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[title]OTHER NOMINEES: Alewife Queens, The Cannibal, Taproom No. 307
With craft-beer bars proliferating these days, only a blockbuster like Eataly’s rooftop brewpub could stir you from your IPA-induced stupor. While other newcomers fostered loyal regulars, La Birreria has been a destination drinkery since Day One, practically demanding a pilgrimage to its lofty perch to worship at the altar of Italian brewing. Finally, Gotham’s brewhounds had a direct line to one of the world’s most exciting new beer regions: an unprecedented stash of beers from the Boot, as well as innovative house-made ales reflecting trends on both sides of the Atlantic. You guzzled them all with accomplished rustic eats (fat probusto sausages, fennel-laced quail, gorgeous salumi) that were as satisfying 15 stories high as they would be at a taverna in the Italian alps. 200 Fifth Ave at 23rd St (212-937-8910, eatalyny.com/eat/birreria)