Ditch the Budweiser, and get into craft beer! The mainstream popularity of craft beer in L.A. has been rising over the past few years, and new locations serving it have been popping up to follow suit. Who doesn’t want something more creative and more exclusive than you’re average ale? With an emphasis on local products and flavorful blends, craft beers are a perfect addition to a foodie outing or a night out on the town. We give you the very best craft beer bars in the city:

Blue Palms Brewhouse

Haven’t been studying your beers lately? This Hollywood spot has a digital beer board behind the bar that shows the type of beers, the (mostly local) breweries they came from, their alcohol percentages, prices, and the types of glassware they’re served in. Even with that taken care of there is still plenty to talk about if you’re trying to chat up your bartender, perhaps find out if he’s tried the gator sausages.

The Other Room

The Other Room has managed to effortlessly combine the best of NY/CA worlds;  with exposed brick, loft celings, and an ocean breeze that blows through on sunny afternoons. It’s a great place to feel sexy, the lighting is spot on & you’re able to actually meet people. Drink selections include 60-plus microbrews and import beers.

Mohawk Bend

This Echo Park spot is in a 100 year-old ex Vaudville theater with an outdoor patio. They have 72 beers on tap and they update their website daily to keep you in the know if you’re looking for something special. If you can’t decide on one, grabbing a beer flight is always an option. In celebration of their one year anniversary, every Monday in August the restaurant will be gifting each table with their top selling dish.

Tony’s Darts Away

Head over to Burbank for one of the original craft beer spots and you’ll find this pub with a dive bar feel, full of localized craft beers to enjoy alongside their jukebox, board games, pool table, and even free wi-fi if you need to get some work done. As for snacks, they have vegan as well as regular hot dogs so everyone can find something. Try a beer sampler before you commit to a pint, or just grab the ever so popular and highly touted California brew Pliny the Elder.

The Surly Goat

There isn’t any food served at this West Hollywood location, but no worries, they keep menus behind the counter for the local restaurants that will deliver there. They do however, have plenty of beer! (And it’s co-owned by a beer sommelier, so they know what’s up.) Try the Wicked Whit or the Ginger Saison during Karaoke Wednesday’s at 10 PM or comedy night Sunday’s at 9. Insider tip: Daily 6-8 p.m enjoy $4 pints; choose from four happy hour offerings out of 28 lines.

Spring Street Bar

If you’re looking for a beer spot with a dimmer vibe perfect for romantic scenarios, try this downtown gem.  Head over for happy hour, or enjoy one of the 26 brews on tap after a long Thursday night taking in the scene at Art Walk. Try the Seadog Blueberry Ale from Maine or a Heavenly Hefeweizen from Pasadena with a made to order salmon sandwich.

Father’s Office

What more could you want then a a beer bar specializing in hamburgers? As one of the ultra-successful  pioneers of offering craft beers, it’s hip, happening, loud, chaotic.  The beer is special, varied and amazing and the burger creation is one of the most sought-after recipes. Go to Santa Monica for the jam-packed OG experience or check out the Culver City one for way more space.