Breweries in Atlanta, GA: Where to Drink Local Craft Beer

Atlanta’s brewery scene has exploded over the last decade, turning former warehouses, rail yards, and industrial corners into some of the city’s most social spaces. Whether you live ITP, are flying in for a weekend, or are road-tripping through Georgia, breweries in Atlanta, GA offer everything from hazy IPAs and crisp lagers to sours, stouts, and easygoing patio beers.

This guide walks through major brewery districts, standout taprooms, what to expect when you visit, and practical tips for enjoying Atlanta’s craft beer scene responsibly.

How Atlanta’s Brewery Scene Works

Atlanta’s breweries are spread across several key neighborhoods, each with its own vibe:

  • Westside / West Midtown – Warehouses turned spacious taprooms, good food access.
  • BeltLine & Old Fourth Ward – Walkable, lively patios, easy to combine with restaurants and bars.
  • East Atlanta & Decatur – More neighborhood-focused spots, often family-friendly.
  • Downtown & Near Stadiums – Ideal before or after events and games.
  • Suburban Metro (Sandy Springs, Tucker, etc.) – Laid-back, often with larger indoor spaces.

Most Atlanta breweries:

  • Serve beer by the pint, flights, and to-go (cans or crowlers).
  • Are family-friendly during the day.
  • Welcome dogs, especially on patios (always check specific rules).
  • Host food trucks or offer house food programs.
  • Run events such as trivia, live music, and sports watch parties.

Hours, events, and rotating beers change regularly, so it’s always smart to double-check directly with the brewery before heading out.

Quick-Glance: Popular Atlanta Brewery Areas

Area / NeighborhoodWhat It’s Known ForTypical Vibe
West Midtown / WestsideLarge taprooms, food halls, parkingSocial, energetic, good for groups
BeltLine (O4W, Inman)Walkability, patios, skyline viewsLively, young, active
East Atlanta / KirkwoodQuirky, artsy, neighborhood hangoutsRelaxed, local, eclectic
DecaturClassic beer bars plus breweriesChill, walkable, college & families
Downtown / Near StadiumsPre- and post-game drinkingSports-focused, event-driven
OTP SuburbsEasy parking, community feelFamily-friendly, spacious

West Midtown & Westside Breweries

The Westside / West Midtown area has become one of the densest brewery zones in Atlanta, with several spots close enough to visit in one outing.

Westside Highlights

Bold Monk Brewing Co. – 1737 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
A multi-level brewery with a European-inspired feel. Known for:

  • Belgian-style ales, IPAs, and lagers
  • Full-service kitchen (brunch, lunch, dinner)
  • Cozy interior plus outdoor seating

Good for: groups, mixed beer and non-beer drinkers, and people who want a full meal with their visit.

Scofflaw Brewing Co. – 1738 MacArthur Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
A warehouse-style brewery a short drive from West Midtown. Features often include:

  • IPAs, imperial stouts, and seasonal releases
  • Spacious indoor area and patio
  • Regular food truck presence and events

Good for: hop lovers and informal group hangouts.

Steady Hand Beer Co. – 1611 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Large, open interior with games and an easygoing environment. Visitors often find:

  • IPAs, pale ales, and approachable lagers
  • Live music and food trucks on many weekends
  • Plenty of seating for big groups and families

Good for: casual gatherings, birthday parties, or meetups.

Breweries Along the Atlanta BeltLine

If you want to walk or bike between breweries, the Eastside BeltLine trail is a strong choice. Many visitors plan an afternoon around beer, food, and people-watching.

BeltLine & Old Fourth Ward Area

New Realm Brewing – 550 Somerset Terrace NE, Unit 101, Atlanta, GA 30306
Located just off the Eastside BeltLine, New Realm is known for:

  • A large taproom and multiple patios
  • Rooftop views of the Atlanta skyline
  • A full food menu

Good for: out-of-town visitors, mixed groups, and anyone looking for a “one-stop” brewery experience.

Biggerstaff Brewing Co. – 537 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Near the Edgewood corridor, offering:

  • House-brewed beers, often including lagers, IPAs, and rotating specialties
  • Coffee and food service during the day in many cases
  • Modern indoor space with a neighborhood feel

Good for: pairing with Edgewood nightlife or nearby restaurants.

East Atlanta, Grant Park & Kirkwood Breweries

East of downtown, you’ll find more laid-back, neighborhood-oriented breweries that often have a local, artsy atmosphere.

East Atlanta / Grant Park Highlights

Eventide Brewing – 1015 Grant St SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Nestled near Grant Park, Eventide is known for:

  • Easy-drinking styles like kölsch, pale ales, and porters
  • Outdoor seating and a casual vibe
  • Community events, including neighborhood gatherings

Good for: relaxed afternoons, nearby Grant Park residents, and pre- or post-zoo visits.

Elsewhere Brewing – 1039 Grant St SE, Suite B34, Atlanta, GA 30315
Located at The Beacon development near the Southside BeltLine. Often features:

  • European-inspired lagers and ales
  • A small but focused food menu
  • Cozy indoor space plus patio

Good for: those who appreciate classic beer styles and a slightly quieter environment.

Decatur & Nearby Breweries

While technically its own city, Decatur is part of most Atlantans’ mental map for food and drink. It’s easily reached by MARTA (Decatur Station) and offers a dense cluster of beer options.

