Buying Beer At Atlanta Airport: What You Need To Know

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the country, so it's no surprise that it offers a wide range of dining and drinking options for travellers. For beer lovers, there are several options to choose from, both before and after security. Here's a quick guide to help you find your preferred brew at the Atlanta airport.

Where to buy beer at Atlanta Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the country, so it's likely you'll pass through it at some point. Luckily, it has a surprisingly organised airport layout, with plenty of options for a pre-flight beer.

If you're in Concourse T, your best bet is Papi's Cuban & Caribbean Cafe, which showcases local Georgia beers. They also make a decent mojito or Cuba libre (rum and cola). There's also an outpost of Grindhouse Killer Burgers, which has several beers on tap.

In Concourse A, Varasano's has a well-stocked bar with great choices in wine, cocktails, spirits, and local craft beer. Cat Cora's Kitchen, run by the same group, has a similarly good selection, including Cat's signature ouzotini. If you're a smoker, head to TAP, a gastro pub and smoking lounge.

In Concourse B, TGI Friday's usually has a few local beers on draft.

In Concourse C, Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint will serve your purpose, though the Southern theme is a little heavy-handed.

In Concourse D, Chicken+Beer, a new Southern comfort food destination, features eight Georgia-brewed beers on tap, including critical darling Creature Comforts out of Athens and hometown craft favourites like Second Self, Three Taverns, and Wild Heaven. They even have a nitro line, currently featuring Eventide's Dry Irish Stout. The Terrapin Tap House, upstairs, features beers from the Athens brewery, and a smoke lounge offering cigars and hookahs.

In Concourse E, One Flew South has been winning raves from the media and travellers from around the world since 2008. The bar menu, designed by Jerry Slater, includes creative but classic cocktails, a sake selection, and a diverse wine menu.

In Concourse F, the bar menu at Ecco has three dozen wines by the glass, with the chance to sample wines from the world's great grape regions. If Ecco is packed, head over to the nearby El Taco for a frozen mojito or margarita.

Best beer at Atlanta Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a great place to grab a beer, with plenty of options to suit all tastes.

If you're looking for a wide selection of local beers, Concourse D's Chicken+Beer is a must-visit. With eight Georgia-brewed beers on tap, including Creature Comforts, Second Self, Three Taverns, and Wild Heaven, it offers the best local beer selection in the airport. The restaurant, owned by rapper Ludacris, also serves up delicious Southern comfort food, like fried chicken, beef cheeks, and crawfish.

For those who want to sample Atlanta's burgeoning craft beer scene, TAP in Concourse A is a great choice. They offer a range of craft beers, including local options, alongside wine and cocktails. Varasano's Pizzeria, also in Concourse A, pairs its thin-crust pizzas with a decent wine list.

Concourse T's Papi's Cuban & Caribbean Cafe is another spot to find local Georgia beers, as well as cocktails like mojitos and Cuba libres. Grindhouse Killer Burgers, with locations in Concourse T and D, also offers cheap wine, several beers on tap, and cocktails.

Concourse E's One Flew South is a great option for an upscale dining experience. It was the first upscale restaurant in the airport and is known for its creative cocktails, sake, and diverse wine menu.

For those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Concourse C's Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint offers a laid-back vibe with Southern pastries and coffee. Atlanta Braves All Star Grill, with locations in Concourse D and E, provides a relaxed setting for a drink, although service can be slow during busy times.

So, whether you're craving a craft beer, a cocktail, or just a casual beer with your meal, Atlanta Airport has plenty of options to keep you refreshed and entertained during your layover or pre-flight.

Beer prices at Atlanta Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a culinary destination in its own right, offering a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, and fast-food outlets. Here is a guide to help you find the best places to enjoy a beer at the airport, along with some insights into beer prices.

Concourse A

Concourse A is home to Varasano's Pizzeria, which offers thin-crust pizzas and a well-stocked bar. The prices at Varasano's can be a bit high, but it's a good option for craft beer lovers. You can expect to find local craft beers on tap, such as the Three Taverns Belgian-style IPA.

Another option in Concourse A is the Atlanta Chophouse & Brewery, which offers a refined dining experience with steaks and craft beer. The atmosphere is lively, but it might be too noisy for those seeking a quiet meal before their flight.

Concourse B

For beer options in Concourse B, your best bet is TGI Friday's, which usually has a few local beers on draft. However, there are limited options for drinking in this concourse, so you may want to check out the options in Concourse A or C as well.

Concourse C

Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint in Concourse C offers Southern pastries, coffee, and beer in a relaxed setting. The Southern theme is a bit over the top, but it's a decent option for a drink.

Concourse D

Concourse D has a few good options for beer enthusiasts. Chicken+Beer, a Southern comfort food restaurant from Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, features eight Georgia-brewed beers on tap, including Creature Comforts from Athens and other craft favorites like Second Self, Three Taverns, and Wild Heaven. They also have a nitro line and classic cocktails.

