Village
Honolulu, Hawaii.
Village Bottle Shop & Tasting Room has created a community by bringing beer from around the world to the middle of the Pacific.
What it is: Village is two businesses in one: a bottle shop that features more than 500 packaged beers for enjoying on-site or taking away, and a tasting room with 18 frequently rotating taps and eight draft wines. The Digital Pour app shows what awaits a thirsty traveler, including the amount remaining and price per pour. Also impressive: the rare whiskey collection on display behind the bar. Light pupus are available, such as pretzels, jerky, and island-made savory baked goods from HI Pie.
Why it’s great: The place was developed by two friends and beer enthusiasts, Timothy Golden and Daryn Ogino, who care about maintaining a diverse selection to enjoy in a bright, comfortable public living room. Servers are held to a high standard; they’re ready to guide you and find that perfect pint. For locals, the Village and its People’s Beer Club and Wine Club offer curated, often-limited selections, available nowhere else in the state. Tap takeovers, free sipping sessions, and occasional seminars with brewers offer a chance to learn about the beer while drinking it. —Alexander Gates.