By Shirley Gary Group
We get asked all the time for brewery recommendations from clients who are settling into the Atlanta area and want to know their way around. The city's craft beer scene has grown into a real destination in its own right, with options ranging from Atlanta originals to newer, more experimental taprooms. Here's what we think is worth knowing about the best breweries in Atlanta right now.
Key Takeaways
- SweetWater Brewing Company remains one of Atlanta's original, most established breweries
- Monday Night Brewing has expanded along the Atlanta BeltLine, making it easy to visit on foot or by bike
- Scofflaw Brewing and Three Taverns both rank among the city's most consistently recommended breweries
- New Realm Brewing pairs a BeltLine location with skyline views from its rooftop deck
SweetWater Brewing Company: An Atlanta Original
SweetWater Brewing Company remains one of the most established names in Atlanta's craft beer scene, known for its classic lineup and a large facility that still offers a full tour experience. It's often described as the elder statesman of the local scene, with a sprawling outdoor patio that makes it a popular spot beyond just the beer itself. For visitors or new residents wanting a true introduction to Atlanta's brewing history, this is generally where locals point people first.
Why SweetWater Stands Out
- One of the most established, longest-running breweries in Atlanta
- A full tour experience alongside its classic beer lineup
- A large outdoor patio that draws crowds beyond just beer drinkers
- Often recommended as a first stop for newcomers to the local scene
Monday Night Brewing and the Atlanta BeltLine Connection
Monday Night Brewing has grown into one of Atlanta's most visible breweries, with multiple locations including Monday Night Garage, positioned directly along the BeltLine's Westside Trail in the historic West End. As key segments of the Atlanta BeltLine near completion, brewery hopping has become considerably easier, connecting different neighborhoods through walkable, bike-friendly paths. This makes Monday Night a convenient stop for anyone exploring the BeltLine on foot or by bike, not just a destination on its own.
Why the BeltLine Connection Matters
- Multiple Monday Night locations, including one directly on the Westside Trail
- The Atlanta BeltLine nearing completion of several key connecting segments
- Walkable, bike-friendly access between breweries and neighborhoods
- A convenient stop for anyone already exploring the BeltLine
Scofflaw and Three Taverns: Two Local Favorites
Scofflaw Brewing sits in the Bolton area, an industrial pocket of northwest Atlanta, offering a large, laid-back taproom and a beer list that consistently ranks among the city's most recommended. Three Taverns Brewery, known for its Belgian-inspired lineup, was founded in nearby Decatur but has since expanded with a newer location on Atlanta's own Eastside Trail at Ponce City Market, putting it within the city itself for anyone who doesn't want to make the drive out to the original location. Both breweries have loyal followings built over years of operation, and either one is worth planning a dedicated visit around.
Why These Two Are Worth Seeking Out
- Scofflaw's Bolton-area taproom is large, welcoming, and consistently well-reviewed
- Three Taverns is known for a distinctly Belgian-inspired beer lineup
- Three Taverns now has a location on Atlanta's Eastside Trail at Ponce City Market
- Both have loyal, long-established followings rather than being a recent trend
Round Trip Brewing: A Different Kind of Beer List
Round Trip Brewing, which opened in 2021 on the Upper Westside, takes a distinctly different approach from the hazy IPAs and light lagers that dominate a lot of brewery menus. Its lineup focuses on European-influenced styles like marzens, helles, dunkels, and pilsners, along with other international variations less commonly found around the city. For visitors who've already worked through the more typical local options, this is a solid choice for something truly different.
What Sets Round Trip Apart
- Opened in 2021 on the Upper Westside
- A lineup focused on European-style beers rather than typical American favorites
- Styles including marzens, helles, dunkels, and pilsners
- A good option for beer drinkers looking for something outside the norm
New Realm Brewing: BeltLine Views and Skyline Sunsets
New Realm Brewing sits along the Atlanta BeltLine in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, with a beer garden and rooftop deck that looks out over the Atlanta skyline. Known especially for its IPAs and pilsners, it's a solid pairing of good beer with one of the better views available at any brewery in the city. A burger or wood-fired pizza alongside a pint here makes for an easy stop before or after exploring more of the BeltLine.
Why This Spot Is Worth a Visit
- Located directly on the Atlanta BeltLine in Old Fourth Ward
- A rooftop deck and beer garden with Atlanta skyline views
- Known especially for its IPAs and pilsners
- Food options including burgers and wood-fired pizza on site
FAQs
Do we need a car to visit these breweries, or can we get around another way?
You can skip the car for several of them. Monday Night Garage and New Realm both sit right on the BeltLine, so you can walk or bike between them if you're staying nearby. SweetWater, Scofflaw, and Three Taverns' Decatur location are more spread out, so you'll want a car or rideshare for those.
Do we need to travel outside Atlanta to try Three Taverns' beers?
No, not anymore. They opened a location on the Eastside Trail at Ponce City Market, right in the city. Their original Decatur spot is still worth the short drive if you want to see where they started, but it's no longer required.
Are any of these a good pick for a more low-key day out?
New Realm is probably your best bet. It's set up more like a full restaurant than a typical taproom, with a beer garden and rooftop that work well for a group that isn't necessarily there just to drink.
Contact Shirley Gary Group Today
Knowing the local brewery scene is part of what makes settling into a new Atlanta neighborhood feel more like home, and we enjoy sharing these spots with clients. We're happy to talk about how proximity to areas like these factors into your search.
Reach out to Shirley Gary Group, and let's talk about finding your place in Atlanta.
Reach out to Shirley Gary Group, and let's talk about finding your place in Atlanta.
