So talking about beer, the good ones are more regional.
Personally I like most things Schells but if you aren't in the upper midwest you've probably never heard of it. Surlys is the most popular brewery in Minneapolis for the beer snob crowd but their stuff is too hoppy for me. Their imperial stout is awesome but it's expensive as hell. New Glarus has a flagship beer called spotted cow which is the best beer I've ever had but it's only available in Wisconsin. If anyone makes it up there I highly recommend.
As far as something you can get most anywhere Shiner and Fat Tire are the best IMO. I'd recommend anything anything from Kona as well. It's Hawaiian beer but fairly well distributed. Longboards are their flagship beer and its great but for an easy summer drinker Long Boards are as good as it gets.