The Publick House

How many beers does this place have, anyway? 100? 200? Who knows. The suds menu changes all the time at the Publick House (though the Belgians always make an appearance). But more than the awe-inspiring selection, the care with which this Brookline mainstay chooses its brews makes it a treasure. "Artisanal" is the operative word here and yes, that does translate to "expensive." But it also means you'll discover uncommon selections like Lefèbvre Hopus — a Belgian strong ale with a fruity aroma and an orange-yellow hue — and Aphrodisiaque, a chocolaty, light-bodied beer from Brasserie Dieu du Ciel in Montreal. RUNNER UP: Lord Hobo