Nashville's craft beer industry has been exploding. Homebrewers have turned their passion into a full-time job, and Nashville has benefited them. Breweries are popping up everywhere!
Many breweries claim to have great beer, but it's rare to find one that does.
Not only do these top picks have great beer, but they are also superb human beings.
Yee-Haw
The Yee-Haw Brewing Co. spans an unbelievable 30,000 square foot campus with Ole Smoky Moonshine and White Duck Taco Shop. They have seven locations across the state of Tennessee.
You have the choice of about 60 brews on tap to choose from. Packed with large-screen TVs, stages, a beer garden, a brewery, and a distillery on site, this is a fun location.
They serve pilsners, IPAs, and Lagers, using extra ingredients like wheat and oats.
They are on 6th Avenue in SoBro and are open seven days a week. It's only a 10-minute walk from the Honky-Tonk highway on Lower Broadway.
Yee Haw have not only award-winning beer; they have craft food, including pizza and Mexican.
They have plenty of space for work meetings, big groups of friends, or a single visitor. In addition, you'll find indoor and outdoor seating, a stage, games, a fire pit, and more.
Black Abbey
Black Abbey Brewery started in Nashville and has been a local icon since it started. Founder Carl started homebrewing in his garage, even winning awards for his brews before he opened the doors of Black Abbey.
Their name is based on the protestant reformation in the 1500s when Martin Luther was brewing on their property. They created what became known as the best beer in Wittenberg.
Their slogan is “Created. Not made”. They take immense pride in what they do.
You can visit the brewery where they serve their brews in the Fellowship Hall. Then, sit on the handmade farmhouse tables to remind yourself when artisans shared their work with neighbors.
They are located just 10 minutes from downtown Nashville and are open seven days a week. Learn more here.
Fait La Force
This exceptional brewery brings people together over a mutual love for craft beer, community engagement, and inclusivity.
But what sets Fait La Force apart is their commitment to empowering drinkers of all levels and pushing boundaries. They serve many unique beers, from classic Belgian-inspired saisons to West Coast IPAs and even New Zealand-style Pilsners. And if you're hungry, their small menu of pub fare and dishes are available from their neighbors at Il Forno.
They are located only a 6-minute drive from downtown Nashville and are open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday).
New Heights Brewing
New Heights Brewing is just a 5-minute drive from Broadway or a 25-minute walk downtown. They are an award-winning brewery.
When the owners were starting the brewery, the IPA was the inspiration. Today, their IPAs are best sellers and have won the most awards.
Their small craft brewery also serves imperial stouts and ales. The team that runs the brewery is truly a craft beer pioneer. They started in their backyard to build up to what is today a true Nashville craft brewery gem.
The taproom is open seven days a week, and inside you'll find 312 Pizza. There's nothing better that goes together than beer and pizza.
Southern Grist Brewing
Southern Grist Brewing Company is a must-visit craft brewery in Nashville. Although, like other breweries here, it was founded out of passion by three friends. This brewery has come a long way since its modest beginnings in East Nashville. Today, Southern Grist has two taproom locations and a 15BBL brewhouse where every batch of beer is served fresh to visitors.
What sets Southern Grist apart is their experimental approach to brewing. They are unafraid to push boundaries and create unique flavor profiles you won't find anywhere else. While they have some recurring series, they don't have a flagship beer in the traditional sense, which means you're in for a new and exciting experience with every visit.
They have 1,000 unique beers in their portfolio, so you'll find something you love at Southern Grist.
Jackalope Brewing Company
Founded by two friends with a passion for great beer, Jackalope has been crafting delicious and creative brews since 2011. Located in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, they specialize in brewing and canning.
Located just a short 8-minute drive from downtown. Open Tuesday through Sunday; you can stop by for a tasting flight, a pint, or even a brewery tour to see how their beer is made. In addition, they have a dog-friendly patio, brewery tours, and weekly events.
