Republic Brewing Co.

Beyond the giant overhead doors, 20- and 30-somethings bend elbows next to stodgy old men and their dogs. Behind and above the bar, 370 mugs of different shapes and styles hang, each on its own hook. They’re for the regulars. If you want one, you have to put your name on the list. The operation is small, but that’s a conscious decision, says Emily Burt, who owns the place with her husband. “We want to bring people to Republic,” Burt says. “Our motto is a pint and a place worth the drive.” Try the toasty, tart, award-winning porter, or the slightly citrusy pale, which are always on tap. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the Flying Cloud Tripel on rotation.