9 of the Best Green Brew Pubs in the U.S.A.

Enjoy a slice of local culture with organic, craft-brewed beer. These hip breweries are packed with sustainable features like energy- and water-saving technologies, organic beer gardens, composting and bike parking.
Don't live in these cities? Try these nationally available organic beers.

By Brian Clark Howard

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Brew pubs can be great places to gather with friends, as well as sample unique local beers--with a dash of local culture. A number of these colorful establishments are also going green, by investing in alternative energy, using local and organic ingredients, and other measures.

For example, Standing Stone Brewing Co. in downtown Ashland, Oregon has solar panels on its roof. The pub uses biofuels and compostable utensils, and it even runs a composting program. Standing Stone is packed with energy- and water-saving technologies, from appliances to lighting. Nontoxic cleaning products are used, and ingredients are sourced from local and organic suppliers. Standing Stone ales are made at the historic pub, in ten-barrel batches using over 80% organic malts. Check out the oatmeal stout or the hefeweizen.

Hopworks Urban Brewery, Portland, Oregon

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Hopworks Urban Brewery in Portland is a self-styled "Eco-Brewpub," with the motto "organic beer for all." The relaxed, sustainable atmosphere is a great place to sample the selection of all-organic beers, which are made with local ingredients. The place also uses biofuels, composts, and is packed with high-efficiency technologies, from rain barrels to pervious pavement. Much of the building materials and decor are sourced from reclaimed materials, including old bike parts.

Speaking of bikes, in late August, Hopworks hosts "Biketobeerfest," a gathering for "bikes, bands and beer." The brewery also has a portable "bike bar" that can bring handcrafted organic ales anywhere good cheer is needed. And the joint always has plenty of bicycle parking.

Stone Brewing, Escondido, California

stone brewing, brew pubs, breweries, bars, restaurants stone brewing world bistro and gardens in escondido, california Enjoy the one-acre organic beer garden and open-air patio at Stone Brewing's World Bistro & Gardens. The California brew pub is the largest purchaser of local, small-farm organic ingredients in San Diego County. Sample the 32 craft and specialty beers on tap, while you connect with friends in the modern, energy-efficient space.

Kona Brewing Company, Kailua Kona, Hawaii

kona brewing company, hawaii, beer, brew pubs, breweries, restaurants diners eat and drink at outdoor tables at kona brewing company If you're ever thirsty on Hawaii's Big Island, check out Kona Brewing Company, which features a gorgeous 2,000-square feet lanai in a lush tropical setting. The colorful place is assembled from local salvaged objects, such as beautiful mahogany driftwood and corrugated tin from an historic distillery. The crafted beers capture the spirit of the Islands, from the Big Wave golden ale to the Fire Rock "Hawaiian style" pale ale.

Kona Brewing Company, Honululu, Hawaii

kona brewing company, hawaii, beer, brew pubs, breweries, restaurants kona brewing company on water in hawaii Kona Brewing Company also has a pub right on the water in Koko Marina Center in bustling Honolulu. The joint uses compostable supplies, recycles as much as possible, and works to save energy and water.

Ukiah Brewing Company, Ukiah, California

ukiah brewing company, brew pubs, breweries, bars, beer, restaurants bar goers sip beer at ukiah brewing company ukiah, california The first all-organic brew pub in the U.S., Ukiah Brewing Company serves up a dozen different styles of ales. The comfortable spot is also home to the first organic beer put in a can. The eats are organic and sourced locally where possible.

ThirstyBear Brewing, San Francisco, California

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Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Oregon

deschutes brewery, breweries, brew pubs, beer, restaurants inside deschutes brewery and brew pub in bend, oregon Bend, Oregon-based Deschutes Brewery first opened in 1988, and has been serving up local and handcrafted beers and eats ever since. For example, the burgers come from local cattle raised partially on spent grain and hops from the brewing process.

Deschutes Brewery, Portland, Oregon

deschutes brewery, breweries, brew pubs, beer, restaurants, people, parties, waiters inside deschutes brewery and brew pub in portland, oregon Deschutes operates two public houses: one in Bend and one in Portland. They are modeled after traditional Scottish pubs, but with a Northwest flavor. Try the Black Butte porter or the Mirror Pond pale ale.