#41. Madison
The capital of Wisconsin, Madison is a major hub for health and biotech industries along with state government jobs. Home to the University of Wisconsin, the city has a vibrant music and entertainment scene along with a microbrewery presence that now features 16 companies. While our pick for best beer is Ale Asylum Ambergeddon, Capital Brewery is a favorite as well. Madison is also the only city on our list, to our knowledge, that has a beer named after its “often cantankerous” civic leader. The Belgian-style Pale Ale at Mad City Frites “honors” Mayor Paul Soglin, who oppsed the establishment’s liquor license.