For my all time favourite brewpub with local clientele, take the number 18 tram from the Main Station ("Hauptbahnhof") to the Sulzburgstrasse stop (about 15 minutes in total) On the right hand side from the tram stop you'll find the Reissdorf em Unkelbach

Considering walking distance to the brewpubs in the Old Town area, it's not any further timewise. Less congested (apart from the Carnival heydays) and more returning customers so they put an emphasis on service and food.