Top Ten Craft Beer Selections in Broward and Palm Beach Counties

American Craft Beer Week officially begins May 13 and runs through the 19; a whole seven days worth of events and special tappings to keep your taste buds excited and your liver in a state of confusion.

This year marks the eighth consecutive week by the Brewer's Association. As they state, "America's craft beer industry is thriving, with over 2,300 small and independent breweries responsible for not only advancing the food arts world, but pouring money into the economy via tourism and jobs while creating an overall vibrant craft beer scene nationwide. America's craft brewers are certainly something to celebrate."

Without further ado, grab a stool, and discover where beer geeks will cross paths and where you can pick up and enjoy that perfect pint.

10. Yardhouse, Boca Raton (also Hallandale and West Palm Beach)

It may be a massive chain (currently at 44 locations nationwide), but there's no denying that the Yardhouse also has a massive, and good, craft beer selection. There are hundreds of bottles to choose from, and over 100 taps to keep you guessing what to choose next. Under their 'Chalkboard Series,' expect special releases to pop up from Rogue, Dogfish Head and Brooklyn among others. Happy Hour gets you half priced appetizers, like Seared Ahi Sashimi and Kun Pao Calimari, to help keep you going to that next amazing pint. The interiors are typical new Florida construction, but that's OK, you're there for the beer.

9. Laser Wolf, Fort Lauderdale

Don't call it a hipster bar, but a craft beer haven. The venue near Sunrise Bouelvard has an impressive range of beers, and should fit those seeking a more modern sensibility. Situated in the corner of a Spanish Revival building, Laser Wolf brings some of that Miami alt-hipness north. It also helps that they have the coolest logo ever.

8. World of Beer, Coconut Creek

Located in the Promenade, a 'new urban' outdoor shopping area, World of Beer has one of the largest selections of beer in the area and is close to enough restaurants that deliver food to you there to keep everyone happy. It's big, it's generally crowded, but it's a popular spot for area craft beer lovers to find that uncommon pint. With a reward card that tracks what you drink and gives you points for doing so, it's not hard to see why people come back.

7. Lion and Eagle, Boca Raton

With a woody and traditional pub interior, this Boca Raton public house has expanded its beer selections in the past years, building upon the standard fare of Guinness and Bass. Special releases from breweries such as Unibroue are not uncommon, and the bottle selection is pretty stellar for a pub. When you factor in the local vibe and the amazing bartenders, you wind up with a stellar location to drink.

6. The Tipsy Boar, Hollywood

Having opened only in January, The Tipsy Boar has been serving pig-centric food for the denizens of Hollywood. With 40 taps and around 35 bottle selections, paired with some cutting edge pub food, the pickings are ripe.

5. Coffee District, Delray Beach

Delray folks are already intimately acquainted with the District, a beer and coffee haven outside the 'Avenue bubble' in Delray Beach, that features 18 taps and 150 bottles to choose from. It's a perfect spot to bring your non-beer drinking friends (yes, they still exist) so no one feels left out. The vibe is very 'coffeehouse,' which mixes great with the social atmosphere of delicious craft beer.

4. Funky Buddha Lounge, Boca Raton

The powerhouse of the south Palm Beach County beer scene, the Buddha is an amazing venue to just sit back and relax with a locally made brew. Brewmaster Ryan and his team concoct experimental beers like Coffee Maple Bacon Porter and No Crusts (a peanut butter and jelly flavored brown ale) while also offering a good selection of guest taps. Hookah is available for those so inclined, but the beer really is the star of the show. Speaking of shows, the Buddha hosts live music and open mic nights, a welcome to the monotony of recorded music.

3. The Little House, Boynton Beach

This cozy little spot by the tracks in downtown Boynton Beach is a hidden gem in the craft beer world. It may not have a hundred taps, or a thick book of bottle selections, but it makes up for that in character. With a regularly rotating selection, there's always something new to try. Petrus on tap? Check. Radeberger for those hot days? Check. "We want to cover all styles," owner and chef Chrissy Benoit said. "It's not just beer with funny names."

2. Tap 42, Fort Lauderdale

This 'off the beaten trail' establishment (ie. not in downtown Fort Lauderdale) has a great vibe, and is a slick modern place to hang out. The walls made of multiple wood types is artistic and throws off comforting vibes. Tap 42 has 51 total taps (confusing, I know), constantly circulating 15 of those with seasonal and special releases. Uniquely, the bartenders whip up craft beer cocktails, like an Old Fashioned made with Magic Hat #9 and Knob Creek Rye.

1. Riverside Market, Fort Lauderdale

This is THE place to score beer in the Fort Lauderdale area, as this retrofitted convenience store features over 500 different beer bottles for purchase. You're bound to find something new and exciting and meet tons of like-minded beer enthusiasts. Because you'll likely spend a lot of time browsing the massive inventory, couches and tables dot the interior where patrons can grab some food or hang out and drink their recent purchases. The staff are eager to help.

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