In the Midwest

Sometimes readers agree, sometimes they don't. You should always feel free to send your email to beertravelers@beertravelers.com. We've also included a links to the RealBeer.com discussions boards about beer in particular states, so you may chat with a wider audience.

ILLINOIS

Regional beers to look for: Goose Island Brewing, Three Brothers Brewing, Three Floyds Brewing (just across the stateline in Indiana). Many of the best beers from small brewers in Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota.
Essential stops: Map Room, Goose Island and Village Tap in Chicago.
Just for fun: Southport Lanes in Chicago. Four hand-set lanes, and a sign that reads, "Remember, if you see legs -- DON'T BOWL."
Best city for a pub crawl: Chicago, obviously.
- Discuss Illinois beer at RealBeer.com

INDIANA

Regional beers to look for: Three Floyds Brewing, Oaken Barrel Brewing, Upland Brewing.
Essential stops: Broad Ripple Brewing and Chalkies in Indianapolis, Rich O's in New Albany.
Just for fun: Rich O's in New Albany. A bottle of Bud costs $6.50 -- they don't sell many.
Best city for a pub crawl: Indianapolis.
- Discuss Indiana beer at RealBeer.com

IOWA

Regional beers to look for: Stone City Brewing.
Essential stops: The Sanctuary in Iowa City.
Just for fun: Stone City Brewing in Solon. Tour a homemade brewery.
Best city for a pub crawl: Iowa City.
- Discuss Iowa beer at RealBeer.com

MICHIGAN

Regional beers to look for: Bell's from Kalamazoo Brewing, Roffey Brewing.
Essential stops: The Eccentric Cafe (Bell's) and Corner Bar in Kalamazoo, Cadieux Cafe in Detroit.
Just for fun: Gusoline Alley in Royal Oak. The two televisions here are usually turned to cartoons, and the story is that during the Super Bowl, a customer had to ask for one to be turned to the game, so he could catch the score.
Best city for a pub crawl: Kalamazoo.
- Discuss Michigan beer at RealBeer.com

MINNESOTA

Regional Beers to look for: Summit Brewing, August Schell Brewing.
Essential stops: Sherlock's Home in Minnetonka, The Black Forest in Minneapolis.
Just for fun: Bryant Lake Bowl in Minneapolis. Bowling on old-fashioned '60s bowling lanes, performance art in the small attached theater and a bohemian dining room.
Best city for a pub crawl: Minneapolis.
- Discuss Minnesota beer at RealBeer.com

MISSOURI

Regional beers to look for: Boulevard Brewing, Schlafly (from St. Louis Brewery).
Essential stops: Cicero's, King Louie and St. Louis Brewery in St. Louis, 75th Street Brewing in Kansas City.
Just for fun: McCoys in Kansas City. Play chess or checkers for a chance to win a free beer.
Best city for a pub crawl: St. Louis.
- Discuss Missouri beer at RealBeer.com

OHIO

Regional beers to look for: Great Lakes Brewing.
Essential stop: Great Lakes Brewing's pub in Cleveland.
Just for fun: Arnold's in Cincinnati. Old-time music on a worn tile floor.
Best city for a pubcrawl: Columbus, because of German Village.
- Discuss Ohio beer at RealBeer.com

WISCONSIN

Regional beers to look for: New Glarus Brewing, Sprecher Brewing, Lakefront Brewing, Capitol Brewing, Green Bay Brewing (Hinterland beers).
Essential stops: Essen Haus in Madison, Baumgartners Cheese Store in Monroe, The Great Taste of the Midwest (a beer festival in August).
Just for fun: Der Rathskeller in Madison, It's a student union, it has 20 beers on tap.
Best city for a pub crawl: Madison.
- Discuss Wisconsin beer at RealBeer.com