Georgia’s craft beer scene has exploded over the last decade, with the city of Atlanta and the surrounding metro area seeing new breweries pop up nearly every year. With the pandemic, many of these businesses – some of them known city institutions – had to reshape their business model by adding more outdoor patio seating, hosting food pop-ups and trucks, and increasing their takeout beer sales with special new flavors and other incentives.
Now, the beer scene in Atlanta is more popular than ever before, which may leave you with one major problem – which brewery within the Atlanta area should you patronize next? Check out our 3 suggestions below for the best breweries in the ATL that serve up the best variety of bubbly brews, from hoppy IPAs to dark, creamy porters.
Hippin Hops Brewery – 1308 Glenwood Avenue SE, Atlanta, Georgia 30316
Hippin’ Hops is Georgia’s first Black-owned brewery with a permanent location. Owned by Donnica and Clarence Boston, this long-awaited brewery and oyster bar opened at the end of 2020 in the heart of East Atlanta Village within the former Eastlake Pharmacy building. Head in for the beer, but stay for the food, which is whipped up by Chef Jamarius “J” Banks, a former Beat Bobby Flay contestant. Other than oysters concocted every which way, the menu also boasts lobster and Belgian waffles, NOLA-style po’boys, and deviled eggs with shrimp. A second location opens in East Lake later this year!
Round Trip Brewing Company – 1279 Seaboard Industrial Boulevard NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30318
Head brewer of Round Trip Brewing Company, Craig Mycoskie, has brewed in beer-forward cities, like Denver and Austin, and now, he brings his expertise right to the heart of Atlanta. At 26,000 square feet, Round Trip Brewing features a large, thoughtfully lit outdoor seating area, a 12-tap tasting room, and a 15-barrel brewhouse. The selection of beer here includes a keller pilsner, West-German amber ale, doppelbock, and West Coast IPA. Food trucks are scheduled all week long and feature every type of cuisine possible to perfectly pair with your beer, from barbecue and burgers to savory franks.
SweetWater Brewing Company – 195 Ottley Drive NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30324
This longtime Atlanta brewery has implemented socially distanced drinking in its mask-mandatory taproom, where wings, boiled peanuts, and more bar foods are served from its rear kitchen. The latest brews include the H.A.Z.Y double dry-hopped IPA and the Oasis line of hard seltzers that are packed with electrolytes and vitamin C – not coincidental or anything. The Woodlands Project, located next door to the main brewery, continues to be the place for experimental, barrel-aged Belgians and sour beers for the more adventurous brewery-goer. Ample outdoor seating available and ready for the taking!
It’s always exciting to spice up your daily routine with something new! That’s why Augusta Commons Apartments in Marietta, Georgia encourages you to try out our weekly recipes, crafts, and lifestyle tips.