClinger's is one of the premier beer bars in the East. They serve well-cared for micros and imports, with nary a macro or light. The atmosphere is warm and the crowd is friendly...and they know their beer. That's why they are there.

 

 

Washington, D.C. Area

 

Olney Ale House

2000 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney, MD 20832
Phone: 301-774-6708

About 45 minutes from Baltimore, the Olney Ale House used to be a rural roadhouse. Although the suburbs have infringed upon the pastoral setting, a more knowledgeable and affluent spirits crowd may have allowed the Ale House to become Montgomery County's best beer bar. They feature 21 taps, several of which rotate, and maybe 100 different bottles. The selection was diverse with micros, macros, Belgians, & other imports readily being dispensed. Warsteiner is a favorite here. The bartender was affable and knew his trade, and willing to provide samples. It's still a beautiful drive through the country to get there, and the beer makes it all the more worthwhile.

 



D.A.'s Regional Food and Drink
810 7th Street NW
Washington, DC
202-289-2030
D.A.'s RFD

Hundreds of beers (mostly bottles) from scores of countries, right across the street from the Metro, in MCI country. With Washington's largest tap selection, RFD boasts 30 taps up front and 10 more in the back. Plus about 300 different bottles. Go 'round the world without leaving your seat. Selections include lagers, ales, hefeweizens, Belgians, and various other imports and micros. If you're a dedicated beer enthusiast, you may want to ask proprietor Dave Alexander if he has anything special planned, such as tastings or slams. RFD is a super beer bar in an exciting beer neighborhood.

 

Quarry House Tavern

8401 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 587-9406

Quarry House, established just after the repeal of Prohibition, has been called "a German beer garden in a basement." One of the few beer bars in a wide area, QH offers a well-chosen 9 taps and maybe 100 bottles. Look carefully, its hard to find, under an Asian restaurant.

 

Cafe Berlin

322 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
202.543.7656

For good German drafts served in the proper glass, try Cafe Berlin on Capitol Hill. The setting is European, the staff is authentically German, and although the owners think of the establishement as

a restaurant, this is DC's best sidewalk Biergarten. You can sit facing the tanning salon next door and maybe get lucky. They will always have several German imports on tap, such as Bitburger, Kostritzer, and a hefeweizen. The food is excellent and also German. The clientele is upscale, eclectic, and predominantly alternative. Don't miss the asparagus festival in the spring.

Northern Virginia

 

Fire Works Pizza
201 HARRISON STREET SE. LEESBURG, VIRGINIA 20175  703.779.8400

You wouldn't know it from the moniker, but Fire Works Pizza has one great selection of beers. There is table seating inside or out for families, and ample room at the bar for beer drinking. There are 8 taps, including Belgians, Californians, and other craft brews...no macros. There are also about 50 bottles, making for a well-rounded selection. The bartender was very helpful and samples were cheerfully proffered. Come for the pizza and stay for the beer.


Rustico
827 Slaters Lane
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-224-5051

Rustico is a restaurant in a new red brick section of Alexandria with plenty of parking. Although it is darkly paneled, the decor is modern and comfortable. The food is yuppy bar food, not cheap, but large portions. The 30 taps are quite esoteric, with nearly every style represented. Only a few beers were local. There are also about 280 bottled beers, which can be sold to go. Our bartender was passionate about the beer and quite knowledgeable.

Tuscarora Mill
203 Harrison Street,
Leesburg, Virginia 20175
703-771-9300

Tuskie's is a spacious bar that resides in a restored grain mill along with an upscale restaurant in historic Leesburg, VA. Being famous for its beer, Tuskie's draws in a crowd both from Leesburg and neighboring towns. And beer it is all about! Along with the 21 drafts can be found about 40 bottles, and the vast majority of both rotate. The drafts are carefully selected and cared for, and the selection is constantly changing. Dave, the barman, was more than willing to provide samples and answer questions about the beer and events, such as the beer dinners that occur monthly.

 

West Virginia

 

McClafferty's Irish Pub
1301 University Ave.
Morgantown WV 26505
(304) 292-1110

A pretty nice beer bar just across the street from West Va. Brewing Company, McClafferty's boasts 15 taps, which is pretty darn good for West Virginia. Barkeep and customers were friendly. Locals spoke highly of it.

 

 

Black Bear

132 Pleasant St.
Morgantown,WV 26505

304-296-8696

A very good beer selection for West Virginia; six drafts and a wide variety of bottles. It's a fun place and a friendly place, and if you like burritos, you can't miss it. If you don't, then go for the beer.

 

 

123 Pleasant St.
Morgantown, WV 26505

Phone: (304) 292-0800

As you can see from the chalkboard, 123 qualifies as a beer bar on attitude alone. The crowd is young, clad mostly in black, and although Carling Black Label seems to be the drink of choice, 123 offers a Rogue Dead Guy tap and a selection of 30 good bottles. You won't find much better in WV. 6.0% seems to be the state limit on ABV. It's a rock venue with lots of energy and a lively place to drink good beers.

 

 

The Purple Fiddle

21 East Ave. Davis,WV

 

Located in an historic building, The Purple Fiddle is a country-funk amalgamation of restaurant, mountain market, and blue grass emporium...and yes, it just happens to be a great stop for good beers. Two of the Fiddle's three taps are local, and it's 50 or so bottles allow it to claim the largest beer selection in West Virginia

 

 

New York

 

Ale House 'The Beer Joint of Your Dreams'

3744 Vestal Parkway E.
Vestal(Binghamton), NY 13850
(607) 729-9053

The Ale House is a small bar in a small strip mall amongst auto dealerships near the University at Binghamton. There are 12 stools at the bar and 10 small tables. A fiery grill is next to the liquor display. They have 36 taps, and no macros. But they have near-macros such as Blue Moon, Guinness, Harp, and LaBatt's. Almost all the rest are regionals. They have several Blue Point, as well as several Cooperstown, Ottercreek and Brooklyn. The ladies tending the bar were pretty friendly, somehow we ended up staying an hour and a half.

