5 Best Places to Grab a Brew

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Springfield Brewing Company beers are the freshest in town, because they're brewed in town.

When choosing a good place for beer, it’s important to consider three things: Selection, freshness and location. These five places, in our experienced opinion, have exactly what we’re looking for. Let’s hop to it.

Patton Alley Pub

313 S. Patton Ave., Springfield, 417-865-1188, pattonalleypub.com

Beer Count: 40 taps, approximately 100 bottles0
Why It’s Great: Beer volume aside, Patton Alley is no less than Springfield’s melting pot, where urban hipsters, business types and true-blue hippies stand elbow-to-elbow—for the love of the brew. The pub is also more versatile now that owner Erik Zackrison has knocked out a wall, creating space for jam-band dancing, a pool table and plenty of seating.
Where to Sit: If you get there early enough, Patton Alley’s small patio is excellent. If not, try and grab a booth on either side of the half-wall dividing the bar from the music area.
What to Order: Patton Alley manager Kaitlyn Smith says a number of suppliers—including Schlafly and New Belgium—often keg special seasonal beers for the Pub. If one of those doesn’t sound appealing, try the on-tap Rogue Dead Guy Ale, or one of the exciting “beer cocktails” like the Black and Strong (a black and tan with Strongbow Cider substituted for ale).

Springfield Brewing Company

305 S. Market Ave., Springfield, 417-832-8277, springfieldbrewingco.com

Beer Count: Brew Co., which brews its own beer year-round, typically has six beers on tap: four staples, a seasonal and a rotating “black sheep” dark selection. They also offer a sizeable line of domestic and popular imports in bottles.
Why It’s Great: Brew Co. had as much to do with downtown Springfield’s adult-drinking renaissance as anyone—with its rich wood and brick décor, Brew Co. is still among downtown’s nicest restoration jobs. And you won’t find a fresher beer in 417-land. None of the on-tap Mueller lagers or ales have ever touched the inside of a keg or bottle.
Where to Sit: If you’re partying, go upstairs. If you’re drinking (and we are) sit downstairs at the bar, in full view of the sparkling stainless steel brewing equipment behind the glass.
What to Order: It’s September, which means Brew Co.’s unbelievable summer specialty, the award-winning Hefeweizen, should still be on-tap. If not, it’ll be the fall seasonal, Märzen.

Waxy O’Shea’s

235 Branson Landing, Branson, 417-348-1759

Beer Count: 20 taps, approximately 20 bottles
Why It’s Great: There’s no shortage of places to imbibe at Branson Landing, but if it’s beer you’re after, Waxy’s can’t be topped. Irish in name and deed, this pub pulls in a goodly number of regulars, and has live music every Friday and Saturday night (plus a well-attended open-mic night every Wednesday).
Where to Sit: The inside is nice, but let us suggest the patio, where you can take in the sights of Branson Landing’s Town Square, with its frequent concerts and water/fire displays.
What to Order: If it’s Irish, Waxy’s has it: Beamish, Boddington’s, Smithwicks and, of course, Guinness, which they dub the Perfect Pint.