This week, Draft Magazine told us what we already know: The Muddy Pig and the Happy Gnome are among the best beer bars in the nation. The influential beer magazine released its list of America's 100 best beer bars, and the two St. Paul beer destinations once again made the list.

Of the Pig, Draft said it's a "stop on every brewer's trip to the Twin Cities — not just for the expertly pared-down selection of about 100 Belgian-leaning brews priced to sell, but for the easygoing, board-game-playing crowd of beer hobbyists that fill the friendly little dive."

Of the Gnome, Draft said this: "Exclusive pours, beer dinners and regular drop-ins by big-name brewers put the Gnome in the upper echelon of beer bars..."

The bars aren't resting on their laurels:

  • Starting Jan. 24, the Muddy Pig celebrates its 4th annual Festival of Hops, with 48 draft lines dedicated to the country's best variety of pale ales, IPAs and double IPAs. Basically any beer that will bite your tongue off. Customers can buy flights with 5-oz pours. The tap takeover ends on Jan. 29.
  • At the Happy Gnome, get your tickets for the Great Lakes beer dinner on Jan. 26 (6 p.m.). A five course meal will be paired with six beer courses. $80 a person.

Read about Draft's 100 best beer bars here.

(Above photo by Tom Wallace, at the Muddy Pig)