Best Atlanta Breweries: Where to Drink Local in the ATL

Atlanta’s brewery scene has grown into one of the most interesting in the Southeast, mixing Southern hospitality with serious craft beer. Whether you live ITP, are staying near the BeltLine, or you’re flying in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson, you’re never far from a good taproom.

Below is a practical guide to some of the best Atlanta breweries, how they differ, and what to know before you go.

Quick Snapshot: Top Atlanta Breweries by Vibe

All locations and offerings can change; it’s smart to check a brewery’s current hours, tap list, and event schedule before you go.

How the Atlanta Brewery Scene Is Laid Out

If you’re planning a brewery day in Atlanta, it helps to think in clusters:

• BeltLine & Intown East: New Realm, Elsewhere, Eventide, Orpheus
• Westside / Upper Westside: Monday Night, Atlanta Brewing, Scofflaw, Fire Maker, Bold Monk
• Midtown / Armour Yards: SweetWater
• Grant Park & South of I-20: Eventide, Elsewhere

You can often park once or rideshare and walk between a couple of breweries in the same area, especially in West End (Lee + White), Upper Westside, and along parts of the BeltLine.

SweetWater Brewing Company

Area: Midtown / Armour Yards
Why locals go: One of the most recognizable Atlanta beer brands, big space, lots of taps.

SweetWater is a go-to starting point for people trying Atlanta beer for the first time. The taproom typically features their well-known IPAs plus taproom-only specialties and seasonal releases.

What to expect:

• Large indoor tasting room and big outdoor patio
• Often food options on-site or from nearby vendors
• A mix of classic hop-forward beers and lighter options

Good for: Groups, out-of-town visitors, and anyone who wants the “Atlanta brewery institution” experience.

New Realm Brewing Co. (BeltLine – Old Fourth Ward)

Area: Eastside BeltLine / Old Fourth Ward
Why it stands out: Full-scale brewpub with a big menu, rooftop views, and BeltLine access.

New Realm is one of the most visitor-friendly breweries in Atlanta because it’s easy to reach on foot or by scooter from many intown neighborhoods and hotels.

Highlights:

• Full kitchen with burgers, shareable plates, and family-friendly options
• Rooftop and patio areas with a view toward the skyline
• Beer range from lagers and IPAs to rotating specialties and seasonal releases
• Right off the Eastside BeltLine Trail, so you can combine it with a walk or bike ride

Good for: Mixed groups where not everyone is a big beer drinker, or when you want food and drinks in one stop.

Monday Night Brewing – The Garage (West End)

Area: West End / Lee + White
Why locals love it: Experimental barrel-aged beers and one of the best indoor–outdoor spaces in town.

Monday Night’s Garage location specializes in sours, stouts, and barrel-aged beers, along with IPAs and lighter styles. It sits in the Lee + White development, which is its own mini food-and-drink district.

What makes it a favorite:

• Huge indoor space with high ceilings plus large patios
• Creative, often higher-ABV specialty beers along with approachable options
• Lawn-like outdoor space that’s kid- and dog-friendly (leashes usually required)
• Lee + White complex includes other breweries, food options, and a BeltLine connection on the Westside Trail

Good for: Group hangouts, events, or a weekend brewery crawl in West End.

Scofflaw Brewing Co.

Area: Bolton / Westside
Known for:Bold, hoppy beers and a laid-back warehouse vibe.

Scofflaw built its reputation on big IPAs and robust styles, and it retains a no-frills, beer-first atmosphere that many locals appreciate.

Expect:

• Taproom tucked into an industrial area with an unpolished, casual feel
• Emphasis on IPAs, double IPAs, and other intense styles, but usually a mix of lighter and seasonal options too
• Food trucks or nearby food options depending on the day

Good for: Hopheads and people who like a relaxed, industrial-style taproom.

Atlanta Brewing Company

Area: Upper Westside
Why it matters: Often recognized as Atlanta’s oldest craft brewery brand.

Atlanta Brewing (which has also been known under other names in the past) tends to offer well-balanced, traditional styles along with modern trends.

What you’ll find:

• A comfortable, semi-industrial taproom
• Core beers like IPAs, lagers, and amber ales plus rotating seasonals
• Often hosts trivia, music, or community events

Good for: Folks who want classic brewery styles from a long-standing Atlanta name.

Orpheus Brewing (Near Piedmont Park)

Area: Near Piedmont Park / Eastside
Specialty:Sours, saisons, and wild ales, plus IPAs and other modern styles.

Orpheus sits close to Piedmont Park and the BeltLine, making it a convenient stop if you’re spending a day outdoors in Midtown.

Notable features:

• Beer list frequently includes tart, fruit-forward, and barrel-aged options
• Patio-style spaces with views of the park area
• Easy to combine with a walk in Piedmont Park or a run on the BeltLine

Good for: People who like distinctive, sometimes funky flavors and want to pair beer with a park day.

Elsewhere Brewing (Grant Park / The Beacon)

Area: Grant Park / The Beacon Atlanta
Vibe: Neighborhood-friendly taproom with European-inspired beers and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.

Elsewhere leans into lagers, pilsners, and balanced European styles, making it a good choice if you want nuanced, lower-ABV options as well as modern American beers.

What to expect:

• Located in The Beacon development, which includes other food and retail businesses
• Food options via an in-house kitchen or nearby eateries (depending on the current setup)
• Indoor taproom plus outdoor seating, often with a calm, local feel

Good for: Date night, lower-key evenings, or when you prefer well-crafted but not overly intense beers.

Eventide Brewing (Grant Park)

Area: Grant Park
Why people like it: Strong “neighborhood brewery” vibe with approachable styles.

Eventide is tucked into a residential section of Grant Park, making it feel like a true locals’ spot.

Look for:

• A lineup with drinkable lagers, pale ales, and accessible styles
• Indoor taproom and outdoor seating suitable for casual hangouts
• Proximity to Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta, so it’s easy to add to a day in the neighborhood

Good for: Laid-back afternoons and people who want straightforward, easy-to-enjoy beers.

Fire Maker Brewing Company (West Midtown)

Area: West Midtown
Vibe: Trendy, colorful, and very group-friendly.

Fire Maker is known for its creative can art and modern beer list, which usually includes hazy IPAs, fruited sours, lagers, and experimental releases.

Highlights:

• Large indoor space with games and a social atmosphere
• Outdoor seating for nice-weather days
• Often features rotating food trucks or nearby food options

Good for: Groups, celebrations, or anyone who wants a fun, lively brewery environment.

Bold Monk Brewing Co. (Upper Westside)

Area: Upper Westside
Focus: Belgian-inspired beers and a full restaurant in a multi-level space.

Bold Monk feels more like a beer-focused restaurant than a basic warehouse taproom. It’s a strong choice if you want both food and carefully made Belgian-style beers like tripels, dubbels, and witbiers.

What stands out:

• Large, atmospheric dining space plus patio seating
• Broad menu with brunch, lunch, and dinner options on many days
• Coffee and non-beer beverages usually available, which is helpful for mixed groups

Good for: Sit-down meals, meeting friends who may not be heavy beer drinkers, and Belgian beer fans.

Planning an Atlanta Brewery Crawl

When you’re putting together a route, think about transportation, clusters, and timing.

1. Choose a Cluster

Some common brewery crawl routes Atlanta visitors and locals often use:

• BeltLine / Intown Route

  • New Realm Brewing Co.
  • Orpheus Brewing (via Piedmont Park)
  • Nearby bars and restaurants along the BeltLine

• Westside / Upper Westside Route

  • Fire Maker Brewing Co.
  • Atlanta Brewing Co.
  • Bold Monk Brewing Co.
  • Scofflaw Brewing Co. (short drive/rideshare between them)

• West End / Lee + White Route

  • Monday Night Garage
  • Other Lee + White food and drink spots nearby

• Grant Park Route

  • Eventide Brewing
  • Elsewhere Brewing at The Beacon
  • Restaurants and coffee shops in Grant Park

Choose two to three breweries in the same general area so you can enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

2. Transportation Tips

• Rideshare: Often the simplest solution, especially between clusters or if you’re staying downtown or in Midtown.
• BeltLine: The Eastside and Westside trails connect several breweries with walkable or bikeable paths.
• MARTA: Certain breweries are a reasonable rideshare or scooter ride from MARTA rail stations, especially in Midtown and West End.

🚗 Safety tip: If you’re sampling at multiple spots, plan ahead for a designated driver, rideshare, or public transit. Brewery days add up quickly.

Family- and Dog-Friendly Brewery Options

Many Atlanta breweries are welcoming to families and dogs, but rules vary and can change.

• Common patterns:
  • Dogs are often allowed on patios or outdoor spaces, but sometimes not indoors.
  • Kids are typically welcome during the day, with some breweries asking for 21+ only in the late evening, especially on weekends or during events.

If this is important to you, look for details like:

• “All ages welcome” or “21+ after a certain time”
• “Dog-friendly patio” or notes about health codes affecting indoor pets

Places like Monday Night Garage, Eventide, and Fire Maker are often seen as kid- and dog-friendly, especially outdoors, but it’s still wise to confirm for your visit date.

Food Options at Atlanta Breweries

Food setups differ widely:

• Full kitchens / brewpubs:

  • New Realm Brewing Co.
  • Bold Monk Brewing Co.
  • Some taprooms that have in-house kitchens or permanent partnerships

• Food trucks / nearby eateries:

  • Monday Night Garage
  • Fire Maker Brewing Co.
  • Eventide Brewing
  • Scofflaw Brewing Co.

If you’re planning a longer stay, it’s smart to check whether a brewery has:

• A posted food truck schedule
• A full kitchen
• Nearby walkable restaurants (for example, The Beacon near Elsewhere or Lee + White near Monday Night Garage)

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Atlanta Breweries

• Try a flight first: Many breweries offer small pours or flights so you can sample multiple styles before committing to a full pint.
• Ask about brewery-only releases: Taprooms often have limited beers you won’t see in stores.
• Check event calendars: Trivia nights, live music, themed events, and sports viewings are common.
• Mind the weather: Many Atlanta breweries lean on outdoor spaces. In summer, aim for evenings; in colder or rainy months, look for larger indoor taprooms.
• Parking: Some brewery lots are small. In busier corridors (West Midtown, BeltLine), rideshare can be less stressful than hunting for a spot.

If You’re New to Craft Beer

If you’re not sure what to order, most Atlanta bartenders can guide you if you share your usual preferences:

• Like light, crisp beer? Ask for a lager, kölsch, or pilsner.
• Prefer something fruity or tart? Look for sours or fruited goses.
• Want something rich? Try a stout or porter.
• Enjoy classic beer bitterness? Ask for a West Coast IPA; for softer, juicier hops, try a hazy IPA.

Starting with a small pour lets you explore without overcommitting.

Atlanta’s best breweries are spread across several neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Whether you’re posted up in Grant Park, wandering the BeltLine in Old Fourth Ward, or exploring the Westside, you can usually find a taproom that fits your style, from experimental sours to straightforward lagers and everything in between.