And with the recent expansion to their second location, The Ranch, there's even more space to enjoy the unique atmosphere of this Nashville gem.
East Nashville Beer Works
This brewery is about creating a fun and welcoming environment for everyone, from families to dog owners. The taproom features a beer garden, playground, and a full food menu.
From hosting events to collaborating with other local breweries and suppliers, they genuinely believe that “Beer is Community.” As a result, they have a range of locally crafted and brewed beers.
Their core beers, including Eastbank and Citra IPA, are always available, while their seasonal and limited releases add some variety to the mix. And if you're lucky, you can get your hands on one of their specialty barrel-aged bottles.
They are located just a short drive from downtown in East Nashville and are open seven days a week.
Harding House
This brewery has a rich history. Its founders' passion for local beer and sustainable business practices led to the creation of a taproom-focused, hyper-local brewery in the West Nashville neighborhood of The Nations.
A popular beer is their Radiance series featuring delicious, fruited sours and their Saint Brigid Nitro Dry Stout and Kisser Rice Ale. But it's not just about the beer – Harding House Brewing Co. believes in using its product to bring people together and foster a sense of community.
They are open from Tuesday to Sunday in the Nations, just a ten-minute drive from downtown Nashville.
TailGate Brewery
Tailgate Brewery was founded in 2014 and has since expanded to five locations, owing to its immense popularity. They take great pride in their craft beers, offering a range that includes ciders, IPAs, stouts, lagers, and sours. Seasonal, fruity beers are also available for those seeking a refreshing and unique drinking experience.
Tailgate Brewery also offers a full menu with delectable options like pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and salads, ensuring visitors can indulge in great food and beer.
Their main headquarters spans over 7 acres and boasts a tasting room, outdoor bar, craft pizza kitchen, and slice shop, providing visitors an immersive and engaging experience.
Each Tailgate Brewery location is unique, providing visitors with a different experience. For instance, their Music Row location is the only cidery to have emerged from Tennessee. In addition, tailgate Brewery strives to create an inviting and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging visitors to bring their families and meet the creators of their delicious beers.
Bearded Iris Brewing
What sets Bearded Iris apart from the rest is their lineup of hazy IPAs that look almost like freshly squeezed orange juice.
These brews are bursting with fruity flavors and minimal bitterness, making them incredibly easy to drink.
The Homestyle, a New England IPA that comes in at a modest 6%, is their most popular beer. This soft and juicy IPA is a delightful mix of citrus and berry.
Another must-try beer is the Mood Ring, a double IPA that features a blend of strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries at 8.3%
If you're in the mood for something a little heavier, the V Latte Imperial Stout is a fantastic option. This brew is infused with vanilla, coffee, and chocolate and has a hefty ABV of 9.4%.
For the true hop heads, Bearded Iris offers a range of other exciting IPAs, including the Attention Please Double IPA, a Double Scatterbrain IPA at 8%, and the Triple Homestyle IPA.
They have a great setup to sit and enjoy a drink inside or out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the most popular beer in Nashville?
According to a recent study, the most popular beer in Nashville, Tennessee, is Budweiser, followed by Bud Light, Miller Lite, Heineken, and Dos Equis. Budweiser is also the most popular beer in 22 other states across the US.
What is the largest brewery in Nashville, Tennessee?
According to the Nashville Business Journal, the largest brewery in Nashville is Yazoo Brewing Company, producing 19,000 barrels in 2019.
Other top breweries include Jackalope Brewing Co. and Tennessee Brew Works.
Is Nashville a big drinking town?
Yes, Nashville is a drinking town. With numerous bars and packed dive bars, Broadway is bursting with hordes of bachelorette parties. But there is more to Nashville than Broadway, with more than 180 music venues and plenty of breathing room outside the downtown area. Most venues on the strip do not charge a cover, making it easy to pop in and see if you like what's going on. Bring lots of ones/fives to tip the musicians, as that's probably how they get paid.
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