It’s a fairly bold proposition to take a whole, massive region of the United States and try to narrow down the five best places to have a drink. Then again, if it weren’t for efforts like this, all we’d be left with is recycled “best bars in (name a city)” lists. So, while this is just one man’s opinion, I thought I’d take a stab not just at “best bars” or a particular city, but on identifying the five coolest places to have a beer up and down the East Coast.

The Tunnel Bar - Northampton, Massachusetts

The Tunnel Bar may seem like a gimmick at first glance, but it’s actually an incredible place to grab a drink. Built into an old pedestrian tunnel that led away from the Northampton train depot (and which was set up in the 19th century), it’s now a picture-perfect speakeasy. An original stone interior with an arched ceiling, comfortable leather seating, and wooden furnishings with golden exposed lighting make it look so unusual, and so cozy, it almost feels like a movie set. And it doesn’t hurt that the beer list is typically excellent (though it’s a good cocktail bar also).

Brewery Bhavana - Raleigh, North Carolina

Brewery Bhavana got a few glowing write-ups when it first opened just a couple years ago in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded by a group that already had a successful Laotian restaurant in town, Brewery Bhavana is a hybrid dim sum restaurant, flower shop, library, bar, and brewery - seriously. It’s difficult to describe, but an open design, lines walled with books and flowers, and delicious smells make for an almost surreal atmosphere. And the in-house beers are frankly phenomenal.

Emirates Sports Cafe - Queens, New York

This is a somewhat exclusive option, because it’s actually a bar and restaurant on the grounds of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in Queens. The U.S. Open experience is constantly evolving. In recent years, the grounds have opened multiple new stadiums. With New Jersey and Pennsylvania sportsbook options opening up, some foresee live betting at the event in the near future. And there are always new interactive fan experiences. Beyond stadiums, potential betting, or other activities though, it’s the food and drink that steals the show around the grounds. Accordingly, there are actually several great places to grab a beer, but the Emirates Sports Cafe - a covered rooftop bar overlooking a corner of the grounds - is unbeatable.

The Brewer’s Art (Upstairs Bar) - Baltimore, Maryland

The Brewer’s Art is almost two or three bars in one and is a fairly popular spot in Baltimore, Maryland. In particular, the Upstairs Bar is one of the best places on the East Coast to have a pint or two. Don’t get me wrong, the Downstairs Bar is excellent as well, and it feels like a sort of dungeon-turned-lounge, similar to the aforementioned Tunnel Bar. The upstairs area at The Brewer’s Art, though, is more like some sort of old, converted penthouse. It’s ornate without feeling artificial, cozy without lacking open space and lit largely by a wall of windows letting that let in an abundance of natural light. The Brewer’s Art’s beer selection rotates, but the bar atmosphere and design itself is the real draw.

Broken Shaker - Miami, Florida

Arguably the most popular, mainstream option on my list, Broken Shaker in Miami is awfully tough to beat if you like to drink outside. A travel site described the main space as a lush patio adorned with Christmas lights year round (along with mismatched furniture), and that about sums it up. Vaguely tropical, always festive, and casual despite its undeniably special vibe, Broken Shaker will just make you feel like you’ve picked exactly the right spot. Granted, this is more of a cocktail and punch spot, but there are always some good beers on the menu as well.

There you have it! These five spots are sure to wet your whistle when it comes to tremendous beer-drinking locales on the East Coast.