Have A Nice Flight

Once upon a time, ordering a beer in an airport bar meant choosing from among a handful of uninspiring adjunct lagers. But now, more and more craft brewers are working their way through security and establishing outposts of good taste near even the most far-flung gates. Here are eight hot spots to order a cool beer and recover from the trauma of your intimate preflight pat-down…

Cigar City Brewing

Tampa International Airport (TPA), Airside C Cigar City’s pub in Tampa’s airport (pictured above) is the country’s first airport pub to feature an on-site brewery. Jai Alai IPA and Florida Cracker share space with Tony Jannus pale ale, named for the aviation pioneer who became the world’s first commercial pilot when the St. Petersburg-tampa Airboat Line opened (for five months) in 1914. FIRST CLASS: On your return flight from Hunahpu's Day, order a beer to-go in a plastic cup to enjoy at the gate while you wait for your flight.

Cisco Brew Pub

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Terminals B and E

There once was a brewery from Nantucket. Actually, there are just a couple of breweries on Nantucket, one of which is Cisco Brewers. At this Logan airport venue, enjoy a Grey Lady wit or Indie Pale Ale while you nosh on quintessential New England fare such as clam chowder and Cuban sandwiches (wait, what?). FIRST CLASS: While you recharge your

mind and body with beer, take advantage of one of the tableside power outlets to recharge your electronic devices.

Golden Road Brewing

Los Angeles International (LAX), multiple locations

Anyone who’s traveled through LAX knows just how crucial beer is to one’s continued sanity. Fortunately, venues throughout Terminals 2,6, 7, and the International Terminal pour Point the Way IPA and Get Up Offa That Brown from LA’S own Golden Road Brewing. FIRST CLASS: Carry On Citrus Ale (recipe at right), a collaboration between Golden Road and travel concessionaire HMSHOST, is available exclusively in airports.

Good People Brewing

Birmingham-shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), Concourse A

Choosing from a lineup that includes Snake Handler Double IPA and Coffee Oatmeal Stout is hard enough, but a breakfast menu that features Brisket Gravy & Biscuits served with your choice