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Atlanta Breweries Guide: Where to Drink Craft Beer Near the City

Our favorite places to go near the city for locally-brewed, hand-crafted beers.

After a hot and sunny Atlanta day, there’s nothing like drinking a cold craft beer with your friends at one of the many breweries.

craft beer drink distilled at atlanta breweries

With outdoor dining, local brews, and a relaxed vibe, a brewery is ideal for hanging out. Plus, in a city known for its food scene, the breweries are no exception.

The only tricky part about visiting an Atlanta brewery is choosing the right one to visit. That’s why I’ve made this list so you can get the down-low on the 15 best breweries in Atlanta.

Check out my list of the best breweries in Atlanta below!


Monday Night Brewing

670 Trabert Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 404-352-7703
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Owing its name to the Monday night bible study that led this brewery, Monday Night Brewing is the perfect spot to grab a beer and catch up with friends.

It’s chill, friendly, and all about the brews. They make small-batch craft beers that are usually pretty hop-forward.

But, if that’s not your thing, they also make barrel-aged, fruited sours and truly one-of-a-kind experiments.

They’ve got two locations in Atlanta. The main one is in the west midtown, but you can also visit their taproom along the BeltLine trail for their more experimental beers.


Bold Monk Brewing Co.

1737 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW suite d-1, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 404-390-3288
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Just outside the Underwood Hills neighborhood of Atlanta, Bold Monk Brewing Co. is a spot to just be for a while.

With an on-site restaurant, coffee house, library, and lush beer garden, you can spend hours enjoying the relaxed vibe and delicious beer and food.

Speaking of beer, they have a long list of brews always on tap. From their quadruple dark Belgian ale to the tropical Compassion golden ale, there’s something for everyone at Bold Monk.

Along with your beer, you can enjoy their extensive food menu with flavorful salads, pub classics, and mussels (or even a hot dog)!


SweetWater Brewing Company

195 Ottley Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: 770-876-0251
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Located at the start of the BeltLine trail, SweetWater is the perfect brewery to catch an afternoon drink after a day of enjoying Atlanta.

Their beer list is filled with light, sippable brews like the Tropicolada tropical IPA or the Blood Orange Radler!

However, if beers aren’t your thing, check out their new canned vodka sodas or hard seltzer in fruity flavors.

You won’t be disappointed with anything you choose for food. My favorite was their famous nachos with blackened chicken and beer cheese!

They also have full entrees good for the whole family if you want to catch dinner.


Arches Brewing

3361 Dogwood Dr, Hapeville, GA 30354
Phone: 678-973-0252
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Right by the airport, Arches Brewing is a great first stop (or even layover hangout) in Atlanta! Their bread and butter are lagers, but they also shine with their American and European-style ales.

Their beer is made slow with traditional processes and modern, creative flavors. I tried and loved the Southside Lager, a delicious amber lager with floral notes reminiscent of the local flora of Atlanta.

While they do not have an on-site restaurant, they allow local restaurants to deliver straight to your table, so you can chow down on the best poke, Vietnamese cuisine, pizza, and Greek food that Atlanta offers.


Eventide Brewing

1015 Grant St SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Phone: 404-907-4543
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Four friends and lots of experimental brews created the magic behind Eventide Brewing in Peoplestown by Downtown Atlanta.

They make a wide range of craft brews beyond the normal hoppy IPAs. For a light sipper, their flagship Kolsch ale is a year-round winner.

The Citrus Grove Hefeweizen and Boots to the Yard organize creamsicle IPA were my favorites. They offer local packaged snacks like King of Pops popsicles and Carolina Kettle Chips.

But if you’re looking for a bigger meal, check out their food truck schedule in their weekly newsletter!


Fire Maker Brewing Company

975 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 678-705-8777
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Fire Maker is family-run and owned; you’ll feel like family the minute you walk in their doors. That Southern hospitality and crisp, delicious beer even earned them the #2 Best New Brewery in the US by USA Today after being open for less than a year.

Owner Elliot Hall spent ten years researching and working in craft beer before opening Fire Maker, and the result is a long list of creative, super drinkable beers that go down just a little too easily.

Check out the Calamity Jane Blonde or Way Down Yonder Golden Ale to see what I mean. Dig into some delicious on-site Scoville Hot Chicken with your beer for a fantastic pairing.


Halfway Crooks Beer

60 Georgia Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: 678-705-5530
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Halfway Crooks in the Summerhill neighborhood is a great spot to head after a hot day exploring Atlanta.

It’s an oasis in the city with an open-air, dog-friendly rooftop, cafe and bar, and lush (soon-to-be renovated) Biergarten downstairs!

Their beer list is as creative as it is extensive, with unique finds like Merino, a New Zealand Pale Ale, and Vary, a Czech-style lager that is lagered in oak puncheons for an extended time.

Their food menu is also filled with delicious treats like Bretonne sausage and BBQ pork sliders. I enjoyed the Belgian stoof fries, which are fries topped with stoofvleessaus, which is Belgian beer braised beef and gravy. 


Orpheus Brewing

1440 Dutch Valley Pl NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: 404-347-1777
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Orpheus Brewing sits on the edge of beautiful Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Despite being in the heart of bustling Atlanta, you’ll feel like you’re in a country garden, thanks to the lush atmosphere.

Brewed by a trumpet player turned brewmaster, the beer list is imaginative and experimental, with a particular focus on sours and barrel-aged beers.

However, you can still find amazing classics like IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their food menu is made to match: classics like hot dogs amplified with Argentinian sausage and chimichurri.

Plus, the charcuterie boards are big enough to feed everyone! All meats are humanely raised, and you can sub in Beyond Meat for all sausages.