 

The Raven Pub
39 West Bridge Street
Oswego, NY 13126
(315) 343-1968

The Raven offers 24 drafts and depending on the season, about 70 bottles. One customer described the bar as, " a friendly University crowd with a big beer selection and rock n roll jukebox." Chris, the proprietor, takes suggestions from his beer-loving clientele. "When people request something, I try to pick it up." Or, as one customer put it, "The dude abides."

 

 

Clark's Ale House
(315) 479-9859
122 W Jefferson St
Syracuse, NY 13202

Clark's has about 21 beers on a nice rotation; when a keg is done, something different replaces it. Middle Ages pours through a hand engine. Clark's is popular also for their half-gallon milk containers that they fill with beer to go...popular for parades and other outdoor events. They have no TV, jukebox, or electronic games, there is nothing to do except drink beer with your friends. A cask or two will be on tap, and there's always that roast beef sandwich. Clark's has been called a "beer bar set in a lunch counter." It has also been declared that bars like Clark's make Syracuse a great, if underrated, beer town.

 

Blue Tusk

165 Walton St.
Armory Square
Syracuse, NY

One of the area's biggest beer selections, Blue Tusk offers about 65 drafts, most of which are served in 20-oz. imperial pints...23-oz. on Monday and Tuesday! For a complete run-down of the brews, visit the website. This lively establishment can get crowded, especially in the winter, so get there early.

 

 

South Carolina

 

Keith Street Pub & Grille
101 Keith Street
Clemson, SC 29631
(864) 654-2274

This bar, in the small town of Clemson, is a beer drinker's paradise. Brightly lit and fairly large, it's a pleasant place to drink. An eclectic variety of world-wide beers is offered on their twelve taps. Drinking all of those and their 90 different bottles gets your name engraved on their Beer Club. The manager and bar staff are knowledgeable and care about their beers.


 

Rocky Mountain Region

 

Fiddler's Elbow

1061 E 2100 S Sugarhouse
Salt Lake City

Fiddler's Elbow may be hard to find, but go for it. In an alley, sided with corrugated metal, Fiddler's is much more impressive inside than out. Well, maybe because the beer is inside. This is the best beer bar in Salt Lake. 32 beers on tap, and a bartender who was friendly and glad to answer our questions about beer and Utah. I had a Bohemian Czech Pils, but better was the Moab Scorpion Pale Ale. I wish I could go back today.

 

Walter finally locates Fiddler's Elbow.

 

 

 

California

 

Gold Dust Lounge
247 Powell St
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 397-1695

I steered some friends to the Gold Dust and said. “let’s go in here.” A semi-respectable native woman of some vintage turned without prompting and said, “We call it the toilet.” It has the best beer selection in the Union Square area. Ten great European taps and a good selection of bottles make this a must stop for a Questor in gaytown.

It was decorated by a whore with no taste at all...red velvet furniture, couches, and booths; nude paintings, cherubs on the ceiling and a clientele that is ready to go. Entertaining bartenders who ignite lemon rinds and fling bottle caps 90 mph make this a must stop. Everybody needs to use the toilet sooner or later.

 

Lefty O'Doul's
At Union Square
333 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Tel: (415) 982-8900


This is a San Francisco bar started by a baseball player who washed out as a pitcher with a 1-1 record. He reinvented himself as a hitter with a .349 liftetime average. His namesake bar has a dozen taps, nine of them good Europeans and microbrews. A large cutout of Lefty & the Babe hangs over the bar.

San Francisco sports photos and a dinner buffet overshadow the beer and miserable décor of this establishment. Dark and dingy with a piano surrounded by stools you can find Big Daddy, Fat Tire, Bitburger, Guinness and many other tasty beers struggling to outsell the Bud trio.

The barmaids are foreign - the bartenders could be gay, but who is definitely not in San Francisco? You might find a beer you’ve never seen here; we’re told the taps rotate somewhat. Come on in an argue Lefty vs. Barry. No contest.

 

Little Prague

Czech please! The best selection of Czech beers in all of Davis is found in this Slavic treasure on G street. Good drafts in third, half and full liters for sale with a selection of some harder- to-come-by bottled beers from the Czech Republic. Good soups and desserts made by a goddess, for Questors with plummeting blood sugar, and decent food round out the menu

An unusual happy hour featuring any size and brand of beer for $3 provides some nice opportunities for the cost- conscious Questor. Czech is spoken here and the clientele and waitstaff make you think you could be in Prague. The only thing missing is those Slavic gams with the to-die-for calves sculpted by climbing those stony winding streets, and punishing hills, of the real Prague.

Czech out the Fun Facts

 

Dawson's
105 N 1st St
Dixon, CA 95620

If you're a Questor and you find yourself in Dixon, look for Dawson's where Heather sets them up and local folk knock them down. Three beers on tap, Bud, Bud Light and Sierra Nevada assure you'll score few new beers here and the seven bottled beers reenforce the point with Heineken being the exotic one. But Dixon is not big and this is one of the few places where you get to urinate in a trough with constantly running water. They say 80% of California's water goes to irrigation; if Dawson's is any clue, the other 20% goes to flushing. But in Dixon, it's gotta be Dawson's. Tell Heather the cute one says hi.

Reviews


 

Cantina del Cabo
139 G Street,
Davis, CA
(530) 756-2226

The Cantina has over 50 beers on tap and all but the most advanced Questors are guaranteed to find a few new bee