Atlanta’s craft beer scene is booming, offering everything from hazy IPAs to barrel-aged stouts, creative sours, and crisp lagers. Whether you’re a hop head, a fan of experimental brews, or just looking for a laid back taproom experience, the best breweries in the Atlanta, GA Metro have something for everyone.
From historic brands that put Georgia beer on the map to innovative newcomers pushing boundaries, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 breweries in Atlanta based on beer quality, variety, ambiance, and local reputation.
Key Considerations for Choosing the Best Breweries in Atlanta
Here are some important factors we considered when making our selections:
Beer Quality & Variety: Each brewery’s flagship and rotating beer selections must be well crafted, innovative, and consistently high quality.
Taproom Experience: A great brewery isn’t just about the beer, it’s also about the atmosphere, service, and overall vibe.
Awards & Recognition: Many of these breweries have won local, national, or even international beer awards.
Local Reputation & Community Engagement: We considered how well-loved each brewery is within the Atlanta beer community.
Uniqueness & Innovation: Whether it’s brewing techniques, rare ingredients, or themed events, we love breweries that stand out.
Now, let’s get into the top breweries in Atlanta you need to visit!
Monday Night Brewing
West Midtown, Atlanta | Monday Night Garage (West End)
Website: https://mondaynightbrewing.com/
Why You Should Visit: One of Atlanta’s most beloved breweries, Monday Night Brewing is known for its award winning IPAs, creative barrel-aged stouts, and funky sours. Their main brewery in West Midtown is perfect for casual beer lovers, while Monday Night Garage in West End is a paradise for barrel-aged beer fans.
Beers to Try
- Drafty Kilt – A rich and roasty Scotch Ale
- Slap Fight – A West Coast-style IPA with citrus and pine notes
- Tears of My Enemies – A decadent barrel-aged imperial milk stout
What Makes It Special
- Award-winning beers with a balanced, drinkable approach.
- Two unique locations – a fun, social brewery and an experimental barrel-aging space.
- Strong community presence with themed events and collaborations.
New Realm Brewing Company
Beltline, Atlanta
Website: https://newrealmbrewing.com/
Why You Should Visit: Founded by former Stone Brewing brewmaster Mitch Steele, New Realm Brewing combines classic brewing techniques with a modern, approachable twist. Their spacious Beltline location features a full service restaurant, rooftop bar, and fantastic beer selection.
Beers to Try
- Hazy Like a Fox – A juicy, hazy IPA bursting with tropical fruit
- Euphonia Pilsner – Crisp, clean, and refreshing with a noble hop bite
- Do Not Disturb – A pastry stout with coffee, vanilla, and chocolate
What Makes It Special
- Brewmaster pedigree…Mitch Steele helped define modern craft beer
- Prime location on the Beltline with an incredible rooftop view
- Great food menu that pairs perfectly with their beers
SweetWater Brewing Company
Midtown, Atlanta
Website: https://www.sweetwaterbrew.com/
Why You should Visit: A staple of Georgia’s craft beer scene since 1997, SweetWater Brewing is one of the most recognized names in Southern craft beer. Known for their laid back vibes and hop-forward beers, they remain a great choice for any Atlanta beer lover.
Beers to Try
- 420 Extra Pale Ale– A citrusy, easy-drinking classic
- H.A.Z.Y. IPA – A juicy, hop-loaded New England style IPA
- G13 IPA – A hemp-infused IPA with earthy, dank aromas
What Makes It Special
- One of the pioneers of craft beer in Georgia
- Massive brewery space with a huge outdoor patio
- Signature 420 Fest celebrating music, beer, and sustainability
Halfway Crooks Beer
Summerhill, Atlanta
Website: https://halfwaycrooks.beer/
Why You Should Visit: Located in the historic Summerhill neighborhood, Halfway Crooks offers a Euro-style ambiance with a focus on lagers and Belgian style ales. The brewery is a favorite among locals for its dedication to quality and its unique beer garden, providing a cozy spot to enjoy their meticulously crafted brews.
Beers to Try
- Feld – A crisp, clean German-style Pilsner
- Polaris – A refreshing, slightly hoppy Kellerbier
- Lunar – A hazy pale ale with a soft mouthfeel
What Makes It Special
- Focus on lagers – A rare but welcome emphasis on classic European styles
- Cozy taproom with a relaxed, minimalist aesthetic
- High-quality, small batch brewing approach
Variant Brewing Company
Roswell, GA
Website: https://www.variantbrewing.com/
Why You Should Visit: A hidden gem in Roswell, Variant Brewing Company is known for its experimental small-batch brews, dessert stouts, and hop-forward beers.
Beers to Try
- Cashmere NEIPA – A soft, pillowy hazy IPA bursting with tropical fruit flavors
- Dark Alchemy – A rich, coffee-infused imperial stout
- Raspberry Lemon Gose – Tart, refreshing, and packed with fruit flavor
What Makes It Special
- Creative, limited edition releases that rotate frequently
- Perfect balance between classic styles and modern experimentation
- Chill, suburban vibe away from the downtown crowds
Honorable Mentions
Pontoon Brewing (Sandy Springs, GA)
Known for: Fruited sours, pastry stouts, and quirky themes
Must-Try: Rainbow Smiggles (Fruited Berliner Weisse)
Fire Maker Brewing (West Midtown, Atlanta)
Known for: Award winning IPAs and innovative beer styles
Must-Try: Chattahooch-Tea (Arnold Palmer inspired wheat ale)
Tucker Brewing Company (Tucker, GA)
Known for: Authentic German style lagers
Must-Try: Tucker Lager (Helles style lager)
Scofflaw Brewing Co. (Westside, Atlanta)
Known for: Bold, hop-forward IPAs
Must-Try: Basement IPA (Juicy, piney IPA with big character)
Elsewhere Brewing (Grant Park, Atlanta)
Known for: European inspired beers and cozy taproom
Must-Try: Wanderland (Czech-style pilsner)
Final Thoughts
Atlanta’s craft beer options have exploded in recent years, with breweries offering everything from hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts and experimental sours. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, the Atlanta metro area is a treasure trove of innovative breweries that cater to every palate.
If you’re new to Atlanta, or new to craft beer, we would recommend starting with classics like Monday Night Brewing and SweetWater Brewing before diving into smaller, more niche spots like Halfway Crooks and Variant Brewing. No matter what, you’re guaranteed to find a beer (or ten) you’ll love.
Did we overlook your favorite Atlanta Brewery? Tell us about it in the comments below. We’re always looking for another great beer!
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