Why Georgia Is a Craft Beer Hotspot
Each state has embraced craft beer at its own pace, with some major markets only now enjoying fully developed brewing scenes. Arcane alcohol laws have constantly challenged the South, but if you spend any time in cities like Atlanta or Savannah, you’ll know Georgia is playing catch-up with nobody.
Georgia’s beer industry boasts thriving communities in larger cities like Atlanta, Athens, Savannah, and Augusta. You won’t find homogeneous offerings like in Southern California or New England; you’ll find an incredible variety of beer styles. There will be hazy IPAs everywhere, but barrel-aged sours, farmhouse ales, and European-style lagers are all highly prevalent.
Like its general population, Atlanta’s breweries have been growing like wildfire as tech startups and other industries have changed the landscape. ATL has become as trendy a city as any in the country, and now there are dozens of taprooms and bottleshops to serve these thirsty transplants.
But which breweries should you hit on your trip down to Georgia? Here are a few of the best:
Bold Monk Brewing – Atlanta
With an elegant taproom pouring even more elegant Belgian and European-inspired beers, Bold Monk offers a decidedly elevated brewery experience. The taproom’s leafy patio will make you forget you’re in the middle of Atlanta. Make a reservation beforehand because this spot is a popular date night or group dinner destination.
Must-try beers: The Way Tripel, Indominus Quadrupel, Chant Pilsner
Bold Monk Brewing
1737 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Scofflaw Brewing – Atlanta
This trendy and inviting brewery now has two taprooms, one in Bolton and one in Underwood Hills. Both are outfitted with popular patios and extensive tap lists featuring their IPAs and cocktail creations. If you’re a beer drinker who never grew up, you’ll love their taproom’s games and buzzy patio.
Must-try beers: Basement IPA, Nice Lager, Quest Coast IPA
Scofflaw Brewing
1738 MacArthur Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Glover Park Brewer – Marietta
This approachable and family-friendly brewery operates a taproom just off Marietta’s historic town square. It’s the ideal lunch spot for a family trip to the town. Their menu is filled with beers and seltzers that’ll appeal to all palates—just keep an eye out for creations made with Georgia peaches and other local fruit. The brewery is an all-season destination, with a beer garden along with a cozy taproom, and a kitchen.
Must-try beers: Off The Tracks West Coast IPA, McNerney’s Irish Nitro Stout
Glover Park Brewer
65 Atlanta St SE, Marietta, GA 30060
Good Word Brewing & Public House – Duluth
This brewery zagged while everyone else zigged, focusing more on beautiful renditions of traditional European styles rather than ubiquitous IPAs. The stately taproom feels more like a library than a brewery, which makes it ideal for cozy evenings during the winter or a rainy day. It’s less kid-friendly than other options, but perfect for date night.
Must-try beers: Digital Comforts English Bitter, Wolves At The Door Vienna-Style Lager, Halda Dunkel
Good Word Brewing & Public House
3085 Main St, Duluth, GA 30096
Creature Comforts Brewing Co. – Athens
One of the few transplants to set up shop in Georgia, SoCal mainstay Creature Comforts saw the opportunity to enter the Southern Market and set up shop in one of the most interesting spaces in Athens. Their year-round beers are perfect for nostalgic beer drinkers looking for West Coast IPAs and drinkable lagers. The taproom brings California flavors to a former tire shop in central Athens. Their spacious layout is the perfect setting for visiting families or alumni hitting up a football game.
Must-try beers: Tropicália IPA, Bibo Lager, Flash Cat Imperial IPA
Creature Comforts Brewing Co.
271 W Hancock Ave, Athens, GA 30601
Service Brewing Co. – Savannah
This veteran-owned (and themed) brewery utilizes locally-sourced ingredients for their year-round brews, along with Research and Development specialty batches. Sandwiched between the riverfront and downtown Savannah, Service Brewing’s taproom is a comfortable place to bring the family before dinner or after a walking tour of the city.
Must-try beers: Compass Rose IPA, Rally Point Pilsner
Service Brewing
574 Indian St, Savannah, GA 31401
Two Tides Brewing Brewin Co. – Savannah
What’s likely Savannah’s (and possibly Georgia’s) best brewery, Two Tides, brings specialty IPAs, sours, and stouts to this unassuming town to satisfy the student population and hordes of travelers. Expect hipsters—and lots of them. Their room is situated in an old house in one of Savannah’s trendiest (and that’s saying something) parts of town. It’ll feel like a house party, as you’ll find a record player, games, and multiple bars pouring their superb beers.
Must-try beers: Could It Be So Simple IPA, Smol Lager, Jumble Sour
Two Tides Brewing Co.
12 W 41st St, Savannah, GA 31401
New Realm Brewing – Atlanta
This pragmatic brand offers highly drinkable beers, including low-cal IPAs and low-ABV lagers ideal for sipping on their rooftop bar overlooking the skyline. Their AlphaWater seltzer line has become an ATL go-to, but you’ll still find some hefty stouts and IPAs in the lineup. On any given day, you’ll find hundreds of twentysomethings packing the taproom off the Beltline, an elevated green space connecting different Atlanta neighborhoods. It’s a lively atmosphere with one of the city’s best rooftop patios, so make a reservation or get there early!
Must-try beers: Hazy Like a Fox IPA, Kickflipper IPA, Blackberry Smoke Lager
New Realm Brewing
550 Somerset Terrace NE #101, Atlanta, GA 30306
Monday Night Brewing – Atlanta
Monday Night has done as much for Atlanta’s beer scene as any brewery, which makes them a favorite for local OG beer geeks. Their beers range from approachable lagers to heady Double IPAs and barrel-aged stouts. Expect a comfortable space with wood-fired pizzas from their stone oven and rotating food trucks or pop-ups.
Must-try beers: Space Lettuce DIPA, Situational Ethics Barrel-Aged S’mores Imperial Stout, Panic Button Mixed Culture Amber Ale
Monday Night Brewing
670 Trabert Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Hop Atomica – Savannah
The elegant branding and vibe are reminiscent of a winery, but this outfit brews some of Savannah’s top beers. You can count on a rotating list of familiar IPAs and more interesting Belgian-inspired creations. Their cocktail menu is as solid as their draft options. Hop Atomica’s space skews more towards restaurant than traditional taproom, but their wood-fired pizzas and superb patio are worthy of any Savannah date night.
Must-try beers: Party Glasses Bière Brut, Taste the Rainbow IPA
Hop Atomica
535 E 39th St, Savannah, GA 31401
Georgia Beer Festivals & Events to Check Out
Georgia’s pleasant weather makes it easy to visit any time of year, but planning around one of these events can level up your trip:
- Atlanta Summer Beer Festival (Historic Fourth Ward Park)
- Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting
- Belgians in the Beer Garden (Bold Monk Brewing in Atlanta)
- Classic City Brew Fest (Athens)
- Savannah Craft Brew Fest
- Georgia Beer Day (statewide)
- Brew at the Zoo (Atlanta)
Final Thoughts: How to Plan Your Georgia Beer Adventure
Like anywhere, you’ll want to put a little effort in before your trip to Savannah or Atlanta. Here are a few tips for researching your upcoming trip:
- Check each taproom’s hours and event calendar to see when to visit.
- Atlanta’s a big city! Always plan around public transport or Uber, because you won’t want to be driving.
- Depending on your travel plans, bring Georgia beers back home with you!
