Red Hare Brewing Company: What Atlanta Beer Lovers Should Know

If you’re exploring the craft beer scene in metro Atlanta, Red Hare Brewing Company is one of the better-known names you’ll run into. While it’s technically based just outside the city in Marietta, Georgia, it’s a common stop for Atlanta locals looking to get beyond in-town breweries and try something a little different.

This guide walks through what Red Hare is, how it fits into the Atlanta brewery landscape, what to expect if you visit, and how Atlantans typically work it into a brewery day or weekend.

Where Red Hare Brewing Company Fits in the Atlanta Scene

Atlanta has a dense cluster of breweries in neighborhoods like West Midtown, East Atlanta, and the BeltLine corridor. Red Hare sits a bit outside that core, making it a good option when you:

• Live or are staying on the northwest side of the metro area
• Want a less crowded alternative to in-town breweries on busy weekends
• Are planning a suburban brewery crawl that includes places in or around Marietta

Red Hare is typically known for:

• Classic, approachable beer styles (lagers, IPAs, seasonal releases)
• A laid-back, family-friendly taproom vibe
• Being one of the earlier players in the modern Georgia craft beer wave

While many Atlanta breweries are tucked into industrial areas or dense neighborhoods, Red Hare’s Marietta location gives it a slightly more spread-out, relaxed feel that appeals to people who don’t necessarily want a crowded BeltLine atmosphere.

Location, Directions, and Getting There from Atlanta

Red Hare Brewing Company’s primary taproom and production facility is located in Marietta, northwest of Downtown Atlanta.

General area:

• North of I-285
• West of I-75
• In the broader Cobb County brewery area

Because it’s outside central Atlanta, planning your route matters, especially during rush hour.

Typical Ways Atlantans Get There

1. Driving from in-town Atlanta
Most people drive, especially from neighborhoods like Midtown, Inman Park, or Grant Park. Travel time can vary:

• On lighter traffic days: roughly 20–35 minutes from central Atlanta
• During rush hour: it can easily double

Parking around suburban breweries like Red Hare is often more straightforward than in-town taprooms, which is one reason some Atlantans choose it for group meetups.

⚠️ Important: If you plan to drink, consider arranging a designated driver, rideshare, or carpool. Georgia’s DUI laws are strict, and late-evening I-75/I-285 patrols are common.

2. Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
For many in-town residents, rideshare is a practical choice:

• Convenient for groups so no one has to drive
• Avoids the stress of navigating Cobb County traffic
• Cost can be higher than in-town rides, so it’s often split among friends

3. Public Transit Options
There is no direct MARTA rail stop near Red Hare. You can sometimes combine:

• MARTA rail to a northern station (like Arts Center or North Springs)
• Then a rideshare or local bus segment

This is less common but can work if you’re trying to reduce driving.

What to Expect at Red Hare’s Taproom

While exact offerings can change, visitors from Atlanta typically describe Red Hare’s Marietta taproom as:

• Casual and relaxed rather than hyper-trendy
• Indoor and sometimes outdoor-friendly, depending on season and setup
• Focused on beer tasting and socializing more than nightlife-style entertainment

Common features you might encounter:

• A tasting bar with a rotating list of beers
• Tables and communal seating for groups
• Occasional games or low-key activities (like cornhole or board games)
• A family-friendly environment earlier in the day; evenings may trend more adult-focused depending on crowds

Because it’s not directly in downtown Atlanta, the crowd often includes a mix of Cobb County locals, people who’ve traveled from in-town for a specific beer outing, and sometimes out-of-town visitors staying near the Truist Park/The Battery area.

Types of Beer and Beverages You’re Likely to Find

Red Hare is typically recognized for straightforward, approachable craft beers that suit a wide range of tastes. While specific names and recipes may change, you’ll often find:

• IPAs – Hoppy, sometimes citrus-forward, in line with common American craft IPA styles
• Lagers and blonde ales – Lighter, easy-drinking options popular in Atlanta’s heat
• Seasonal or limited releases – Rotating styles linked to weather, holidays, or brewer experiments
• Potential non-beer options – Some breweries in the area also serve hard seltzers, radlers, or other alternatives; offerings can vary

Beer menus change, so many Atlantans peek at the current tap list before heading up, especially if they’re planning a brewery day based on specific styles (like sours or barrel-aged beers).