Second Self Beer Company

1317 Logan Cir NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 678-916-8035
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Started by two best friends who would home brew and dream about a better life without their corporate jobs, Second Self Beer Company in Underwood Hills is all about living the dream.

And their beers drink like a dream. The Thai Wheat ginger and lemongrass wheat beer are smooth, refreshing, and extremely crisp.

My personal favorite, the La Fria Caribbean lager, will have you playing the steel drums in your mind with every sip.

While they don’t have an on-site restaurant, they let you bring in your own food, so you’ll get to eat whatever you’re craving.

They also constantly have community events like comedy nights, live music, and even a Girl Scouts cookie and beer pairing!


Wild Heaven West End Brewery & Gardens

1010 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
Phone: 404-254-2232
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Wild Heaven West End Brewery & Gardens has two Atlanta locations: one in Avondale Estates and one in the West End neighborhood.

The West End is the more built-up spot, so head there for more selection and energy! Their beer menu is fun and flavorful.

With crowd favorites like the White Blackbird, a Belgian Saison featuring peppercorn, pears, and Chardonnay! Or sip a Tropical EDB (Emergency Drinking Beer) that has passion fruit and guava.

Alongside your beer (or non-alcoholic drink), you can dig into a refreshing summer feta salad, crispy fried chicken sandwich, or platter of tasty wings!


Atlanta Brewing Company

2323 Defoor Hills Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 404-355-5289

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You can’t have a list of the best breweries in Atlanta without mentioning Atlanta Brewing Company, the first craft brewery in all of Georgia! Since 1993.

They’ve been serving up their iconic beers in the Hanover West neighborhood.

Some of their most iconic beers are the rich Atlanta Amber American amber ale, smooth Lager on my Mind American lager, and crisp Hartfield IPA.

The taproom is dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and the perfect spot to spend an afternoon. Instead of an on-site kitchen, they partner with local restaurants to deliver right to your table.


Best End Brewing Company

1036 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
Phone: 470-391-0999
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If you want Tiki bar vibes and delicious beers, Best End Brewing Company in West End and right on the BeltLine is the spot for you.

They have a beautifully designed space, chill energy, and, most importantly, a long list of funky beers. For IPA-lovers, the Lack of Fokus is hop-forward and oh-so juicy.

If you prefer something lighter, the Salsa Shark Gose is smooth and fresh. Plus, there’s a whole lot more–from brown ales to pilsners!

They have one of the most extensive food menus of any brewery in the area featuring massive charcuterie boards, decadent buffalo chicken dip, and cauliflower nuggets.


Gate City Brewing Company

43 Magnolia St, Roswell, GA 30075
Phone: 678-404-0961
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Only a 30-minute drive from downtown Atlanta in Roswell, Gate City Brewing Company combines the natural beauty of the Chattahoochee River area with the crisp, refreshing taste of craft beer.

The taproom at Gate city is a gorgeous two-story space that constantly hosts local bands, community groups, and friends.

They always have 20 craft beers on tap, but you can also enjoy their house-made cocktails if that’s more your thing!

There’s no attached kitchen, but they host local food trucks that rotate throughout the month, so there’s always something new to feast on!


Jekyll Brewing

2855 Marconi Dr Ste 350, Alpharetta, GA 30005
Phone: 470-273-5932
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In charming Alpharetta, GA, just 30 minutes from downtown, Jekyll Brewing is a relaxed, fun spot to grab a beer and classic Southern food.

While they stay true to their Southern roots, Jekyll also takes inspiration from beer culture around the world with their lineup of brews.

For example, there is my favorite, their Southern Juice IPA. It is a classic English-style IPA made with flavorful southern fruits.

Or the Moon People Belgian Wit with tangerine and coriander. There’s no shortage of creativity and flavor here!

It’s also a family-friendly space with a special kids menu and a main menu that will satisfy everyone.


Reformation Brewery

6255 Riverview Rd SE building 4000 suite 200, Smyrna, GA 30126
Phone: 678-716-7131
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The always-popping Reformation Brewery in Smyrna is less than 20 minutes from Atlanta’s downtown. With almost daily events like trivia nights, karaoke, bingo, and delicious beers, it’s non-stop fun.

Their beer list is super extensive, so even the pickiest drinkers can find something they love. The Alina sour ale is great for wine lovers, while beer connoisseurs will appreciate the Jude Belgian tripel ale.

If you get hungry, you can grab some of the best BBQ in Atlanta at Grand Champion BBQ just next door!


Final Thoughts

Those are the best breweries in Atlanta. No matter if you want a full family-friendly restaurant and brewery, like Jekyll Brewing, or just a chill spot to spend a quiet afternoon with some craft beers, like Orpheus Brewing, Atlanta has the breweries for you!

You’re bound to get hungry after a few beers, so head on down to these healthy vegan restaurants in the ATL.

Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!


Best Breweries in Atlanta

  1. Monday Night Brewing
  2. Bold Monk Brewing Co.
  3. SweetWater Brewing Company
  4. Arches Brewing
  5. Eventide Brewing
  6. Fire Maker Brewing Company
  7. Halfway Crooks Beer
  8. Orpheus Brewing
  9. Second Self Beer Company
  10. Wild Heaven West End Brewery & Gardens
  11. Atlanta Brewing Company
  12. Best End Brewing Company
  13. Gate City Brewing Company
  14. Jekyll Brewing
  15. Reformation Brewery (Smyrna)

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian has been an influencer in the food and beverage industry for over 20 years. He not only loves to eat and drink at restaurants on a regular basis, he also knows the business inside and out.