10 Best Small Cities in America for People Who Love Beer

You don’t have to head to a major metropolis to sip something memorable. All across the country, smaller cities are turning into major destinations for people who care about craft beer. These are flavor-packed pints, friendly taprooms, and festivals that feel more like block parties than conventions.

If you’re planning your next trip around quality beer, these top small cities are worth raising a glass for.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids AKA Beer City USA–They don’t call it that for nothing. There are more than 80 breweries on its official “Beer City Ale Trail,” and the variety is legit. Founders Brewing is the big name here, but it’s the smaller spots like Brewery Vivant (serving Belgian ales in a converted funeral chapel, no less) that keep things interesting. You can also pop into Siciliano’s Market for bottles you won’t find just anywhere.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville may be cozy, but it pours like a heavyweight. South Slope’s brewery-lined blocks are perfect for a self-guided crawl, and there’s something for every taste. Longstanding favorites like Highland and Wicked Weed are just the start. This city’s beer scene is welcoming, a little weird, and always ready for the next round.

Bend, Oregon

Bend’s beer scene started with Deschutes Brewery, but it has long since evolved into a full-blown culture. It’s packed with over two dozen spots serving up everything from hazy IPAs to dark lagers. You’ve got some pretty amazing options if you want beer with a view.

Burlington, Vermont

Vermont may be known for its green mountains, but Burlington’s beer is just as outstanding. Breweries like Foam Brewers and Zero Gravity operate in laid-back, community-first spaces. The influence of nearby producers like The Alchemist and Hill Farmstead trickles into the local bar taps.

Fort Collins, Colorado

This is a beer town with a brain. Not only is Fort Collins home to big hitters like New Belgium and Odell, but it’s also the home of CSU’s fermentation science program. That means you’ve got brewers here who can nerd out on yeast strains and serve up the goods.

Bozeman, Montana

In this small city, you get to experience big flavor. MAP Brewing serves pints with a view of the mountains, and Bozeman Brewing Co. rotates through small-batch styles like it’s no big deal. The beer’s good, the people are friendly, and there’s usually a dog under the table.

Eugene, Oregon

Eugene’s brewing scene feels like a reflection of the city itself: thoughtful, laid-back, and a little unconventional. Sure, you’ve got Ninkasi anchoring things, but smaller spots like ColdFire and Manifest are just as compelling. Sustainability is big here, and the city has created a relaxed, innovative scene rooted in local character.

Missoula, Montana

Missoula’s beer scene grows steadily without chasing trends. The community-centric feel comes through at Bayern Brewing, a traditional German-style brewery, and newer favorites like Draught Works. The city's intimate beer festivals give locals and visitors alike a reason to explore what's pouring across town.

Athens, Georgia

Yes, the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Athens is music, but the beer hits just as hard. Creature Comforts is pretty popular here (and for good reason), but the city’s creative streak runs through its beer scene too. There are experimental styles on college bar menus and plenty of low-key spots perfect for post-show sipping.

Anchorage, Alaska

As for Anchorage, they don’t do beer halfway. Local ingredients, including wild spruce tips and local berries, are steeped into unforgettable brews. Anchorage Brewing and spots like Cynosure bring an equally thoughtful touch. Long winters and long days mean there’s time here to tinker and pour with purpose.

Paso Robles, California

Paso Robles might be a wine town at first glance, but Firestone Walker Brewing Co. changed that long ago. Since then, the local beer scene has grown into its own, with BarrelHouse Brewing and Silva Brewing drawing steady attention. Barrel-aged stouts and hop-forward beers both have loyal audiences.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

As one of New England’s best small beer cities, Portsmouth holds its own with a compact but dense lineup of producers. Portsmouth Brewery is the OG that pours easygoing classics since the '90s. Earth Eagle Brewings takes things weirder (in a good way) by dabbling in historic gruits and modern hybrids. The pubs and beer bars here are low-key legendary.

Flagstaff, Arizona

At 7,000 feet, Flagstaff has one of the highest beer scenes in the country—literally. Its craft breweries, including Mother Road and Historic Brewing, combine altitude with attitude. The city’s Ale Trail and beer-centric events bring together locals and travelers who want to sip something new.

Duluth, Minnesota

Duluth’s chilly climate lends itself well to rich, cold-weather brews. Bent Paddle Brewing and Canal Park Brewing are at the heart of the city's small but mighty beer network. Its access to Lake Superior also gives brewers a crisp, mineral-rich water source prized for crafting clean lagers.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster leans into its history while building its beer future. The city’s brewing roots go deep—Lancaster Brewing Company still tips its hat to German brewing traditions—but the newer wave (like Spring House or Cartel Brewing) has plenty of swagger. It’s easy to find a pint that feels just right.