Atlanta, September 5, 2025
Explore Atlanta’s vibrant craft beer scene with this weekend guide showcasing the best breweries, from cozy taprooms to lively kitchens. Discover places like Monday Night Brewing with its spacious atmosphere, SweetWater Brewing for its famous beers and food, Orpheus Brewing for innovative IPAs, and Round Trip Brewing’s German-style offerings. Whether you’re a local or visiting, enjoy the variety, check hours, and sip responsibly as you experience what the city has to offer.
Atlanta This Weekend: Your No-BS Guide to Hitting the Best Breweries
If you live in Atlanta or you’re rolling into town for the weekend, the craft beer scene here is a full-contact sport — packed patios, rotating taps, food trucks, and vibe checks at every corner. Here’s a tight, street-smart rundown of spots you should consider. Read fast, plan smart, and enjoy responsibly.
Monday Night Brewing – The Grove (Northwest BeltLine)
This place is a hybrid that somehow nails it: part brewery, part coffee shop, part co-working space, all in a big, dog-friendly setting right along the BeltLine’s Northwest Trail. Great for late-morning meetups or late-night hangs. Taproom hours run broadly through the week: early openings Monday to Thursday, extended hours on Friday and Saturday, and slightly shorter hours on Sunday. Expect a spacious indoor-outdoor feel and plenty of room to spread out.
SweetWater Brewing Company (North Atlanta)
SweetWater is a local giant and a reliable weekend magnet. Known widely for a signature Extra Pale Ale, the Taproom and Kitchen serve a full menu with plates that pair well with hoppy pours. The spot opens midweek and stays lively through the weekend, with tours offered evenings and on weekend days. If you’re looking for a bigger-brewery atmosphere with consistent food options and merch, this is your stop.
Orpheus Brewing (Piedmont Park / BeltLine adjacent)
If you prefer IPAs, sours, and adventurous small-batch offerings, Orpheus is a must. It’s close enough to Piedmont Park to make a beer crawl out of a park day. Standard tour windows appear on late-week evenings and weekend afternoons, which can help you plan around a park stroll or a BeltLine ride. Expect innovative brews and a loyal local following.
Round Trip Brewing Co. (Westside industrial vibe)
Round Trip brings a different energy with German-style beers and a cozy taproom that opens up to an outdoor patio. The schedule leans toward late afternoons and into the evening on weekdays, with longer weekend hours. If you want well-crafted lagers and a relaxed, patio-friendly vibe, this one’s worth the trip.
Quick Tips Before You Go
- Check hours and tour availability before you head out — taproom times shift for holidays, events, and private bookings.
- Expect food trucks at many spots on weekends; some breweries also have full kitchens.
- Dog-friendly? Many are, but policies can change. If Fido’s coming, double-check.
- Parking and transit matter: the BeltLine-accessible spots are easier to reach by bike or foot; some Westside locations have limited parking.
- Designate a driver or use rideshare — Atlanta traffic and limited close-in parking can make driving a hassle late at night.
How to Build a One-Day Crawl
Start late morning at Monday Night Brewing – The Grove if you want coffee and a walk on the BeltLine. Midday, swing toward SweetWater for a fuller menu and tours. Late afternoon is prime for Orpheus near Piedmont Park — grab a sour or IPA and stroll the park. Wrap the night at Round Trip for a more low-key finish and German-style pours. That loop gives you variety and keeps travel time low if you plot your route east-to-west smartly.
Final Word From Someone Who Knows the City
Atlanta’s craft-beer map keeps changing, but the places listed are solid choices for different moods: neighborhood hangout, big-taproom energy, experimental brewing, and classic lager love. Reservations and tour slots can fill up, especially on weekends, so check each brewery’s official page or call ahead. Sip smart, respect the spaces, and treat the neighborhood right.
FAQ
Do these breweries offer food?
Yes. Some have full kitchens while others regularly host food trucks. SweetWater has a full Taproom and Kitchen; many others rely on rotating food trucks or nearby restaurants.
Are tours available at these breweries?
Yes, tours are available at several of these breweries. Tour days and times vary by location — Orpheus and SweetWater list regular tour windows, and Monday Night and others may offer tours or special events. Always check the brewery’s website for current schedules.
Can I bring my dog to the taprooms?
Several Atlanta breweries are dog-friendly, especially spots with outdoor patios or BeltLine access. Policies can change, so verify with the brewery before you bring a pet.
What are the best times to visit to avoid crowds?
Weekday afternoons are usually quieter. Late afternoons and evenings on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays draw the biggest crowds. If you want a calmer experience, aim for weekday visits or early afternoon on weekends.
Is parking a problem?
Parking varies. BeltLine-adjacent breweries are easiest to reach by bike, foot, or rideshare. Industrial-area breweries often have limited parking, so plan ahead.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Brewery | Vibe | Known For | Taproom Hours (typical) | Tours | Dog-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday Night – The Grove | Modern, BeltLine-friendly | Coffee + craft beers, spacious seating | Weekdays mornings to late evening; late nights Fri/Sat | Variable | Yes |
| SweetWater | Big brewery, lively taproom | 420 Extra Pale Ale, full kitchen | Open Tue–Sun; long weekend hours | Evenings & weekends | Often |
| Orpheus | Experimental, IPA & sour focus | IPAs, sours, small batches | Weekend afternoons & select evenings | Thu–Sun windows | Depends |
| Round Trip | Cozy, German-style | Traditional lagers | Late afternoons to evenings; longer weekends | Limited / check site | Outdoor patio |
Plan a route, check hours, and enjoy Atlanta’s bold beer scene this weekend.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Things to do in Atlanta: 10 Hidden Neighborhoods Locals Recommend for Food, Art and Short Walks
Atlanta Offers Diverse Dining and Drinking Options for Convention-Goers
Things to do in Atlanta without the Crowds: Quiet, Low-Wait Activities and Off-the-Beaten-Path Neighborhoods
Beginner-Friendly Pottery Workshop at Scofflaw Brewing Co.
Georgia’s Culinary Festivals Showcase Local Flavors
Georgia Senate Approves Local Control for Sunday Alcohol Sales
Atlanta’s Vibrant Weekend Events and Festivals
President Trump Announces Tariff Pause for Most Nations
March Brings Culinary Delights to Atlanta
Atlanta’s Craft Beer Scene Battles Corporate Power
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
