The Best Breweries in Georgia: Sips on the Peach State Ale Trail

Georgia has seriously stepped up its beer game. With 180 breweries across the state – and at least 50 of them right in Atlanta – there’s no shortage of places to sip beer. As someone who’s always on the lookout for a great brewery while traveling, I love that there are so many right in my own backyard. I’ve really got my work cut out for me – sampling some of the best breweries in Georgia.

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Breweries in Georgia

Across the state, you’ll find a wide variety of beers, local flavors and unique brewery experiences perfect for weekend getaways or road trips.

Line Creek Brewing Co.

My guide to the best Georgia breweries starts with one in my hometown of Newnan. Line Creek Brewing Co. – according to their website – “started with a few local guys’ love of quality beers that appeal to everyone – from the most avid craft beer fan – to the casual consumer”. It must be working because now they have three locations in Georgia.

You can definitely feel – and see – that love in everything they do – from the craftmanship of their beer to their very active role in the community. In fact, the brewery gets its name from Line Creek, a well-known nature area near their original Peachtree City location.

Another thing I admire about Line Creek is in a job dominated by males, they employ a female brewer. Of all the breweries I’ve toured – and I’ve toured breweries all over – Little Rock, Wichita and Billings to name a few places – I can’t recall meeting a woman at that level of leadership and creativity in the brewing process. It really sets them apart.

Line Creek Brewing Beer

Line Creek offers a wide range of beers, from classic mainstays like the crisp Maverick Lager and the Happy Cowboy sour to seasonal and limited releases that rotate weekly – so there’s always something new to try. One of my favorite ways to explore their lineup is with a flight, which lets you sample several styles in one sitting. Find out what you like – or don’t like.

Line Creek Brewing Food

There may not be full kitchen at any of the Line Creek locations, but that doesn’t mean you have to go hungry. They host a rotating lineup of food trucks throughout the week, offering everything from tacos and BBQ to gourmet sandwiches and sweet treats – which makes it simple to pair something delicious with your pint.

And if you’re in the mood for something specific, you’re always welcome to bring in food from other local restaurants in Newnan – think BBQ from The Oink Joint or a slice of pizza from Karvela’s or Fabiano’s. That way, you can enjoy your favorite brew with exactly what you’re craving.

Line Creek Vibe

The vibe at Line Creek is very laid back and casual. It’s the kind of place that’s equally ideal for date night or for pulling up to after working in the yard on a Saturday afternoon. There’s always something going on – from fundraising for the local dog rescue to yoga and paint nights. Even Christmas pajama parties. It’s just that kind of place.

Peachtree City and Newnan both offer indoor and outdoor spaces. The Reserve at the Newnan location is huge and located in a repurposed building I’ve always loved. Featuring a stage for live performances, a biergarten and a covered patio, it’s a fun place whether you’re stopping in for a quiet pint, catching a lively event or just hanging out with friends.

Ocmulgee Brewpub

Located in downtown Macon, Ocmulgee Brewpub combines craft beer, great food and a strong connection to its local history. Housed in a remodeled building not far from the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park, this brewpub is rooted in its surroundings while offering a modern atmosphere. The central location is perfect for popping into the other shops and exploring this historic city.

Ocmulgee Beer

Ocmulgee Brewpub’s clever tagline, “Beer is better when it’s Macon made,” sets the tone the moment you walk in – and the beer backs it up. The brewpub offers a solid lineup of house-brewed beers with something for every taste, from easy-drinking options and popular IPA’s to more adventurous styles like gose and sour beers.

While beer preferences vary, the variety here makes it easy to find something you’ll enjoy – especially if you like trying local brews you won’t find anywhere else. On my first visit, I opted for a “Gosebusters” – a herbal, salty gose infused with lemongrass. Perfect for those humid summer days in Georgia.

Ocmulgee Food

One of the things that really sets Ocmulgee Brewpub apart is the food. This isn’t just bar food – it’s a menu that makes the brewpub a destination all on its own. From hearty pub standards like wings and burgers to southern favorites like boiled peanuts, pork skins and onion rings – you’ll want to come hungry and stay awhile.

I love that they know how to do a good burger and since they’ve been voted best burger in Macon I ordered a Smoke Stack – a burger with smoked gouda and an onion ring. And it was delicious! One of the best burgers I’ve ever had. Another bonus is they make all their own unique sauces.

Ocmulgee Vibe

Offering indoor seating and a few pet-friendly sidewalk tables, the vibe at Ocmulgee Brewpub is relaxed, casual and very Macon. The brewery is welcoming without trying too hard and feels just as comfortable for a easygoing lunch as it does for dinner and drinks. Plus, the service is amazing with a lot of Southern hospitality.

Spring is a nice time to visit for Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival, when the city – literally – comes alive with pink blossoms. Ocmulgee Brewpub joins in the celebration with special pink beer. Between the atmosphere, the food and the beer, it’s easy to see why Ocmulgee Brewpub is one of my favorite breweries in Georgia – and why it deserves a stop if you’re visiting, or passing through, central Georgia.

