Best Sacramento-area restaurants, bars and shops for craft beer

Let's keep it simple: This is a list of the best local restaurants, bars and bottle shops for craft beer. Yes, this is our opinion. But, man, it's a damn good one.

Boneshaker Public House: Basically, this is the best thing about Rocklin—and it represents local breweries such as Mraz Brewing Co. and Track 7 Brewing Co., too. 2168 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 104 in Rocklin; (916) 259-2337; www.boneshakerpub.com.

Capitol Beer and Tap Room: This bottle shop is one of the top-three go-to spots in the city for brew. But don't forget to walk to the other side of the store, with more than a dozen brews on draft. It represents locals well. 2222 Fair Oaks Boulevard, (916) 922-1745, www.capitolbeer.com.

Corti Brothers: For years, we used to lament Corti's overlooking and neglecting of the brew. No longer: A robust selection now overflows on the eastern-most aisle of the famed grocery. 5810 Folsom Boulevard, (916) 736-3814, www.cortibros.biz.

Curtis Park Market: If you shop at this secret spot just off the grid, the guy behind the counter will eventually recognize you and start offering up the good stuff, like Deschutes Brewery's The Abyss or Russian River Brewing Company's Pliny the Elder. Either way, killer selection and prices at this corner market. 2703 24th Street, (916) 456-6488, www.facebook.com/curtisparkmarket.

The Davis Beer Shoppe: This shop in Davis pours the most affordable drafts in the region. And its bottle-shop selection is unequaled. It's almost motivation enough to quit journalism and apply for UC Davis law school. Except, you know, school. Watch for the owner's Twitter updates @FlyingBeerMan. 211 G Street in Davis, (530) 756-5212, www.facebook.com/thedavisbeershoppe.

De Vere’s Irish Pub: The introverted beer enthusiast might be turned off by de Vere's Friday- and Saturday-night crowds. Pro tip: Sneak in during a weekday, and sniff out the good stuff. 1521 L Street, (916) 231-9947; 217 E Street in Davis, (530) 204-5533; www.deverespub.com.

Final Gravity Taproom & Bottle Shop: Some of us at SN&R grew up less than a mile away from this brew bar and bottle shop. Of course, back then, it wasn't even there; just an undeveloped field. If only, if only. Nowadays, the husband-and-wife owners do the beer community right—and stock some top-shelf bottles in the shop. Follow their updates on Twitter: @FinalGravityCA. 9205 Sierra College Boulevard, Suite 100 in Roseville; (916) 782-1166; www.finalgravitybeer.com.

Hot City Pizza: “Hole in the wall” best describes this joint. But oh, man, what a hole. Blessed is the East Sacramentan who can snag up a few bottles to go with regularity at Hot City. This is the only place in town we've seen Cantillon by the bottle to go in recent years. 5642 J Street, (916) 731-8888, www.hotcity-pizza.com.

LowBrau: It's impressive how this hot spot's climbed the ranks as a local beer destination in its first year. There's always a couple intersting rotating drafts, plus exciting #beernerdmenu bottles, too. 1050 20th Street, (916) 706-2636, www.lowbrausacramento.com.

Pangaea Two Brews Cafe: These days, Pangaea's been going back to its roots. The drafts focus heavily on classic Belgian brews, plus some good sours, and the bottle shop is packed with competitively priced local beers and more. 2743 Franklin Boulevard, (916) 454-4942, www.pangaeatwobrews.com.

The Shack: We (still) have a hard time figuring out when this spot is open. But that's part of the charm. This pioneer of the local-brew scene still is a hot destination for California craft. 5201 Folsom Boulevard, (916) 457-5997, www.eastsacshack.com.

Samuel Horne’s Tavern: There are two ideal ways to enjoy Samuel Horne's. 1. Ride the bike trail from downtown and rehydrate with excellent American-only craft brew. 2. Be lazy and take light rail to Old Town Folsom. This is one of the region's top beer spots. 719 Sutter Street in Folsom, (916) 293-8207, www.samhornes.com.

Whole Foods Market: It's true, the staff actually pours beer at the Whole Foods in Folsom. Which brings “Whole Paycheck” to the next level of brokeness. Double trouble: The bottle selection is Folsom's finest, too. 270 Palladio Parkway in Folsom, (916) 984-8500, www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/folsom.