Distillery of Modern Art in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

The Distillery of Modern Art in Chamblee, just northeast of Midtown Atlanta, combines a working craft distillery with a contemporary art gallery and cocktail bar. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are planning a special outing in the city, this spot offers a mix of local spirits, visual art, and event space in one location.

Where It Is and How to Get There

Address:
Distillery of Modern Art
2197 Irvindale Drive, Chamblee, GA 30341

This area is part of the growing Chamblee/Doraville corridor, which many Atlanta residents know for its mix of industrial spaces, international food, and adaptive reuse projects.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

• From Midtown / Downtown Atlanta:
  Typically a 15–25 minute drive outside of rush hour via I-85 North or Peachtree Road to Chamblee Tucker Road, then into the nearby industrial area.

• From Buckhead / Brookhaven:
  Many locals use Peachtree Road or Peachtree Boulevard heading north, then cut over toward Chamblee’s industrial district.

• By MARTA:

  • Take the Gold Line to Chamblee Station.
  • From there, you’ll usually need a short rideshare or taxi trip; the distillery is not directly on Peachtree Road but a bit farther inside an industrial complex.

• Parking:
  The distillery is in a light industrial/warehouse-style area, so visitors often find on-site parking or adjacent lot parking. Check posted signs for any restrictions and allow extra time on event nights.

What the Distillery of Modern Art Is Known For

The Distillery of Modern Art is designed as a multi-use space:

• A working distillery producing small-batch spirits.
• A contemporary art gallery featuring rotating works from artists, often with a local or regional connection.
• A cocktail bar and tasting room where you can sample their spirits in classic and creative cocktails.
• An event venue for private events, performances, and community gatherings.

The concept is to blur the line between industrial production and gallery experience, so you’ll often see equipment, artwork, and bar seating all within sight of each other.

Spirits and Tasting Experience

Types of Spirits You Might Find

Offerings can change, but this style of Atlanta distillery commonly features:

• Vodka and gin – often the most approachable entry point for tastings.
• Whiskey or bourbon-style spirits – sometimes limited or seasonal, depending on aging cycles.
• Specialty or infused spirits – flavored or limited-release spirits that highlight particular botanicals or ingredients.
• Ready-to-drink style cocktails-to-go – depending on current Georgia alcohol laws and the distillery’s offerings at the time.

Because local regulations and product lines can shift, many Atlanta visitors check directly with the distillery just before visiting to confirm what’s currently available.

What a Tasting Visit Is Like

When you visit, you can usually:

• Order cocktails in the tasting room made with the distillery’s own spirits.
• Sample flights of different spirits in small portions, if offered.
• Learn about how the spirits are made, including grain sourcing, distillation approach, and barrel aging.

If you’re new to spirits, staff at Atlanta distilleries often walk visitors through tasting basics—smelling before sipping, adding a bit of water to open up certain flavors, and understanding proof.

Cocktail Bar and Atmosphere

The bar area is built to function as both a social hangout and a space that highlights the art on the walls.

Typical features include:

• Cocktail menu focused on the in-house spirits, from simple highballs to more elaborate creations.
• Non-alcoholic options such as mocktails, sodas, or mixers for guests who don’t drink alcohol.
• Art-forward interior with gallery lighting, sculptural elements, and rotating pieces that can change the mood of the space over time.
• Seating that may range from bar stools and lounge seating to high-top tables, depending on the layout at the time.

For Atlantans used to breweries and taprooms, this will feel like a more polished, gallery-like environment rather than a warehouse-only production space.

The Art Gallery Component

Art is a core part of the experience, not just decoration. You’ll usually see:

• Rotating exhibits with work from contemporary artists.
• A mix of painting, sculpture, installation, and mixed media.
• Art integrated into the bar and lounge spaces rather than a separate, closed-off gallery.

Atlanta has a strong arts scene centered around neighborhoods like Castleberry Hill, West Midtown, and the Old Fourth Ward. Distillery of Modern Art taps into that creative energy by presenting work in a setting where locals and visitors might not expect a traditional gallery.

If you’re interested in art:

• Check for opening receptions, artist talks, or special art-focused evenings.
• Ask on-site whether pieces are available for purchase and how to contact the artist or gallery if you want to follow up.