Breweries in Atlanta

These breweries in Atlanta are primarily located inside or just outside the Perimeter (I‑285). Neighborhoods like Midtown, Westside, East Atlanta and Decatur are home to dozens of breweries and you can easily explore a few spots in a day.

Sweetwater Brewing Company

Even though it’s not the oldest brewery in Georgia, Sweetwater Brewing Company has been around since 1997. It’s their famous green 402 bottles and cans that most people are familiar with. Sweetwater is so popular, they brew half of the beer produced in Georgia yearly.

Located on a large complex in an industrial area in northeast Atlanta, Sweetwater is easy to get to. The space includes indoor seating and a covered, dog-friendly outdoor area. The brewery wasn’t crowded when we arrived, it filled up as the afternoon went on. Sweetwater also offers a 30-minute tour for $10, but hunger won out and we skipped it in favor of food.

Sweet Water Beer

I’m not a beer connoisseur by any means. In fact, I can’t even tell you what a lot of them are. I only know what I like. My preference leans towards German beers, Belgian ales, gose and sour beers. I’m not a fan of IPA’s and it just so happens that one of Sweetwater’s most popular beers is an IPA. But no worries. They have a huge selection – whatever your tastes are.

Instead of a flight, I picked a Sour Berliner Weisse called Easy Lover. Made with El Dorado hops that the bartender explained are a special kind of hops – Sweetwater puts a lot of attention into the ingredients they use. In doing some investigation when I got home, the El Dorado hops tend to have tropical fruity notes.

Which makes sense, since my beer was a cloudy, more fruity sour beer that tends to be found in Northern Germany. I really enjoyed the taste and it complimented my burger nicely. Sweetwater also serves a hard seltzer for those that don’t enjoy beer.

Sweet Water Food

The only thing better for me than a brewery with good beer, is a brewery with good beer AND good food. I have to say, Sweetwater Brewing has one of the best menus I’ve seen at a brewery. Huge, generous portions, perfect for sharing.

The burger I ordered was enormous, topped with cheese and bacon served with fresh handcut fries as a perfect side. My daughter ordered smoked chicken nachos made with cheese, charred corn, black beans and a creamy verde sauce. As nachos go, these were some of the tastiest.

As other people came in, we checked out what they were having. In fact, the lady next to us let me snap a photo of her crispy Thai Brussel sprouts. She swears they are the best thing on the menu. Next time Sweetwater. Next time.

Sweet Water Vibe

One thing I definitely don’t like about breweries is a snobby vibe from the staff – the we know more than you – attitude. There was none of that at Sweetwater Brewing. The bartender was professional and went out of his way to explain the beer when I had questions. And in a nice way. Not condescending.

The food came out quick and we were well taken care of. The brewery is big enough to feel comfortable but not so big that you feel lost. There’s a fun, happy vibe about the place and I would definitely go back. I’m pretty sure Sweetwater is going to rate really high on my breweries in Georgia list. I’m only sad I didn’t tried it sooner.

Bold Monk Brewing Co.

Bold Monk Brewing Co. is one of Atlanta’s newer breweries. Housed in an industrial complex in West Midtown, Bold Monk has a restaurant, a library, a coffee house and a newly completed beer garden. They literally want you to find your most comfortable spot and enjoy yourself.

One thing that really surprised me about Bold Monk is they also serve brunch till 3pm on the weekends. I’m a big fan of breakfast all day so I can’t wait to go back and do brunch. There’s a mixed berry waffle with whipped cream, calling my name.

Bold Monk Beer

Like Sweetwater, I visited Bold Monk with my daughter and we met up with a mutual friend. Bold Monk’s beer model is Belgian and the menu is full of ales, stouts, lagers and a few IPA.s. I chose a Belgian Witbier brewed with lemon, orange peel and coriander called White Oak White.

It was delicious. The attention to detail in the glassware was something I appreciated as well. Another nice touch is Bold Monk serves Urban Tree Cider and Atlanta Hard Cider for the non-beer drinkers and gluten-free people.

Bold Monk Food

When we made the decision to try Bold Monk Brewing, it was on a whim and we really didn’t know what to expect or if they even served food. Once we got there we really wished we hadn’t just eaten because the food looks amazing.

In fact, their current Google rating is a 4.6 with over 1000 reviews. That’s outstanding! And I can’t wait to go back for brunch – or for some pizza our bar mates ordered. Shout out to them for letting me snap this photo – to the embarrassment of my daughter.

Bold Monk Vibe

I really enjoyed the upscale, which is different for a brewery, but welcoming vibe at Bold Monk. Everyone was super friendly. Since we weren’t eating food, we sat at the bar. The service was still great and our bartender did a thorough job explaining about the beer. Bonus points for no snobbery.

We felt well taken care of and he continued to check back frequently to see if we needed anything. Even though I enjoyed sitting at the bar, and would do it again, I am looking forward to checking out the new beer garden.

Trying More Breweries in Georgia

So far, these are some of my favorite breweries in Georgia – the ones I recommend, revisit and bring friends to whenever I can. This guide will continue to grow as I visit new breweries and revisit some old favorites. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, a road trip or just looking for a great local pint, check back often – there’s always another brewery worth discovering. Until then…slainte.

See you on the road! (With a dd, of course.)