Let’s get this out of the way right away: The best breweries are always the ones with kids roving. Who doesn’t want to tuck into a luscious hazy IPA with children darting past your chair, screaming, firing Nerf darts, being young and carefree?

In case you aren’t a beer nerd, the most dedicated members of the imbibing community argue over kids in breweries all the time, with nobody ever changing anyone else’s opinions about a silly issue that has already been decided anyway: If a brewery allows children, then children are allowed. If not, they’re not. Choose the ones you prefer. There’s no debate to be had.

The best brewery is just … whatever you happen to enjoy. My take would be that it makes the most sense to drink local — truly local, not that Guinness joint — because then you’re supporting people living and creating here.

But do what feels right. It’s beer.

If you’ve wanted to explore taprooms in the city (we’ll get to the counties at a later date), here are some thoughts about where to get started. The list is not meant to be exhaustive and I haven’t ranked them. I’ve included a beer recommendation at each spot, but the magic of these places is that many frequently introduce new brews. And you’ll always find a bartender who can guide you to a style you might enjoy.

Union Craft Brewing

1700 W. 41st St.

I’ll always adore this place. That’s partly because I wandered upon its original location shortly after it opened, on a walk with my then-toddler son, and found a warm community of beer lovers hunched over a bar fit for about five people. Things have, uh, grown since then — into a sprawling warehouse. But you also have to admire what Union has done with their new building. A lot of breweries talk about building community; Union went and did it.

You should try: Double Duckpin

Peabody Heights Brewery

401 E. 30th St.

What started as a brewery incubator has evolved into an essential part of one of my favorite neighborhoods. There’s almost always something interesting happening here, and they have arcade games.

You should try: Lord Pumpkin, a Belgian dark strong ale (emphasis on strong) with pumpkin and maple syrup. It’s much better than any mass produced pumpkin beer you’ll see flooding the shelves in a few weeks. (If they ever make another Lost Generation stout, get that.)

Nepenthe Brewing Co.

3626 Falls Road

Born from a home brew store that kept getting flooded in its spot closer to the Jones Falls, Nepenthe has flourished in its new home along Falls Road in Hampden. It also has some of the city’s best burgers, but that’s a list for another day.

You should try: Muggle Juice, when they have it. Everything here is good, but this is also truly unique.

Checkerspot

1421 Ridgely St.

Though I haven’t checked out the new space, the location — it’s walkable to the stadiums at Camden Yards — is enviable.

You should try: Fancy Pants might be my favorite local IPA. It’s juicy, with distinct tropical notes from the cashmere hops, but not cloyingly sweet.

The Brewer’s Art

1106 N. Charles St.

There are a lot of things you can do to become a real Baltimoron: Name your kid Brooks; name your kid Cal; name your kid Adley and/or Gunnar. You get it. But if you haven’t closed out a night at the basement bar here your credentials are in serious doubt.

You should try: Pengu — just kidding, it’s Resurrection.

Wet City

223 W. Chase St.

Once a beloved dive bar known for its pool tables, this space is now … entirely different. The vibes are immaculate, the food is even better and the beer is inventive and diverse. A perfect spot before a show at the Lyric or Meyerhoff, or for some late-night eats.

You should try: Dope (or Double Dope). Lives up to the name.

Suspended Brewing Company

TBA, but in Hampden somewhere

Though I’ve been on plenty of brewery tours and even dabbled in home brewing, I’m always shocked to sip a beer from Suspended and find that, somehow, you can just tell how much dedication went into it. Everything is just so well made. Can’t wait to visit their new spot in Hampden when it opens.

You should try: Leda. Any variety you can find.

Ministry of Brewing

1900 E. Lombard St.

Sip delicious brews in a beautiful old church refurbished by founders who truly care about the surrounding community and creating a space that is welcoming to all. Not to get religious on you, but there’s something spiritual about it.

You should try: The Point. Sure, it shares a name with the best sports newsletter in Baltimore, but it is also an absolutely exhilarating Pilsner.

Mobtown Brewing Company

4015 Foster Ave., Suite 400

The definition of a neighborhood brewery. It is my life goal to buy a house nearby and hear everyone at the bar turn and say my name whenever I stop in for my nightly pint. It’s so easy to feel at home here.

You should try: Breaking Bradish. The brewery’s second collaboration with an Orioles pitcher, this one is a beautifully pungent hazy IPA that delivers pineapple, passionfruit and peach as it slides across your palate.

Monument

1 N. Haven St.

This might be the most well-rounded brewery in the city. Every beer I’ve ever had here is an above-average example of that style. That’s an absurdly difficult thing to pull off.

You should try: 51 Rye IPA. Combining the spice of rye with citrus-forward hops requires a delicate balance, and this always hits. This is my go-to for late September, when the weather starts to cool and you know fall days are coming.

Diamondback

1215 E. Fort Ave.

Great beer. Some of the best pizza in the city. How can you go wrong?

You should try: Just checked their tap list to find maybe some of my favorite news of the summer — Omar’s OPA is back on tap. This is an oat pale ale that I last had about nine years ago, and I’ve spent a fair bit of time awaiting its return since then.