When in the frozen tundra, we set our sights on some funky Anchorage brews. The place we usually go for those brews is Humpy’s. The alehouse is stocked with plenty of local offerings, including those from the aforementioned Anchorage Brewing Co., along with a handful of other crafts. Don’t let the outdated online tap list scare you, the Humpy’s squad knows what they’re filling those pint glasses with. Link

While you may be familiar with BYOBs, Taste of Tops is actually a BYOF. Yes, they have the beer taken care of, you just supply the food. While not always what we’re looking for in a bar, we stand by this liquor store sidekick’s draft and bottle list. Not only can you enjoy a pour of something local from Four Peaks or Oak Creek, but you can fill a glass or a growler with beauties from Alpine, Nectar, and other California hotspots. Oh, and that’s not even digging into the 400 bottles/cans also available for you to eat with your takeout. Link

When you get to a state like California, it’s damn near impossible to pick one bar. In a state filled with killer watering holes, choosing a favorite is sure to be met with some jeers. So, while we love Toronado, Mikkeller’s San Francisco outpost, and so many other Cali spots, we’re going with our personal favorite: Blind Lady Ale House. Draft Magazine has named it one of America’s 100 Best Beer Bars for the last six years, and despite all the pints those gents have had, their collective heads are still on straight enough to get this one right. You need look no further than their Direct Draw draft system, which eliminates the long beer-line that normally runs from the keg to the tap, as proof that they want to put the freshest, tastiest brews in your hand. And as one of the locations that gets Pliny the Younger and other rarities from California heavyweights, you may join the lady in drinking yourself blind on some good stuff. Link

Pizza and beer don’t go together like something; something goes together like pizza and beer. It’s the gold standard of perfect pairing. At Backcountry Pizza & Tap House in Boulder, you can wash your pie down with some world-class crafts. Not only do they have over 60 beers on tap, but they have a bottle list that includes old Boulevard Love Childs, Firestone Walker Parabolas, and wild ales from Belgium you rarely see. We’d recommend a Colorado-brewed IPA and a Meat Grinder pie to start your night. Link

Our beer of choice in Hawaii is CoCoNut PorTeR from Maui Brewing. And for the times we don’t want to take some cans to the beach, we drop by REAL a Gastropub for a pour or eight. Located in the Ward Farmer’s Market, the Honolulu staple constantly offers things like Abyss, Knee Deep hop monsters, and other high-ABV wonders. And while this list is focused on American craft, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the fact that they also stock amazing beers from all over the world—Nøgne Ø, De La Senne, and To Øl aren’t uncommon. Link

With a third location in the works, PreFunk is kinda dominating the Idaho beer scene. The tiny Boise location is our pick, but the Nampa location is almost equally as good. No food; just pints and growler fills, but still the best selection if you’re looking for some brews in Idaho. The staff is knowledgeable and far from snobby. Plus, any place that taps La Folie from New Belgium as often as they do holds a place in our hearts. Link

Boasting Montana’s best burgers and around 100 craft beers, Hop’s Downtown Grill is one of the few places we know we can trust when traveling through Big Sky Country. Not only does Hop’s have some California classics—Lagunitas, Old Rasputin, Bear Republic, and the like—but they even have a nice array of Montana locals. While the selection may not rival the greatest craft beer bar in San Diego, it does a damn fine job offering you some local pride and other solid staples should you find yourself in town. Link

We’ve felt, for some time, that Nevada is ripe for a craft beer explosion. It hasn’t happened yet, and, for the most part, it’s a sad state of affairs. But for those who enjoy a quality beer after hitting the tables, there’s Aces & Ales. With two locations—we slightly prefer the Nellis location—Aces & Ales blends the dark and smoky vibe of a slot poker joint with the innovative tap list of a well-curated, modern beer bar. Lots of West Coast selections blend with the handful of worthy Vegas brews. Plus, how many craft beer bars can you stumble into at 3 in the morning? Link

There are some really solid breweries in New Mexico—La Cumbre, Marble, Bosque—but there aren’t a ton of solid beer bars. The Anodyne in Albuquerque is one of the few that get it right. You’ve got your La Cumbre IPA on tap with a dozen or so other brews, and you’ve got a really nice bottle list, as well. You also have pool tables, which, we’d like to take a moment to say, is something craft beer bars need more of. Great beer is, well, great, but let’s steer away from stuffy and toward beer’s natural environment: fun. Link

German in name but craft in spirit. The Bier Stein constantly impresses us with a variety of tremendous brews from Alpine, Upright, and other incredible breweries. Knowing you can walk into a place and get a sought-after beer any day of the week is a pretty rare thing no matter where you live. The Bier Stein offers that to locals. All servers and bottle stockers are even required to get their Cicerone Server certification. They know beer. Link

Boasting Utah’s most extensive beer list, The Bayou has taken home multiple awards for its tremendous pours. And the guys at GQ, Esquire, and Imbibe aren’t wrong in their praise. Plenty of locals, all the latest from American heavy hitters, and tons of more. And for the times when you can’t make up your mind, spin the Beer Wheel for one of 10 random brews. Link

Situated in an old funeral parlor, The Pine Box serves up a fine selection of Northwest craft brews. If you’re looking for beers from Boneyard, Snipes, and others in the region, The Pine Box is your spot. With around 30 beers on tap, you’ll get to try the finest the area has to offer. They’ve been doing it right for the last three years. Link

Yes, it’s a brewery (Melvin Brewing), something we tried to steer away from on this list, for the most part, but their beers are solid, the Thai food is tasty, the guest taps are well-curated, and we just happen to love it. While we stayed away from brewery tap rooms on this list, since that’s a whole other beast, we will say you should sample their beers when you go; they’ve won Great American Beer Festival awards for good reason. But even when you stray from Melvin, you’re in capable hands as they offer goodies from Odell, Deschutes, and more. Link