Fresh off one national title, Columbus is in the running for another as the Best Beer City in the United States.
USA TODAY’s 10Best, an ongoing series of readers’ choice votes on food, drinks and destinations around the country, has added Columbus to a list of 20 Best Beer City nominees that it says boast “stellar collections of established and up-and-coming breweries, beer bars, brewpubs, beer festivals and even thriving homebrewing communities where novice brewers can get their foot in the door.”
You can cast your vote until noon on Feb. 24 at the USA TODAY 10Best website. Winners will be announced March 5.
Columbus finished third in 2024 voting for the same title, behind Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the winner, Grand Rapids, Michigan. All three cities have been nominated again for 2025, along with others such as Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Seattle and St. Louis.
About the Columbus beer scene, a panel of experts who chose the nominees said, “The beer culture is strong in Columbus, Ohio. The city houses around 40 breweries, including national brands and nano breweries. Beer aficionados can take walking tours of the Brewery District through Columbus Food Adventures.”
At the same time it seeks people’s favorite beer city, USA TODAY also is taking votes for people’s favorite small-town beer scene, best new brewery, best brewpub, best brewery tour, best beer label, best beer garden, best beer festival, best beer club and best beer bar.
Central Ohio has nominees in a few of those categories.
Best Beer Bar: The Ohio Taproom
What did the experts say? “The Ohio Taproom is a proponent of sustainability and proudly serves only Ohio-made goods, from pretzels to excellent craft beers and ciders. This hip tavern offers an outdoor patio that is very dog friendly, features Ohio sports on the big screen and has beer available in 32-ounce howlers, 64-ounce growlers, cans to go and pints to stay.”
Location: 1291 W. Third Ave., Fifth by Northwest
Vote for Best Beer Bar here.
Best Brewpub: Barley’s Brewing Co.
Bourbon Meyer Buckeye Stout is brewed and served by Barley’s Brewing Co. at its Downtown taproom.
What did the experts say? “With around 24 rotating taps, Barley’s Brewing Co. offers guests a variety of handcrafted beers. The pub menu includes unexpected dishes like sauerkraut balls as well as comfort staples like fish and chips and truffle macaroni and cheese. At Brewcadia, an arcade-like bar located upstairs, guests can play a variety of classic arcade games.”
Location: 467 N. High St., Downtown
Vote for Best Brewpub here.
Best Beer Garden: Henmick Farm & Brewing
What did the experts say? “Established on an 8-acre plot of family farmland that dates back to 1916, this brewery in Delaware, Ohio, welcomes guests of all ages. A renovated 1860s barn houses the taproom and brewing facilities, and the expansive outdoor garden features stone and grass patios equipped with fire pits, picnic tables and plenty of open space. Guests are welcome to bring their own food, and the brewery partners with local food trucks.”
Location: 4380 N. Old State Road, Brown Township, Delaware County
Vote for Best Beer Garden here.
Best Beer Garden: Rockmill Brewery
What did the experts say? “Situated on a historic 23-acre 19th-century horse farm, this property once served as a stagecoach stop and tavern. Rockmill Brewery primarily brews Belgian-style farmhouse ales using water sourced from the Hocking River. Guests can enjoy Rockmill brews in the expansive outdoor space in warmer months.”
Location: 5705 Lithopolis Road NW, Greenfield Township, Fairfield County
Vote for Best Beer Garden here.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus is in the running for Best Beer City title
