Amity Hall, New York

When people need insight about their world, they climb mountains to consult with the gurus who live atop the peaks. If they want insight about beer, they need only climb the wrought-iron stairs that lead up to Amity Hall’s bar. Every bartender boasts the title of Cicerone–certified beer server, tested to prove their expertise and knowledge of all forms of beer. They pull the taps on rotating drafts and pop the top on bottled beers to pair every guest with their perfect match. To complement their brews, diners pick plates from a menu that includes flatbread pizzas and stuffed burgers that can hide chipotle peppers, aged gouda, or your house keys. Wooden booths and distressed painted brick flank both levels of Amity Hall. Upstairs, a 20-foot high-definition TV displays sporting events, whereas DJs spin music on weekend nights downstairs.