The “Love Handles” department in Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine® is devoted to great beer bars. Here are the three beer bars that we explored in our premiere issue (Spring 2014).
Rail Trail (Hudson, Massachusetts)
This cozy restaurant bar in the Boston ’burbs is packed with locals there for the American fare and the top-tier tap list.
WHAT IT IS: With a wood-fired oven pumping out flatbreads and a menu heavy on comfort food, Rail Trail (pictured above) could be confused with any number of run-of-the-mill suburban eateries, but the beer selection is part of the reason it remains packed even on weekday nights with a passionate crowd of smart craft-beer fans. Owners Michael Kasseris and Karim El-Gamal built that wood-fired oven with their own hands, and the same care and attention is paid to the thoughtful draft and bottle list.
WHY IT’S GREAT: It’s a not-so-hidden gem in the sleepy suburb of Hudson, Massachusetts, but they take their craft beer seriously. My taste runs the gamut—from IPAs to sours, barleywines, and stouts—but no matter my mood I’ve always found a creative selection on tap and menu items that pair effortlessly. On a recent visit, I worked my way through pints of Tramp Stamp by Clown Shoes, Red Rocket Ale by Bear Republic Brewing Co., Black (2013) by Allagash Brewing Company, and Crooked Tree IPA by Dark Horse Brewing. On my visits to Massachusetts, I always create an excuse to meet friends for lunch, dinner, or just a few beers at Rail Trail. —John Bolton
Hours: 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Monday–Thursday; 11 a.m.–1 a.m. Friday–Saturday; 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday.
Address: 33 Main St, Hudson, Massachusetts
Tørst (Brooklyn, New York)
Creative tap list? Check. Gorgeous interior? Check. Friendly bartenders who love to guide your adventure in beer? Tørst delivers on all counts.
WHAT IT IS: The brainchild of Evil Twin Brewing impressario Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø, this relative newcomer to the NYC beer scene has quickly established itself as one of the best places for hard-to-find craft beer in the United States. Located in perpetually up-and-coming Greenpoint, it’s just far enough off the beaten tourist path to insulate it from gawkers, but only a quick walk from the L train in Williamsburg.
WHY IT’S GREAT: I’ve spent many nights in the city’s best craft-beer haunts across the boroughs, but my first time in Tørst was eye-opening. Here’s a bar that looks every bit as cool as the hippest TriBeCa lounges, but the bartenders are friendly and engaged, and the beer selection is remarkable and well-curated with a focus on the best U.S. and European artisans. On my last visit, bartender Fernelly Sarria offered a head-to-head sampling of Westbrook Gose on draft and in a can (the can won out in our blind tasting), and the bar’s self-described accountant was pouring copious samples. It’s cool without being alienating, with a tap list that you could only put together with Jeppe’s rolodex. It’s a must-visit whenever I’m back in NYC. —Jamie Bogner
Hours: Noon–midnight Sunday–Wednesday; Noon–3 a.m. Thursday–Saturday.
Address: 615 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, New York
HopCat (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
This classic destination in 2013’s Beer City USA is renowned for its expansive and exclusive tap list plus clever food pairings.
WHAT IT IS: HopCat is one of the world’s top-rated beer bars in one of America’s preeminent brewing towns. Just a stone’s throw from the brewing greatness of Founders Brewing Company and Brewery Vivant, HopCat offers a world-class selection of craft beers and brews up some pretty damn good beers of its own.
WHY IT’S GREAT: You might as well arrange a cab ride home before you even walk in the door. HopCat has about fifty handles running at a time and a bottle selection so seductive it makes me blush. The focus is on fresh, local craft beers, and a quick conversation with the expert staff will have you happily hoisting a phenomenal beer likely made just a few miles from your seat. The menu is also to die for, with dishes that are designed to be paired with craft beers of all styles and strengths. I recently had The Grand Royale—a huge sloppy joe, complete with jalapeños, smothered in beer cheese, and served with a steak knife because there’s no way you can pick it up. To drink? A Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale draft from Founders. Giddy up. This June, Grand Rapids will host the National Homebrewers Conference. You know where you can find me after hours. —Stephen Koenig
Hours: 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m. Monday–Saturday; 12 p.m.–2 a.m. Sunday.
Address: 25 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan