Best Breweries in Atlanta: Where to Drink Local Beer Now

Atlanta’s brewery scene has exploded over the past decade, turning the city into a destination for craft beer lovers. Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting for the weekend, or planning a brewery tour, there’s a wide range of taprooms, beer gardens, and production spaces that highlight what the city does best: creativity, community, and good beer.

Below is a practical guide to some of the best breweries in Atlanta, what they’re known for, and how to choose the right spot for your taste, group, or neighborhood.

How Atlanta’s Brewery Scene Works

Atlanta breweries tend to fall into a few useful categories:

• In-town breweries with big patios (great for groups and weekend afternoons)
• Neighborhood taprooms (cozy, walkable spots for locals)
• Destination breweries (worth the drive for the space, the food, or the beer program)
• BeltLine-adjacent stops (easy for visitors exploring by foot, bike, or scooter)

Most Atlanta breweries offer:

• Taprooms where you can drink on-site
• To-go options (crowlers, growlers, 4-packs)
• Rotating food trucks or on-site kitchens
• Family-friendly and dog-friendly outdoor spaces (policies vary, so it’s smart to check before you go)

Georgia laws around on-site sales have become more flexible, so buying beer directly from the brewery for on-site or off-site consumption is now common practice.

Quick-Glance: Top Atlanta Breweries by Vibe

This list isn’t exhaustive. Atlanta’s brewery scene is broad and constantly evolving, but these spots are a strong starting point.

Classic Atlanta Breweries Everyone Should Know

SweetWater Brewing Company

Location: Near Armour Yards / Midtown (often considered one of Atlanta’s original major craft breweries)

Known for:

• Flagship IPAs and pale ales that many people associate with Atlanta beer
• A large taproom and outdoor space that works well for bigger groups
• Frequent events, tours, and live music-style gatherings

Why it matters for Atlantans: SweetWater is often where people get their introduction to local craft beer, especially if they moved here from out of town. It’s a practical choice if:

• You’re showing visitors “classic” Atlanta breweries
• You want a big space that can handle crowds
• You like hop-forward beers and approachable styles

Monday Night Brewing (West Midtown & Other Locations)

Monday Night has several Atlanta locations, commonly including:

• A West Midtown brewery and taproom, historically known as its flagship
• Additional spaces around town that often feature different concepts or lineups

Known for:

• Balanced IPAs, pale ales, and experimental releases
• Stylish indoor spaces and patios, making it a go-to for groups and date nights
• Often a mix of core beers and rotating small-batch options

Why locals like it:

• Feels a bit more polished and design-forward than an industrial warehouse-style brewery
• A reliable stop if you want good beer plus a space that works for both casual and slightly more dressed-up occasions

Best BeltLine & Visitor-Friendly Breweries

New Realm Brewing Company – BeltLine Destination

Location: On the Eastside BeltLine near Old Fourth Ward and Poncey-Highland

Known for:

• Rooftop and patio spaces with BeltLine and skyline views
• A full kitchen, which is helpful if you want both a meal and beer in one place
• A lineup that usually includes IPAs, lagers, and seasonal releases

Why it’s great for visitors:

• You can easily walk or bike the BeltLine, stop in for a beer, then continue exploring
• Works for mixed groups where some want cocktails, food, or just a scenic place to sit
• A natural pairing with Ponce City Market or a stroll through Old Fourth Ward Park

Orpheus Brewing – Near Piedmont Park

Location: Close to Piedmont Park and the BeltLine Eastside Trail

Known for:

• Sours, saisons, and barrel-aged beers more than just standard IPAs
• A slightly more beer-geek-friendly tap list, often with complex or experimental flavors
• Easy access before or after a walk in Piedmont Park

Why it fits Atlanta locals:

• Good if you’ve already tried the major IPAs around town and want to branch out
• Convenient for in-town residents who frequently use the BeltLine or live in Midtown/Virginia-Highland

Westside & West Midtown Favorites

Scofflaw Brewing Co.

Location: Westside / Bolton area (often a short drive from West Midtown)

Known for:

• Bold, hop-forward beers, especially IPAs and double IPAs
• A casual, open space that typically includes indoor and outdoor seating
• A come-as-you-are atmosphere that suits friends meeting up after work or on weekends

Why Atlantans go:

• If you like big-flavor IPAs and don’t mind a slightly industrial-feeling area, Scofflaw is a solid choice
• Works well if you’re brewery-hopping through West Midtown and the Westside

Fire Maker Brewing Company

Location: West Midtown

Known for:

• A large, flexible taproom and patio often used for events, trivia, and meetups
• A broad tap list that generally includes IPAs, lagers, fruited styles, and seasonal releases
• A social vibe that appeals to groups

Good for:

• After-work gatherings if you’re in the Westside business districts
• Weekend brewery tours that include other West Midtown spots

Neighborhood Breweries with a Local Feel

Eventide Brewing – Grant Park

Location: Grant Park area, near residential neighborhoods and the zoo

Known for:

• Approachable, classic styles like lagers, kolsch, and pale ales
• A relaxed, neighborhood taproom feel
• Often drawing a mix of families, locals walking over from nearby streets, and casual beer drinkers

Ideal if you:

• Live in or are staying around Grant Park, Ormewood Park, or Summerhill
• Prefer easy-drinking beers rather than high-ABV or heavily hopped styles
• Want a place that feels integrated into a residential neighborhood

Halfway Crooks Beer – Summerhill

Location:Summerhill, near Georgia State University’s stadium and the growing restaurant row

Known for:

• A strong focus on lager styles and European-inspired beers
• A design-focused, minimalist space with indoor and rooftop seating (depending on current setup)
• A smaller, curated list rather than dozens of taps

Good for:

• People who really care about clean, precise lager brewing
• Those exploring the Summerhill dining district and looking for a beer stop nearby

Inner Voice Brewing – Decatur Area

Location: Near Decatur (a short distance east of city center)

Known for:

• Small-batch, creative beers, often with frequent rotation
• An intimate, beer-forward environment focused on quality over quantity
• Connections to the broader Decatur craft scene

Why Atlanta-area residents like it:

• Offers a different energy than big production breweries
• Pairs well with a Decatur food crawl, since the area has many restaurants and bars within a short drive or ride

What to Look For When Choosing the “Best” Brewery for You

There isn’t one single “best brewery in Atlanta.” Instead, think about what matters most for your visit.

1. Beer Styles You Prefer

Some breweries are stronger in particular categories:

• IPAs & hop-forward beers:
  SweetWater, Scofflaw, Monday Night, Fire Maker
• Lagers & subtle styles:
  Halfway Crooks, Eventide, some Monday Night offerings
• Sours & experimental:
  Orpheus, select seasonal releases at many others

If you’re new to craft beer, many breweries offer flights, letting you sample several small pours before committing.

2. Location & Transportation

Atlanta traffic can be heavy, so proximity matters.

• In-town without a car:

  • Consider breweries directly on or near the BeltLine (New Realm, Orpheus)
  • Or in walkable areas like parts of West Midtown, Midtown, and Decatur

• Driving across town:

  • Many breweries have on-site parking, but it can fill up during peak hours.
  • Rideshare services are widely used for nights out, especially if you plan to drink.

Tip: If you’re visiting and staying in Midtown or Downtown, starting with BeltLine-accessible spots is usually the most convenient.

3. Food Options

Not every Atlanta brewery has a full kitchen.

Common setups include:

• On-site kitchens or food partners:
  Often found at larger or BeltLine-facing breweries (for example, New Realm has an in-house kitchen concept).
• Food trucks:
  Many breweries rotate trucks on weekends and some evenings.
• BYO or nearby restaurants:
  In certain neighborhoods, you can pick up food nearby and bring it in, if the brewery allows it.

Before heading out, it’s helpful to:

• Check whether outside food is allowed
• Look up whether a food truck is scheduled that day
• Plan to eat before or after if the brewery doesn’t serve food

4. Family- & Dog-Friendliness

Policies differ, but many Atlanta breweries lean toward being:

• Family-friendly during daytime hours, with outdoor seating where kids can roam within reason
• Dog-friendly on patios, though usually not inside taprooms where food is prepared or served

If you’re planning to bring children or pets:

• Verify current policies (these can change)
• Aim for breweries with larger outdoor spaces, which tend to be more comfortable for families and dogs

Tips for Planning a Brewery Day in Atlanta

Here are a few ways locals commonly structure a brewery outing:

BeltLine Brewery Walk

• Start around Ponce City Market / Old Fourth Ward
• Stop at New Realm for food and a flight
• Walk toward Piedmont Park, then visit Orpheus
• Add nearby bars or taprooms along the route depending on time and energy

Good for: Visitors, people without a car, and those who want to combine parks, views, and beer.

West Midtown / Westside Circuit

• Begin at a West Midtown brewery like Fire Maker or Monday Night
• Add a stop at Scofflaw if you have a car or rideshare
• Mix in food at one of West Midtown’s many restaurants

Good for: Groups, after-work meetups, and Westside residents.

Neighborhood Evening for Locals

• If you’re near Grant Park: Eventide plus a local restaurant
• If you’re in Summerhill: Halfway Crooks plus the nearby dining options
• If you’re in Decatur: Inner Voice plus the many Decatur restaurants and bars

Good for: Residents who want a low-key, no-commute evening.

Practical Considerations for Brewery Visits in Atlanta

• Hours: Many breweries open later in the afternoon on weekdays and earlier on weekends; Monday and Tuesday hours may be more limited.
• Weather: Atlanta can be hot and humid in summer. Patios are popular, but it’s useful to check for shaded or indoor seating.
• Events: Trivia nights, live music, pop-ups, and markets are common. These can make a space feel more festive, but also more crowded and loud.
• Accessibility: If accessibility is important, look for breweries with ground-level entrances, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Calling ahead can clarify details.

How to Find Up-to-Date Info

Because beer lists, food setups, and hours change, it’s smart to:

• Check the brewery’s posted hours before heading out
• Look for current tap lists if you’re seeking specific styles
• Review any temporary changes (private events, closures, or weather-related patio restrictions)

For most Atlantans and visitors, combining these steps with the brewery suggestions above will give you a strong starting point for finding the best breweries in Atlanta for your taste, schedule, and neighborhood.