Craft Breweries in Athens

We can’t begin to tell you how excited we are about the growing Athens craft beer scene! Fodors Travel has even called Athens one of the "Best Cities in the US for Craft Beer." Head to Athens GA and learn how award-winning brews are crafted at one of Athens’ local breweries.  You’ll soon discover that each Athens brewery has its own style, in both setting and beer. What you’ll find at all of them: a comfortable, approachable brewery with folks who are passionate about beer. Ask them any and all questions- they’d love to tell you more! As with most spots in Athens, odds are you’ll find live music along with great beer.

Breweries in Athens GA

Fodors Travel calls Athens one of the Best Cities in the US for Craft Beer, saying, "Athens exudes a youthful, lively vibe. It’s inventive and creative — so of course, their beers are, too."

  • Terrapin Beer Company first burst onto the scene in 2002 when their Rye Pale Ale won a Gold Medal at the American Beer Festival in Denver.  Brian “Spike” Buckowski and John Cochran’s dream to open their own brewery came true in 2008, ushering in a whole new era for Athens beer lovers.  Stop by for a tour, beer tastings, and live music. Sample the original Pale Ale or check out their amazing seasonal brews and Side Project specials. Pumpkinfest or Moo-Hoo Chocolate Stout, Anyone?
     
  • Creature Comforts Brewing Company joined the Athens brewing community in spring 2014, right here in Downtown Athens in an expertly-renovated tire plant. Creature Comforts offers a range of styles, including IPA, pilsner, and their award-winning Berliner Weisse, Athena. The downtown taproom has a great indoor vibe as well as a shaded patio, with live music and the Athens Farmers Market, midweek while in season. 
     
    • Bonus Content! Catch a glimpse of Creature Comforts beer in the blockbuster film Avengers Endgame, which was filmed in Georgia. This was NOT product placement, by the way. The producers became such devotees of Creature Comforts beer while residing in Georgia that they included it just because they were fans! And, in 2023, Creature Comforts opened a taproom in Los Angeles!
       
  • Southern Brewing Company opened in the spring of 2015 and jumped right in with tasty beer plus fun game nights and live music.  Their Hobnail IPA and Red and Black Berliner Weisse both nod to the hometown Georgia Bulldogs and are among the selections available year round. You'll also want to try out a selection from the Southern Hops series, featuring Double IPA’s designed to highlight traditional IPA styles and to experiment with ever-changing beer trends. 
     
  • Akademia Brewing Company Brew Pub opened its doors in October of 2017. Be sure to plan to stop at Akademia around lunch or dinner time; this Brew Pub offers delicious food paired with their beer such as beer-batter fish and chips and a wide range of appetizers sure to please the whole table.
     
  • Normaltown Brewing opened in February of 2020 and quickly gained buzz around town and in the area for a fresh take on small batch IPAs. These brewers are talented and devoted to small batch, high quality beer. Normaltown is a great addition to the Athens warehouse district and provides a chill, laid back vibe with plenty of onsite parking.
     
  • Athentic Brewing Company  opened in late August 2020 and has created a "cozy industrial" vibe for visitors as well as indoor and outdoor seating. Athentic Brewing celebrates Athens and their immediate Boulevard-Normaltown neighborhood through events and partnerships. You'll find live music and food trucks onsite several nights of the week.

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