By Kerry Cyganiewicz

Sometimes, you just want to grab a beer. Other times, you’re trying to impress a date, celebrate, hang out with friends or drown your sorrows. Worcester has so many great places to grab a cold one, so we put together a guide on where to grab a beer.

When you … are looking for a great beer.
Try Armsby Abbey, 144 N. Main St.

Artisanal ~ that is the one word that comes to mind when I think of Armsby Abbey. The beer, cocktails and food are all from the finest purveyors, local when possible. You will not find any mass market beers here. What you will find is some of the best beer available anywhere in the world, right here in Worcester. Some awards they have won include Draft Magazine Top 100 Beer Bars in the Country three years in a row, Beer Advocate Magazine Top 5 Beer Bars in the U.S., Ratebeer.com Top 20 Beer Bars in the World, Wine Enthusiast Magazine No. 1 Beer Trailblazer in the U.S., and Andy Crouch rated Armsby one of the Top 20 Beer Bars in the country in his latest book Great American Craft Beer, published by Running Press. On top of all that, the beer dinners and brunch make it a must-visit.

When you …are looking for somewhere to take a date,
Try Brew City, 104 Shrewsbury St.

This is one of Worcester’s original places to grab a craft beer. It is my go-to date spot for many reasons. It has an ever-changing selection on tap, as well as a respectable bottle list. It is quiet enough to talk, yet noisy enough that everyone won’t hear you. There is dark, secluded parking on site if things are going good; if they are going bad, the highway is nearby for a quick getaway. The bartender never asks who the new girl is; he just asks for my order with a wink. While there, be sure to check out the burger menu. There’s one topped with a fried egg and another with a ravioli. Yes, that’s right, a burger with a ravioli.

When you …are on a great date,
Try Tara Pub, 62 Green St.

That’s right, I said Tara Pub on Green Street. Why you ask? For starters, the pub has a drink called an Irish Mai Tai. Picture a strong Chinese restaurant drink, only green instead of orange. The Narragansett here tastes better than anywhere else in the world. Why? I have no clue. Be sure to sit at the far end of the bar facing the door. That is one of the best people-watching seats in the city. If it isn’t your thing, read on for other places within walking distance of this Green Street icon.

When you …want to be outside,
Try Dive Bar, 34 Green St.

Looking for a place to grab an excellent beer with outside seating? More than just a patio, the Dive Bar has a 2,600-square-foot outdoor beer garden that is like an oasis in the city. It’s one of the many places that makes that Canal District special. The tap lines are continually rotating and you always have the opportunity to try something different.

When you …have to break up with someone or want to catch some great local live music,
Try Lucky Dog, 89 Green St.

Said in the voice of Morpheus from The Matrix: “What if I told you that you could catch some excellent local live music, enjoy a premium craft beer and break up with that certain someone all at the same time?”

The Lucky Dog has a great selection of craft beer to go with its other drink offerings. It also has some of the best local live music in the city, including many Worcester Music Award-winners. It also has many means of exit. It is loud enough where your significant other won’t be sure if he or she heard, “It’s not me, it’s you” or “It’s not you, it’s me.” However you decide to do it, you have your choice of doors to hit the street after the deed is done.

When you …want to smoke along with your beer,
Try Michael’s Cigar Bar, 1 Exchange St.

The beer selection is very good. Stone Brewing, Clown Shoes and Dog Fish Head are some of the breweries I recognized from the taps. Last time I was there, the guy next to me raved about the cigar selection, while others smoked hooka, cigarettes and even a pipe. For a special treat, go there on a night Chris Reddy is playing.