Craft beer culture has flourished over the last decade in the U.S., and like many other great cities, Nashville has seen an amazing growth of the same! From having only one dominant craft brewer to now more than a dozen, and armfuls of great craft beer events throughout the year, Nashville has safely become a craft brew landmark. But if you’re a beer lover, what are the best places to get a beer in Nashville? What are the best breweries and beer tours? I’ve compiled a thorough list of what I think are the best!
Great Nashville Beer Tours
If you want to experience a lot of Nashville beer culture on the go, or if you have some beer-loving friends or family coming into town, these beer-themed tours are widely acclaimed and very popular!
The Nashville Brew Bus – The Nashville Brew Bus is like a fantastic DD to ferry groups big and small to all of Nashville’s craft brew hotspots, growler stations, beer bars, and other notable beer locations. Each stop features beer, hydration, and snacks… but the best part is always the last stop, where you get some more substantial eats and discounted growlers. But it’s not just a bar-hop; often you get tours and meetings with the brewers behing the beers!
Music City Brew Tours – These bus tours allow their riders to visit three craft breweries and beer pubs around and in downtown. And if you want, they’ll even pick you up from the airport! You can grab food on your journey, but the bus also provides free water and snacks. On the way, they’ll teach you about the history of the local brewing scene.
Ritzy Downtown Pubs & Breweries
If you love drinking in a luxe atmosphere, or you’re bringing someone you want to impress, these downtown brewpubs and breweries are absolutely gorgeous, and some even offer amazing views of the skyline. Be warned, though, that parking’s usually a headache.
Rock Bottom Brewery – This is the only brewery on Broadway, theis brewery has an amazing streetside patio and rooftop lounge with one of the best views of downtown and the River. It’s also close to almost everything good in downtown, from Bridgestone Arwna to the Ryman Auditorium to Music City Center to the Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s got a rotating lineup of beers, as well as its own brews.
The Pub Nashville – Though Nashville has a ‘Flying Saucer’, the Pub Nashville in the Gulch is actually significantly nicer on the inside, has notably better service, and has great open-air atmosphere in summer… all for a similar price-point.
Great Nashville Breweries
These breweries represent the best in Nashville, and some are better-known than others! Be warned, though, that for the smaller options, parking and space might be a little tight.
Yazoo Brewery – 910 Division Street – The first big brewery in Nashville and the group that really started and lifted the Nashville craft brew scene, you should visit them just to tip your hat! Beers: Pale Ale, Dos Perros Ale, Hefeweizen, Sly Rye Porter, Hop Project, Gerst Amber Ale, Sue, Stout. Taproom: Wednesday 4-6pm; Thursday-Friday 4-8pm; Saturday 12-6pm.
Jackalope Brewing Company – 701 Eighth Avenue South – Believe it or not, this brewing company was started by two Nashville ladies! While in law school at Vanderbilt University, they realized that they’d rather make a living on brews… and we’re glad they did! Beers: Rompo Red Rye Ale, Thunder Ann APA, Bearwalker Maple Brown, Many craft seasonals. Taproom: Thursday 4-10pm; Friday 4-8pm; Saturday 2-8pm; Sunday 12-6pm
Fat Bottom Brewing – 900 Main Street – These inventive brewers really shook up the scene, and have gained a big local following! And as a plus for any visitors, their brewery is located very close to some iconic Nashville eateries. Beers: Ginger Wheat Ale, Ruby Red American Ale, Black Betty IPA, Bertha Oatmeal Stout, Java Jane Coffee Porter. Taproom: Tuesday-Friday 4-10pm; Saturday 12-10pm.
Smith & Lentz Brewing Company – 903 Main Street – Having a small brewing system supported by an army of fermenters and aging vessels means the next time you and your friends visit, there will be a new beer to try. Beers: Session Ale, Mosaic IPA, IPA #2, Oatmeal Stout, Bavarian Hefeweizen. Taproom: Tuesday-Thursday 4-10pm; Friday 2-10pm; Saturday 12-10pm.