Tours: What to Expect

Many visitors go specifically for distillery tours, which often include:

• A guided walkthrough of the production area (stills, fermentation tanks, barrel storage).
• An overview of how different spirits are made and why certain ingredients or methods are used.
• Time for questions and answers, especially about flavor differences and how to use particular spirits at home.
• Sometimes a tasting component, depending on the tour format and current policies.

Tips for Booking a Tour in Atlanta

• Reserve ahead for weekends and evenings. Atlanta’s social calendar gets busy, and smaller distilleries can fill up quickly.
• Verify age requirements. Most Georgia distilleries require guests to be at least 21 to participate in tastings.
• Plan your transportation: if you plan to drink, consider MARTA plus rideshare or a designated driver.

Events and Private Rentals

The Distillery of Modern Art also functions as an event venue—a common role for urban distilleries and wineries around Atlanta.

Events may include:

• Live music, DJ nights, and art openings
• Community events, fundraisers, or themed parties
• Corporate gatherings, holiday parties, or product launches
• Private celebrations, such as birthdays, rehearsal dinners, or small receptions

If you’re considering hosting an event:

• Ask about capacity, layout options, and whether the space can be divided for smaller groups.
• Clarify catering rules (on-site vs. outside caterers).
• Confirm bar package options, including whether you can focus on signature cocktails made with their spirits or offer a broader selection.

Food Options Nearby

The Distillery of Modern Art is primarily a spirits and art venue rather than a full restaurant, so food options typically depend on:

• On-site small bites (if offered), such as snacks or limited bar food.
• Food trucks, which some Atlanta distilleries partner with on specific nights.
• Nearby restaurants in Chamblee, including:
  • Spots along Peachtree Boulevard and Chamblee’s historic downtown.
  • A short drive to Buford Highway, known across Atlanta for diverse international dining, especially Asian and Latin American cuisines.

Many locals plan an outing by:

1. Grabbing dinner on Buford Highway or in Chamblee, then
2. Heading to the distillery for drinks, art, and a tour.

Practical Details for Atlanta Visitors

Typical Hours and Scheduling

Hours can vary by:

• Day of the week
• Private event bookings
• Holidays or special event nights

Before you go, it’s smart to:

• Check current opening hours for the tasting room.
• See if reservations are needed for certain time slots or larger groups.
• Confirm tour times; some are scheduled at set hours, with limited capacity.

Contact and Basic Info Summary

For the most current event schedule, product list, or booking details, Atlantans usually check the distillery’s official channels or call ahead.

Responsible Enjoyment and Local Laws

If you’re drinking at any Atlanta distillery:

• Plan your ride: MARTA to Chamblee Station plus a rideshare is a common option; avoid driving if you have been drinking.
• Be aware that Georgia alcohol laws regulate how much you can purchase and what can be consumed on-site vs. taken home, and these rules can change over time.
• Keep an eye on pour sizes and proof—distilled spirits are higher in alcohol than beer or wine, so pace yourself accordingly.

How the Distillery Fits into Atlanta’s Drink and Art Scene

The Distillery of Modern Art sits at the intersection of several Atlanta trends:

• The growth of craft beverage producers across the metro area, from Westside breweries to small-batch distilleries in and around the Perimeter.
• A strong contemporary art culture, from galleries in West Midtown and Castleberry Hill to BeltLine-adjacent murals and installations.
• An increasing number of multi-use, industrial-chic spaces in neighborhoods like Chamblee, where old warehouses are turned into destinations.

For locals, it’s an option for:

• A date night or friend outing that’s different from the usual bar or restaurant.
• Hosting a small to medium-sized event with a distinctive backdrop.
• Out-of-town guests who want something that feels uniquely “Atlanta”—mixing creativity, craft spirits, and adaptive reuse architecture.

For visitors, it’s a way to experience:

• A local distillery without driving far outside the city.
• Some of the visual art culture that Atlanta is known for, in a setting that doesn’t require a formal gallery visit.

By understanding the location, offerings, and how it fits into Atlanta’s broader scene, you can decide whether the Distillery of Modern Art fits your plans—and how to make the most of a visit while you’re in the city.