A product with the original Schlitz label, made in San Antonio, is priced with the cheaper-than-Bud beers and is very good. Maybe only available in Texas, though. If you see it, try it.
In the midwest, Leinenkugel is the same price as Bud, and their original is still an outstanding beer. In Wisconsin, Point and Hubers are both the same price as Bud, and among the best.
It’s kind of hard to find even in Texas; the only place I know of that sells it is a local beer/wine/liquor megastore (Spec’s). None of the local grocery stores do.
I guess the OP’s question needs some clarification- are we looking for beer nerd “best” beers, or are we looking for step-up mass-market lagers?
In the first category, I’d look at the beers I mentioned up thread.
In the second, I’d probably go with something like Spaten, Stella Artois or possibly one of the Mexican beers- I’m partial to Negra Modelo or Modelo Especial, myself. (and at Christmas, I really like the Noche Buena beer by Cerveceria Moctezuma (same as Dos Equis)).
Stella Artois is my favorite beer that’s widely available at the places where I would have a beer with my meal. I don’t drink enough beer at home to keep it around, but I’d assume it’s available in most grocery stores.
Atlanta has become a city that’s really interested in craft beer pretty recently, so our supermarkets (and even Walmarts!) tend to have a good selection. The OP’s location is Brooklyn, so you should have a good selection as well (and for a ‘local’, Brooklyn Brewing is quite good).
For more around country type of beer, Sam Adams or Sierra Nevada or New Belgium are usually found in many places.
I think Ballast Point doesn’t necessarily fit on the list of solid if unspectacular, tbh. They are one of the best new brewers I’ve tasted (well, they’ve likely been around on the West Coast for a while, but reached the East Coast not that long ago). Haven’t had a bad beer from them and they make my favorite Pale Ale (Grunion) and one of my favorite IPAs (Sculpin - which is really popular among the folks I know). So… I’d refer to them as solid and spectacular.
Sam Adams, Fat Tire, Sierra Nevada, Schlafly, and – because they don’t sell it in my neck of the woods so it’s always a treat when I get it, even if people who live there don’t think it’s anything special – Yeungling.
Ditto on the Ballast Point being what I would call a premium craft.
In Kansas, you can get the basic Boulevard beers especially Boulevard wheat about anywhere. They are good solid beers but you have to get to their Smokestack series of beers for really good beer.
Sam Adams is my go-to choice almost every time. Nothing wrong with the traditional Boston Lager but I rotate through the seasonal brews through the year to keep from getting bored with it.
I like Leinenkugel, but that’s too high-falutin’ for the supermarkets here in St. Paul. If they don’t deliver it on a pallet, they don’t stock it.
I usually get Moose Drool beer. What? You don’t live in Montana?
They sell Moose Drool in grocery stores here in Illinois, too. Absolutely terrible name for a pretty good beer.
In Canada (at least in Toronto), you can’t buy alcoholic beverages in the supermarket. You want beer, you have to go to The Beer Store.
Blue Moon with a slice of orange is my favorite.
I could sit here (trying to watch BLUES hockey) and type a scathing diatribe and throw in some accolades about most of the beers mentioned above.
Beer “love” is in the eye of the beholder, or “hander” in this case. I can drink just about any beer and enjoy it… but there are a few that i deeply “love”.
Deschutes “fresh squeezed” and “tasting’ freshies”
Lagunitas IPA (as i wait for the next batch of “undercover investigation shutdown”)
Schlafly’s Tasmanian IPA
Youngs Double Chocolate Stout
This list could go on and on…WAY past 11. Way way past!!
Michelob is very good and most supermarkets carry it.
I always stock Miller for parties.
Put both brands in a tub of ice. Guests pick whichever they want.
Busch Light. And I absolutely love sex in a canoe. woo hoo!
At my supermarket, it’s Chimay.
Do they sell Yuengling in grocery stores? (I live in PA, so forgive my ignorance). If so, go with Yuengling.
The OP should be able to, since he’s in Brooklyn.
But I thought everyone in Brooklyn was required to find the most obscure beer possible.
There is a Rite Aid two blocks away from my house that sells beer. I’m not willing to travel any further than that.