Over the past decade, Gastropubs have taken over the dining scene, providing lovers of food and drink with a laid back environment to enjoy some innovative fare paired with world-class beer and cocktails. Eschewing the pretention often found in higher-end eateries, these no nonsense restaurants put a singular effort into that which matters most: what’s going into your belly.  The following is a list of the 5 most impressive gastropubs in the nation today…

5.) Longman & Eagle – Chicago, IL

This plays takes drinking seriously.  Not only do they boast 148 whiskies–many of which are available for under $3–but they also have an extensive ensemble of craft brews on tap, every single one of which is meticulously described in their thoughtful menu.  The vibe is casual and the food delectable.  Diners rave about the wild boar sloppy joe and the beef fat fries can’t be missed.

4.) Magnolia Pub and Brewery – San Francisco, CA

San Francisco’s greatest gastropub is also a brewpub, producing more than a dozen varieties of award-winning beer right on site.  Their recently revamped menu features all sorts of inventive delights, such as sinfully-succulent Devils on Horseback: goat cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates swimming in a kolsh gastrique.  And best of all, many of the entrees here incorporate beer as a prime ingredient.

Photo by Jennifer Yin

3.) Holeman & Finch – Atlanta, GA
I don’t often visit Atlanta, but when I do Holeman & Finch is my primary destination.  Make sure you get to this classy-yet-playful bar/charcuterie around 9PM, when the ringing of a kitchen bell brings the room to a standstill; stop…burger time.  The chef prepares only 20 a night of what is clearly one of the best ground beef sandwiches on the planet; think of an In-N-Out burger on performance-enhancing drugs.  Wash that baby down with a Holland Tunnel–Wathens Bourbon, balanced masterfully with some bitters and a touch of herbal liqueur.  Just one of  the many unique cocktails you’ll find at this Hotlanta hotspot.

2.) Father’s Office – Los Angeles, CA

The proud home to what I unabashedly proclaim to be THE best burger of all time, FO also lays claim to Southern California’s finest selection of hard-to-find microbrews.  Pair that with a smattering of specialty cocktails, addictive sweet potato fries, a dessert menu that features an ice cream float drenched in stout, and you’ve got a recipe for unparalleled delectability.

1.) Spotted Pig – New York, NY

With such an incredible list of excellent eats, it’s hard to name a number one, but…Who am I kidding?  This West Village phenom is light years ahead of the pack, and not just for their unbeatable menu options and bad-ass bar offerings; take just one step into this cozy, epitome of gastronomic greatness and you feel as though you’ve stepped back into an Old English timewarp.  Don’t you dare miss out on that Spotted Pig Burger!