JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville is ranked among some of the best beer cities in the nation.
According to newly released results from the USA Today Readers' Choice 2024 awards, Jacksonville beat out cities like Philadelphia and Indianapolis when ranked for the best beer scenes in the United States.
Cities are selected by an expert panel of judges along with votes from readers.
Rankings were based on the "established and up-and-coming breweries, beer bars, brewpubs, beer festivals, and even thriving homebrewing communities where a novice brewer can get their foot in the door," according to USA Today.
The River City ranked No. 6 on the list, trailing behind cities like Richmond, Fort Collins, Columbus, Milwaukee and Grand Rapids which took the No. 1 spot. However, Jacksonville ranked above Indianapolis, Asheville, Philadelphia and Santa Rosa on the list.
Jacksonville is home to more than 20 local breweries spanning all over the city.
Some popular spots include Bold City Brewery located in Downtown Jacksonville, Aardwolf Brewing Company in San Marco, Bottlenose Brewing and Veterans United Craft Brewery located on the Southside, Wicked Barley Brewing Company in the Baymeadows area and Engine 15 Brewing Company in Jacksonville Beach, along with many more.
USA Today also points to Jacksonville's unique self-guided beer tour, the Jax Ale Trail, as an interesting activity for beer lovers to indulge in. The tour allows participants to collect stamps at breweries around the city on their personal 'Brewery Passport'.
As a reward, participants have a chance to win some free prizes like koozies and T-shirts based on how many stamps they acquire. Those who get a fully stamped passport earn a koozie, T-shirt and a "super secret surprise."
USA Today also made note of Goozlepipe & Guttyworks at Kickbacks Gastropub, which is located in historic Riverside, and houses "one of the largest beer cellars in the Southeast," according to USA Today.
The gastropub also received a nationwide nod, ranking as No. 7 for Best Beer Bar in the U.S. on another USA Today list.
Here's a look at the rankings from USA Today:
Best Beer Cities in the US
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Milwaukee, WI
- Columbus, OH
- Fort Collins, CO
- Richmond, VA
- Jacksonville, FL
- Indianapolis, IN
- Asheville, NC
- Philadelphia, PA
- Santa Rosa, CA
Best Beer Bars in the US
- O'Brien's Pub; San Diego, CA
- Hop City Beer & Wine; Birmingham, AL
- Belmont Station; Portland, OR
- The Whale; multiple locations
- Pilot Project Brewing; Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI
- Max's Taphouse; Baltimore, MD
- Goozlepipe & Guttyworks by Kickbacks Gastropub; Jacksonville, FL
- Brick Store Pub; Dacatur, GA
- Monk's Cafe; Philadelphia, PA
- Sleeping Village; Chicago, IL
For a look at USA Today's full list, CLICK HERE.