After recently taking a look at the five best beer bars in the world, I'd like to narrow the focus and offer the best in the bay area. Just like the Best of the World selections, rare offerings, knowledgeable staff and overall variety are the focus in determining what makes a great beer bar. This list was compiled with the help of one local industry expert and a panel of local beer lovers.
1 | New World Brewery The name is misleading as New World no longer brews, but there's still plenty of excellent beer. The selection is immensely varied and features a refined mix of European (mostly Belgian) and American craft beers. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and proper glassware, appropriate to each beer's style, is the norm. The panel couldn't say enough about the atmosphere, which is more Enchanted Garden Courtyard than bar. The only negatives are the cash-only policy and the smallish selection of higher alcohol styles like Barley Wine, Imperial Stout and Belgian Quads. Still, new World offers the best mix of variety, knowledge and atmosphere.
2 | The Independent A relative newcomer, this downtown St. Petersburg bar features a Euro-centric lineup that leans toward Belgian offerings. The staff is knowledgeable and you can count on receiving your beer selection in the proper glassware. Great turnover ensures you'll always get a fresh beer and the stylish yet reserved decor lends itself well to socializing. The downside is a shockingly minimal selection of quality American micros and prices that are solidly on the high side.
3 | Mr. Dunderbak's For years tasty German fare and quality beer have been the basis of a bustling business for this German restaurant tucked away inside the University Square Mall. The beer selection is, naturally, German leaning, but Belgian beers often make an appearance as do many other quality Euro and American brews. Turnover is good so your beer will be fresh and in an appropriate glass. Where Mr. Dunderbak's stands alone, though, is bottle selection. The bottle selection is massive and you have the choice to drink it there or take it to go. The downside to what is otherwise a fantastic beer destination is that Mr. Dunderbak's keeps mall hours. That's right, finish your beer by 9 p.m.
4 | Yeoman's Road Pub Yeoman's is more a casual neighborhood pub than anything, but it's a pub with a stellar beer selection. Staff knowledge varies, but is generally good with the night bartender being extremely knowledgeable. The draft selection is quite varied featuring many American Micros and a solid selection of European imports. The bottle selection is reasonably experimental featuring rarities like Three Philosophers from Ommegang. Glassware can be hit or miss, but at least you'll never get a frozen pint glass. The downside is the place is small and can become crowded.
5 | Tank's Taproom Another newcomer, but this one has some history. Tank's, originally Hub's Pub before becoming Bilmar Station, always has had many taps, but until recently the quality of beers on those taps was low. Caring new owners have taken the establishment in a new direction. The many taps now feature low distribution treats like Stoudt's Double Imperial Pale Ale along with an extraordinarily varied lineup that is truly global in scope. In fact if variety were the only consideration Tank's would rank much higher. Sadly Tank's suffers from the dreaded bane of most Florida bars ... the chilled glass. Brrrr. Granted you can request a non-chilled glass, but the default chilled pint keeps Tank's from climbing higher.
- Joseph J.M. Redner is a Tampa resident and world beer traveler.