Food Options: What Atlantans Usually Do

Like many breweries around Atlanta, Red Hare’s core business is beer, not a full kitchen. Your actual options may depend on the day and any scheduled events.

Common patterns:

• Food trucks:

  • Frequently seen at metro Atlanta breweries, especially on weekends.
  • Selection can rotate, so visitors often check social media or event calendars for the day’s truck.

• Bring-your-own or nearby restaurants:

  • Some breweries allow outside food (always verify current rules).
  • If you’re coming from Atlanta, people often eat near home first or pick up food in Marietta and then head to the brewery.

• Beer-centric visit:

  • Many groups treat Red Hare as one stop on a larger outing, planning main meals elsewhere (like around Marietta Square or The Battery).

If you have dietary restrictions, it’s wise to plan food ahead rather than relying on whatever truck might be there that day.

Planning a Brewery Day from Atlanta That Includes Red Hare

Because Red Hare is outside the city core, Atlantans often build it into a northwest-side day trip rather than a quick drop-in. Here are a few common approaches:

1. “Suburban Craft Beer Loop”

Many residents design a loop that might include:

• A stop at Red Hare in Marietta
• Other Cobb County breweries (as schedules and preferences allow)
• A meal stop in Marietta Square or The Battery Atlanta

This sort of plan works well for:

• People living in Smyrna, Vinings, or north Atlanta
• Visitors staying near Cobb Galleria or Truist Park
• Groups who want less walking and more driving between spots

2. Post-Activity Stop

Some Atlantans pair Red Hare with nearby activities, such as:

• Afternoon at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
• Shopping or events near Cumberland Mall
• Youth sports or events in north Cobb

They’ll schedule Red Hare as the social stop afterward, especially on weekends.

Practical Tips for Atlantans Visiting Red Hare

1. Check current hours and events before you go.
Brewery hours can shift by season, day of the week, and private events. Atlantans who make the drive up from inside the Perimeter usually confirm:

• Taproom hours
• Whether there’s a special event (which might mean big crowds)
• If a food truck or special release is scheduled

2. Consider timing around Atlanta traffic.
The I-75 / I-285 corridor can back up heavily:

• Midday weekend visits are often calmer for traffic and crowds.
• Weeknights may be busier on the roads; some locals wait until after rush hour to head out.

3. Plan your ride home.
Because the brewery is not easily walkable to rail, many Atlantans:

• Designate a sober driver
• Pre-plan a rideshare pickup
• Keep in mind that late-night rides back inside the Perimeter can be more expensive

4. Dress for a flexible environment.
Like most Atlanta-area breweries, expect:

• Casual dress
• Possible indoor and outdoor seating
• Warm weather for much of the year—light, breathable clothing is helpful for patio time

How Red Hare Compares to In-Town Atlanta Breweries (In Practical Terms)

Without ranking or promoting, it’s helpful to understand how a Marietta brewery like Red Hare tends to differ from breweries in neighborhoods like West Midtown or Old Fourth Ward:

This doesn’t make one better than the other; it just helps you decide which fits your plans on a given day.

When Red Hare Makes Sense for You in Atlanta

Red Hare Brewing Company is often a good fit if you:

• Live in or near northwest Atlanta, Smyrna, Vinings, or Marietta
• Are visiting Truist Park/The Battery and want a nearby brewery experience
• Prefer a relaxed, suburban-style taproom over an in-town bar atmosphere
• Are planning a brewery day trip outside your usual BeltLine or Midtown circuit

For most Atlanta residents or visitors, Red Hare isn’t something you stumble upon while walking; it’s a destination you plan for. If you’re willing to make the drive (or rideshare) from Atlanta, it can add a different flavor to your understanding of the broader metro Atlanta craft beer scene while giving you a reason to explore more of Cobb County beyond the city limits.