Making a Stop at Macon’s Ocmulgee Brewpub for the Best Burgers and Brews

Smack dab in the middle of the state of Georgia lies Macon, the “Heart of Georgia”. If you’ve ever driven south to Florida on Interstate 75, you probably drove through or maybe even stopped for a meal or gas. Macon isn’t a small city. In fact it’s the fourth largest in the state of Georgia.

However, it’s somewhat overlooked in comparison to Atlanta, just a couple of hours north. When my daughter was in college, we frequently met in Macon since it was halfway for both of us. And that’s when Ocmulgee Brewpub’s slogan “beer is better when it’s Macon made” and photos of their burgers drew me in.

Brewing Beer at Ocmulgee Brewpub

Ocmulgee Brewpub takes its name from the Ocmulgee Indians and Indian mounds that can be found at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park. With evidence of over 17,000 years of continuous human habitation, you can see why it’s so special.

Since living off the land was a way of life for Native Americans, Ocmulgee Brewpub adopted the same mission for producing their beer.

“…..by going back to our city’s roots, when living off the land and creating things from scratch were the way of life.”

Ocmulgee Brewpub

Ocmulgee Brewpub Beer

The beer line up of at Ocmulgee Brewpub is diverse featuring lagers and IPAs, German classics, seasonals and even a few experimentals, there is something for everyone.

One of my favorites was “Gosebusters”. A Gose is a German beer made with at least 50% wheat, a sour component, in this case, lemongrass, an herbal characteristic and some saltiness. Honestly, didn’t think I would like it. Turns out, it was my favorite one. Refreshing and light. Perfect for a hot summer day.

I also love that they serve a flight so you get a chance to try several different beers without a huge commitment. Like me, you might just find one that really surprises you.

The burger line up is on point as well. They use Georgia’s own, Bentley Farms grass fed angus beef, ground fresh daily, in house, for the ultimate freshness for their tasty, well put together burgers. Another bonus is the sauces they make in house. How about Ocmulgee Ketchup, Jalapeno Ranch or House Made Beer Mustard to go with your hand cut fries?

We didn’t order any appetizers this time, but on my next visit, I’m going to try the Wisconsin Cheese Curds or the Homemade Pimento Cheese. For the more health conscious and those with food allergies, the menu includes a full range of artisan salads, turkey or veggie burgers and gluten free buns. They also have a gluten free hard cider on tap.

Ocmulgee Brewpub Staff

Perhaps the most impressive thing at Ocmulgee Brewpub though, is the people that work there. I can’t even tell you how knowledgeable and friendly the staff was. The attention to detail and their customer service shows how proud they are of their product. From the person who took our order, to the bartender and the server that kept a check on us at our outside table.

The service was outstanding across the board and that’s really saying something in this day and time. I felt like they truly wanted you to have the very best experience you could have. That’s the kind of thing that keeps me going back to a place again and again.

The next time you find yourself in Georgia and passing through Macon, take the time to exit the interstate and make a stop at Ocmulgee Brewpub. I promise you won’t be sorry.

Ocmulgee Brewpub Info

• The brewpub is open seven days a week. Monday-Thursday and Sunday 11 am- 9 pm and Friday and Saturday 11 am-10 pm.
• If you go on Sunday, remember Georgia has a blue law and alcohol isn’t available until 11:00 am.
• Ocmulgee Brewpub is kid friendly and pets are allowed at the outside tables
• Remember to drink responsibly and have a designated driver.