The U.S. Beer Company may be a company, but it's really not as big a one as the name or building size would imply. The size is a plus (think beer warehouse), and allows for good mobility on Friday and Saturday night (on which the U.S. Beer Company also typically features two or three live bands in the basement), but the selection is anything but corporate-size. The U.S. Beer Co. has 24 beers on tap and about 12 more bottles. It doesn't serve food. However, there are pluses to this brewery-type tap, which was established in 1939: Lots of windows to people watch, warm brick walls, high tables and booths and two separate rooms for private parties. Colored candles sit atop each table for a touch of style. Want a place to have some beers with minimal fuss? This is the place. It's got clean, neat corners and elbow space, with, perhaps thankfully and surprising, a lack of the corporate trappings that "company" can imply.

Centerstage Reviewer: Erin Brereton