While the South Bay may not have the same amount of breweries per capita as other regions, there are still many good micro breweries in the area.

Whether you’re a beer snob, a cicerone in training or you just enjoy trying new brews, here is a list of some top micro breweries.

Gordon Biersch
Located in downtown San Jose, this local brewery produces great German style beers, served alongside a large menu at a downtown San Jose restaurant and brewery. Longtime favorites include their Hefeweizen and Blonde Bock, as well as seasonal brews such as their Fest Bier for Oktoberfest.

Los Gatos Brewing Company
With a location in Los Gatos as well as downtown San Jose at San Pedro Square, LGBC carries six satisfying beers. Their selection ranges from light crisp ales, such as their Pilsner and Pale Ale, to a nutty malted British Mild and the dark and chocolaty Sherman Stout.

Tied House
A Mountain View favorite since 1988, Tied House has six wonderful beers ranging from Amber Light to the award winning Ironwood Dark and Oatmeal Stout. The Ironwood, a dark English Brown Ale, was the 2010 first place winner at the California beer festival as well as wining gold at the Great American Beer Festival. All of Tied House’s beer go well with their menu of baby back ribs, wild game burgers and smoked chicken.

Fault line Brewery
This Sunnyvale brewery has a huge list of available beers, ranging from hefeweizen and an award-winning pale ale to the unique German style Doppel Bock and Holiday Strong. Beer lovers will find locally made brews similar to their favorites, such as the Belgian White, which is similar to popular Belgium-brewed Hoegaarden. Additionally, Faultlines Belgian Tripel, modeled after monk tapestry brewed beer, is much like the popular Chimay brand.

Firehouse Brewery
Sunnyvale’s Firehouse Brewery combines a sports bar atmosphere, wood fired pizzas and hand-crafted beer. With a selection of hefewiezen, pale ale, red ale and a porter, Firehouse is a great option for those who prefer a more robust beverage than watery domestics during the week’s big game.

Where do you go for a cold one?