Three Taverns Brewery – 121 New St, Decatur, GA 30030
Located just off downtown Decatur, known for:

  • Belgian-style beers, sours, and IPAs
  • Atmospheric tasting room
  • Seasonal and limited-release bottle or can options

Good for: beer enthusiasts who like classic European styles and creative sours.

Wild Heaven Beer – 135B Maple St, Decatur, GA 30030
A Decatur taproom for the broader Wild Heaven brand. Common features:

  • A wide range of beers: IPAs, saisons, lagers, and dark beers
  • Indoor and outdoor seating
  • Proximity to downtown Decatur restaurants

Good for: combining a beer stop with dinner on the Decatur Square.

Breweries Near Downtown, Midtown & Stadiums

If you’re attending a concert, Falcons game, or other downtown event, several breweries are within a short drive or rideshare.

Downtown / Midtown Highlights

Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery – 320 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Atlanta’s oldest independent brewery-restaurant combination. Offers:

  • House-brewed ales and lagers
  • Full-service restaurant with wood-fired specialties
  • Convenient location near hotels and Peachtree Street

Good for: visitors staying downtown who want both dinner and local beer.

Stats Brewpub – 300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Located near State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

  • Sports-focused environment
  • House-brewed beers plus other options
  • Multiple TVs for watching games

Good for: pre-game or post-game drinks, groups who prioritize sports viewing.

Family-Friendly & Dog-Friendly Tips 🐾

Many Atlanta breweries try to be welcoming to families and pet owners, but rules can vary.

Typical patterns you’ll see:

  • Kids allowed:

    • Many breweries allow children earlier in the day.
    • Some may restrict hours for minors at night or during crowded events.
  • Dogs allowed:

    • Dogs are commonly allowed on patios and outdoor areas.
    • Indoor access depends on local health rules and each brewery’s policy.

To avoid surprises:

  • Check the brewery’s current pet and family policies before visiting.
  • If you’re bringing a stroller or large group, consider larger spaces like West Midtown or BeltLine taprooms.

Food Options at Atlanta Breweries

Not every brewery in Atlanta has a kitchen, but nearly all have a plan for food:

  • Full kitchens:

    • Examples include places like Bold Monk, New Realm, and Max Lager’s.
    • You can treat these like a restaurant-meets-brewery.
  • Food trucks:

    • Common in Westside and East Atlanta.
    • Lineups often change daily or weekly.
  • Partnered food halls or neighboring restaurants:

    • Some breweries are located in developments where you can grab food nearby and bring it in, depending on policies.

If you’re planning a long visit or a group outing, it’s smart to:

  • Confirm whether the brewery has a kitchen, food truck, or BYO policy that day.
  • Consider reservations when available at brewery-restaurants, especially on weekends.

Getting Around: Transportation & Safety

Atlanta is spread out, and many breweries are located in industrial or redeveloped areas that aren’t always pedestrian-friendly from residential zones. To visit multiple breweries in one day, consider:

  • Rideshare services (common throughout the metro area).
  • MARTA rail to areas like Midtown, Downtown, or Decatur, then short walks or rideshares.
  • Designated drivers if you are driving between multiple locations.

For visitors flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

  • MARTA’s Red and Gold lines provide direct rail service to Midtown, Buckhead, and Decatur.
  • From there, rideshares can take you to West Midtown, the BeltLine, or East Atlanta breweries within a reasonable distance.

Always plan transportation before you start drinking, especially if you’re exploring several breweries in a single outing.

Planning an Atlanta Brewery Day: Sample Ideas

Here are a few realistic ways locals and visitors often structure an afternoon or evening:

1. West Midtown Brewery Crawl

  • Start mid-afternoon at Steady Hand Beer Co.
  • Walk or short drive to Bold Monk Brewing Co. for dinner.
  • Finish at Scofflaw Brewing Co. for a nightcap.

Good for: big groups, variety of spaces, and ample parking.

2. BeltLine & Skyline Views

  • Walk or bike the Eastside BeltLine.
  • Stop at New Realm Brewing for beers and food with a rooftop view.
  • Add nearby bars or restaurants for a longer night out.

Good for: visitors who want to explore the city while drinking.

3. Decatur Beer & Dinner

  • Take MARTA to Decatur Station.
  • Visit Three Taverns Brewery for a tasting in the afternoon.
  • Walk into downtown Decatur for dinner and potentially another beer spot.

Good for: car-free travelers and those wanting a slower-paced, walkable evening.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Breweries in Atlanta, GA

  • Bring a valid ID: Georgia law requires valid identification for alcohol service, and most breweries are strict.
  • Check hours: Many breweries have different weekday vs. weekend hours, and some open later in the day.
  • Watch the weather: Patio-heavy breweries can be affected by rain or extreme heat; indoor space varies.
  • Hydrate and pace yourself: Especially if you’re trying multiple breweries or higher-ABV styles.
  • To-go options: Many breweries sell cans, bottles, or crowlers to take home—useful if you find a favorite.

Atlanta’s craft beer scene is broad enough to satisfy both casual drinkers and serious beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re meeting friends after work in West Midtown, walking the BeltLine on a sunny afternoon, or exploring Decatur by train, breweries in Atlanta, GA give you plenty of ways to experience local flavor, neighborhood character, and the city’s evolving food-and-drink culture.