I understand on the API issue, I've looked through that sort of thing too. The problem with that is if you invent any sort of beer site, you automagically have to try and compete with the big boys.
The usage problem I'm seeing is that if I search 'beer louisville ky', I get pubcrawler (which does put location first, but for argument is a horrible website) followed by all of my local pubs. If I were to search for 'hoptimus' which is a very likely query after visiting one of our local pubs, I get BA & RB followed by the pub's website. What use cases do you have that somebody would find your site useful over Google? Remember: these people have to be actively looking for pubs in the area already or they wouldn't have been interested in your page to begin with.
To me, you have many fronts of competition all better stocked with information here. You need more compelling reasons for use than just location information. One thought I've had (not to give away my own million dollar ideas) is crowd sourced beer stock information. Knowing where I can find that last bottle of Lucky Bastard would be pretty awesome. Not that I'd ever voluntarily fill in information to help other people find rare beers I want to buy on my next paycheck! ;)