Another option in Concourse D is the Terrapin Tap House, located upstairs from Chicken+Beer. Here, you'll find beers from the Athens brewery, along with a smoke lounge offering cigars and hookahs.

Concourse E

One Flew South in Concourse E is a top choice for dining and drinking. It offers a creative yet classic cocktail menu, a diverse wine selection, and an excellent American whiskey selection. Bottles of Pappy Van Winkle have been known to make an appearance around release dates.

Concourse T

Papi's Cuban & Caribbean Cafe in Concourse T showcases local Georgia beers and classic cocktails like mojitos and Cuba libres. It's a good option for a quick drink before your flight.

Domestic Terminal (Pre-Security)

If you're looking for a drink before you go through security, Atlanta ChopHouse & Brewery is your best option. Drinking options are limited in this area of the airport.

Alcohol-related laws at Atlanta Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offers a wide range of dining and drinking options for travellers. Here is a guide to the alcohol-related laws and where to find alcoholic beverages at Atlanta Airport:

Domestic Terminal (Pre-security):

The Atlanta Chophouse & Brewery is the best option for a drink before passing through security.

Concourse A:

Varasano's Pizzeria offers a well-stocked bar with wine, cocktails, spirits, and local craft beer. Cat Cora's Kitchen, run by the same group, also has an excellent selection of cocktails. TAP, a gastro pub and smoking lounge, offers a limited selection of beers on tap and wines.

Concourse B:

TGI Friday's usually has a few local beers on draft.

Concourse C:

Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint is a Southern-themed bar that serves coffee and cocktails.

Concourse D:

Chicken+Beer, a Southern comfort food restaurant, offers eight Georgia-brewed beers on tap, classic cocktails, and boozy slushies. The 40/40 Club, owned by Jay-Z, also serves cocktails and has a smoke lounge. Upstairs is the Terrapin Tap House, with beers from the Athens brewery and a smoke lounge offering cigars and hookahs.

Concourse E:

One Flew South has a bar menu designed by mixologist Jerry Slater, featuring craft cocktails, sake, and a diverse wine list. American whiskey, including Pappy Van Winkle, is also available.

Concourse F (International):

The Ecco bar offers three dozen wines by the glass from various grape regions. Cocktails with classic old-world components like calvados, sherry, and Chartreuse are also available. El Taco serves frozen mojitos and margaritas.

Duty-free alcohol is available for purchase at the airport, but only for international flights. These shops are located in Concourses E and F, the typical departure points for most international flights. However, it is important to note that purchased alcohol may need to be placed in checked luggage, and any duty-free alcohol purchased may still be subject to declaration and duty payment upon arrival at your destination.

Drinking beer at Atlanta Airport vs in the Caribbean

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the country and offers plenty of options for travellers looking to enjoy a beer or two. The airport's layout is surprisingly organised, making it easy to navigate between the various drinking options. While the options are somewhat limited before security, with Atlanta Chophouse & Brewery being the standout choice, the real drinking destinations are found in concourses D, E, and F.

Concourse D is a great choice for those seeking a wide variety of drinking options. Chicken+Beer, a Southern comfort food destination, offers eight Georgia-brewed beers on tap, including critical darlings like Creature Comforts. For a more upscale experience, the Terrapin Tap House features a smoke lounge with cigars and hookahs, as well as beers from the Athens brewery. Jay-Z's 40/40 Club also offers a unique drinking experience.

Concourse E is home to One Flew South, a highly acclaimed airport dining concept known for its creative cocktails, sake selection, and diverse wine menu. This establishment has received two James Beard nominations for outstanding service and is definitely worth the trip to concourse E.

Concourse F, the international terminal, boasts drinking destinations such as Ecco, which offers a wide range of wines by the glass from various grape-growing regions around the world. For those seeking a more lively atmosphere, El Taco serves up frozen mojitos and margaritas.

Now, let's compare this to drinking beer in the Caribbean. The Caribbean is known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse drinking culture. Each island has its own unique offerings, from lively beach bars to sophisticated cocktail lounges. The region is particularly renowned for its rum production, with many local distilleries offering tours and tastings. The climate also lends itself well to drinking, with year-round warm weather and an abundance of outdoor venues.

One of the key advantages of drinking beer in the Caribbean is the price. As mentioned in a TripAdvisor forum, some travellers have found that alcohol prices in the Caribbean are more affordable than those at duty-free shops in airports. Additionally, the selection of local beers and craft cocktails in the Caribbean tends to be more diverse and authentic than what is typically offered at airports.

In conclusion, both Atlanta Airport and the Caribbean offer unique drinking experiences. Atlanta Airport provides a wide range of options, from craft breweries to cocktail lounges, all within a convenient and organised setting. On the other hand, the Caribbean entices travellers with its vibrant culture, lively venues, and affordable, diverse drink options. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your personal preferences, budget, and travel plans.

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