Draft Picks: 6 U.S. Bars With Impressive Beer On Tap

In the last five years, America’s breweries have more than doubled. With almost 6,000 across the country, you could visit a new brewery every single day for the next 15 years and still not hit them all. Thankfully, America’s beer bars have responded accordingly, expanding their draft lists to include dozens, sometimes hundreds, of the best beers from around the world. Here are our picks for the country’s most impressive collections of beer on tap.

Find the world’s biggest selection in Raleigh, North Carolina

With a staggering 366 taps, the Raleigh Beer Garden holds the world record for the most on-tap beer varieties. You'll want to book your Raleigh accommodations nearby to take in the enormity of this place. The first floor of the massive space is dedicated entirely to North Carolina beers—144 of them, to be exact. Upstairs, you’ll find several hundred more national and international options, from Belgian sours to dozens of American IPAs. The Raleigh Beer Garden also boasts plenty of outdoor seating and a rooftop bar with (you guessed it) more drafts.

Toast to a perfectly tuned selection at Churchkey

With 55 draft lines (including five cask ales), visiting Washington, D.C.’s, Churchkey is far from the top in terms of quantity. But since opening in 2009, it has been earning praise and awards for its unparalleled attention to quality and variety. The draft list is organized into categories like “Crisp” and “Tart+Funky,” which are helpful whether you’re looking for a coveted IPA from Aslin in Virginia or a rare import from Spain. With a selection of 500 bottled beers and a smart menu of shareable snacks, Churchkey is a can’t-miss stop on any visit to our country’s capital.

Reel in a beer and a fish taco at El Bait Shop

Indoor and outdoor seating, plus good food and hundreds of beers on tap make El Bait Shop a must-stop when in Des Moines, Iowa. Photo Credit: El Bait Shop

Staying in Des Moines, Iowa, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of American drinking destinations. But thanks to El Bait Shop, it should be. Since it opened in 2006, the bar has continued to add more draft lines, reaching its current dizzying total of 222. The selection skews toward Midwestern breweries, like Iowa’s Toppling Goliath and Surly in Minnesota, but also features rare kegs from noteworthy breweries around the country. With funky decor, great fish tacos and a friendly staff, El Bait Shop is the perfect place to sip away an afternoon.

Get a banger and a beer in Austin, Texas

Everything you need to know about Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden the next time you stay in Austin is right there in the name: They’ve got sausage and they’ve got beer. And they’ve got a whole lot of both. Every week, Banger’s turns out more than 2,000 pounds of house-made sausage, from traditional bratwurst to vegetarian options and links made with wild game. Pick from 104 taps featuring dozens of the best breweries and food trucks in the Lone Star State, including Live Oak and Real Ale Brewing. A sprawling, dog-friendly outdoor area hosts live country music several days a week, and their Sunday “Big Band Brunch” is one of the hottest seats in town.

Visit the Mayor in Fort Collins, Colorado

Not only is The Mayor of Old Town slinging 100 beers on tap, but the venue also regularly holds events and specials like Free Friday Pretzel. Photo Credit: Caron Leach

If you’re a beer lover, planning a stay in Fort Collins is probably already on your bucket list. The home of New Belgium, Odell, and many other breweries, Fort Collins has been a craft beer pioneer for decades. After a day of checking out the local titans, head to The Mayor of Old Town for one more pint. With 100 faucets pouring a mix of Colorado and international beers, the large and lively space offers something for everyone. The regular specials, tap takeovers and live music on the back patio should give you plenty of reasons to return.

Feel right at home in Max’s

Max’s Taphouse in Baltimore, Maryland, is the sort of relaxed, no-nonsense tavern you might find in any neighborhood. The only difference? Your average corner bar probably doesn’t house 102 taps, five casks, and well over a thousand bottled beers. Open since 1986, Max’s has grown into one of the best beer bars in the region. And though its selection is world-class, the raucous atmosphere and friendly staff ensures that it never feels stuffy. Stop by any day during your next overnight in Baltimore for an unrivaled selection, or swing by one of their popular annual events, like the Belgian Beer Fest, for a truly intoxicating experience.