Spuyten Duyvil: “A New York City staple! They helped start the craft beer movement here and are still going strong,” says Bjergsø about the homey, wood-clad Brooklyn spot, with lists of beers—mostly from Europe—written on the blackboard.
The Nomad Bar: The classic, bi-level spot is known for cocktails, but its beer program is equally brilliant, says Bjergsø. “We built up our cellar so that we could offer up a list of vintage beers alongside a wide range of the newest craft selections. The idea is to have something for everyone, the aficionado or the casual beer drinker,” says Nomad General Manager Alex Pfaffenbach.
The Best of the Rest Beer Cities
Bjergsø chooses the four runner-ups and favorite bars in each one.
Brussels
Why: “Tradition, tradition, tradition. In a world where what’s new seems to be the only thing that matters, it’s very comforting to go to a city where the bars and beers haven’t changed much for many years. The quality is some of the best of what the world has to offer, and the people there don’t seem to chase the new trend the same way as in most other craft beer cities.”
Cantillon Brewery: Set in an old house that also includes a lab, this place exemplifies the city’s range of beers. “Cantillon stands out because of the balance between tradition and craziness,” says recommender Pablo Santos, a microbrewer in Bolivia.
Moeder Lambic Fontainas: In the heart of Brussels, the bar has an incredible Belgian beer selection from classics to new-school options.
Charleston, S.C.
Why: “The gastronomy world has put a big focus on the city and that has benefited the craft beer scene as well. There are places that highlight the classic brewing styles and others that showcase the new.”
Edmund’s Oast: The brewery that’s connected to the notable restaurant crafts a wide range of selections such as heirloom watermelon-infused beer. Westbrook Brewing Co.: There’s a strong selection of rotating beers, especially seasonal ones, and cool tours of the property.
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