Over the last decade plus, the United States has exploded with thousands of new breweries and craft beer bars. So much so that you could even make the argument that local breweries have replaced the sports bar, craft breweries have altered the U.S. beer scene that much.

It used to be that you had to attend a state beer festival to discover new beers, like the Vermont Brewers Festival that is held every July in Burlington, VT. Now, there is a brewing company and craft tap room on every corner and varieties of hops are discussed by people who have absolutely no idea how to brew beer.

Speaking of festivals, and, well, Vermont, Hill Farmstead Brewery, extolled by RateBeer as the best brewery in the world, hosts the Festival of Farmhouse Ales annually on their Greensboro Bend farmlands. Scoring this hot ticket would give you access to some of the most unique, sought-after brews in the market - because you don't become the best brewery in the world without serving great beer.

Can I eat at breweries near me?

In today's current climate, no. Setting that aside, it depends. Brewpubs and many taprooms have full-service kitchens. Many tasting rooms choose to send out the bat signal to local food trucks, which is fantastic, because nothing pairs better with a hoppy IPA than a few dozen carnitas tacos.

Do craft breweries near me offer happy hour?

To start, it really depends on whether or not your state allows it. A state like Massachusetts is not serving up happy hour any time soon. Unlike sports bars that need to incentivize Budweiser, Coors, and Miller "pilsners", as well as should-be-at-work-but-I'm-not 3:37pm patronization, craft breweries may not want to discount their artisan lagers and belgian saisons.

Are microbreweries near me family-friendly?

Always best to check ahead of time. Brewpubs function as restaurants, and in general, allow children. As for microbreweries and tasting rooms, it comes down to both the law, and, how the owners wish to conduct their business.

Jack's Abby and their Springdale Barrel Room presented some issues a few years back. The Jack's Abby beer hall was a family-friendly spot to grab a bite to eat, but you couldn't take your children next door to the barrel room to make the swap from lager to ale. Eventually, the city of Framingham lightened up on the rules & regs to allow for kids to be present until 6pm at Springdale. If you visit before 2pm on a Sunday, rest assured, you will see some children.

Some breweries are even dog-friendly. Once again, best to check ahead of time. Nothing worse than showing up and finding out you have to leave your puppers in the car.

Do breweries near me have entertainment?

The aforementioned Springdale Barrel Room has trivia nights and a few bag toss boards set up. And that's not uncommon, as Trivia Nights are one of the most popular forms of bar, and now brewery, entertainment. Beyond bags, Worcester's Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company has an old Street Fighter arcade game. Dorchester, part of Boston, has a brewpub attached to a bowling alley.

Let's not forget live music. Live bands could, and probably do, make a tour just on playing breweries and tasting rooms across the country. Good music and good beer need to be consumed all the same.

Where can I find local craft breweries near me?

If searching for breweries by city, state, or region isn't your thing, then you're in luck, because the internet couldn't have made it easier to find them. Just do a quick Google search for "breweries near me" and you will be amazed by the results.

Whether you are looking for a new belgian-style wheat beer, or you just need a pale ale growler fill from your local taproom, our craft beer directory should help you find the closest microbrewery to you.

How do I start a brewery?

Good question. We have put together a handy guide on how to startup a brewery. Check it out and let us know what you think and whether or not it helped.

What country has the most craft breweries in the world?

The United States.

Which state has the most breweries?

California.

How many breweries in the U.S.?

There are approximately 9,000 breweries in the United States.

What U.S. city has the most breweries per capita?

Portland, Maine has the most breweries per capita. They are followed by Asheville, North Carolina.

Which U.S. city boasts the most breweries?

Chicago.

In what state were the first breweries founded?

New York. That said, Yuengling is currently the oldest brewery in the United States.

How many trappist breweries are there in the United States?

There is one Trappist brewery (Spencer Trappist Brewery) in the United States and it is located in Spencer, Massachusetts.

More than 500 breweries are represented in Denver each fall at what event?

The Great American Brew Festival.

How Not To Start a Damn Brewery (the book)

Kelly Meyer, owner of New Braunfels Brewing in Texas, shares his ten lessions on how not to start a brewery.

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