Best Beer-Buying Spots In Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia, is a great place to grab a beer. The city and its surrounding areas have seen new breweries open nearly every year since 2010, and the pandemic only encouraged these businesses to diversify their offerings. Many breweries now host food pop-ups and food trucks, have expanded their patio seating, or added vibrant beer gardens with outdoor bars.

You can buy beer at grocery stores, but if you want liquor, you'll need to go to a specific store. Some popular places to buy beer in Atlanta include Total Wine & More, Hop City Craft Beer and Wine, and Green's Beverages.

Beer delivery services in Atlanta

There are several options for beer delivery services in Atlanta.

Minibar Delivery offers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, liquor, and mixers, as well as flowers and glassware. They partner with local stores to deliver your order, which typically arrives within 30-60 minutes. A $5 delivery fee is applied to each order to help offset the costs for their retail partners.

Instacart also provides alcohol delivery in Atlanta, including beer, wine, liquor, and extras like mixers and soda. You can place your order through their app or website, and they will connect you with a personal shopper in your area. Delivery fees start at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35, and you can choose your delivery time.

Uber Eats offers liquor delivery in Atlanta, with a variety of package stores, bottle shops, and liquor stores available on their platform. You can browse and place your order through the Uber Eats app, and track its ETA while you wait.

GotoLiquorStore is another online alcohol ordering platform that partners with local retailers in Atlanta to provide beer, wine, and liquor delivery. They do not personally deliver the orders but work with retailers who may use a third-party delivery company. Delivery fees are defined by the stores themselves, and orders are typically delivered on the same day.

Some popular stores and shops in Atlanta that offer beer delivery through these platforms include Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits, Camp Creek World of Beverages, Little Five Points Package, and Tipsy World of Beverage.

Beer stores in Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia, is home to several beer stores, including large chains and local businesses, offering a wide variety of craft beer, wine, spirits, and more. Here is a list of some of the best beer stores in Atlanta:

Hop City Craft Beer and Wine

With several locations across Atlanta, including Krog Street Market, West End, and Fayetteville, Hop City is a popular choice for beer lovers. It offers a vast selection of craft beers, wines, ciders, and meads from local and international producers. Hop City also has a bar with dozens of draft beers and a unique food menu crafted to complement the drinks. The staff are always ready to help customers navigate the thousands of options available.

Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits

Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits is a favourite liquor, wine, and beer store for many Atlantans. It offers a large selection of craft beers, wines, and spirits, with helpful staff ready to assist customers in finding what they need.

Green’s Beverages

Located in Poncey-Highland, Green’s Beverages is known for its great craft beer selection. Customers are advised to check out the cold storage beyond the beer shelves for additional options.

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More is a chain store that offers a large selection of wines and craft beers. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful in assisting customers in finding their preferred drinks.

Decatur Package Store

Although not a huge store, Decatur Package Store boasts a wide variety of beers, including many Belgian and craft beers.

Sprayberry Bottle Shop

Sprayberry Bottle Shop is a family-run store located in Marietta, just outside Atlanta. It offers a friendly atmosphere and an impressive selection of bourbons and craft beers.

In addition to these stores, Atlanta also has numerous breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms, such as Halfway Crooks Beer, Inner Voice Brewing, and Three Taverns Craft Brewery, where beer enthusiasts can find fresh brews and unique offerings.

Buying alcohol in Atlanta on Sundays

Alcohol Sales Laws in Georgia

In Georgia, the sale of alcohol is regulated by state law, which previously stated that alcohol could only be sold between 12:30 pm and 11:30 pm on Sundays. These laws have been gradually relaxed, with a "Brunch Bill" passed in 2018 allowing restaurants to serve alcoholic drinks from 11 am on Sundays.

Alcohol Sales Laws in Atlanta

The laws regarding alcohol sales in Atlanta, Georgia's capital, have historically been more restrictive than in other parts of the state. Until recently, it was not possible to buy alcohol from grocery stores or liquor stores in Atlanta on Sundays. However, this changed in 2022 when voters in the city approved a measure to allow the sale of alcohol from 11 am to midnight on Sundays. This change in the law means that Atlanta residents and visitors can now purchase beer, wine, and spirits from 11 am to 12 am on Sundays, an additional 30 minutes compared to the rest of Georgia.

Where to Buy Alcohol in Atlanta on Sundays

With the new laws in place, there are now several options for purchasing alcohol in Atlanta on Sundays. Grocery stores, wine shops, and package stores are now able to sell alcohol from 11 am onwards. Additionally, bars and restaurants have been able to serve alcohol from 11 am on Sundays since the passing of the Brunch Bill in 2018. It is worth noting that some counties in Georgia are "dry counties," meaning that retail liquor sales are illegal. However, this does not apply to Atlanta.

Beer and Wine Delivery in Atlanta

Another option for acquiring alcohol on Sundays in Atlanta is through delivery services. Since the pandemic, beer and wine delivery from retailers with the appropriate license has been permitted in Georgia. Additionally, restaurants and some package and retail stores are allowed to deliver distilled spirits. However, only restaurants can deliver mixed drinks, and third-party delivery services cannot be used for this purpose.

A Relaxation of Alcohol Laws in Georgia

The changes to alcohol sales laws in Georgia and Atlanta reflect a broader trend of relaxing restrictions. In 2011, many communities in Georgia voted to end the ban on Sunday liquor sales, and in recent years, laws have been passed to allow for limited direct sales from breweries and distilleries and the sale of cocktails to-go from restaurants. These changes provide greater convenience for consumers and support local businesses in the hospitality industry.

Popular breweries in Atlanta

Atlanta's craft beer scene has been booming over the last decade, with new breweries popping up every year. The city is now considered one of the top beer destinations in the US. Here are some of the most popular breweries in Atlanta:

SweetWater Brewing Company

One of the most well-known breweries in Atlanta, SweetWater Brewing Company was founded in 1997 by two college friends. The brewery has an ever-expanding taproom, offering its famous beers as well as limited editions only found on-site. The company also hosts events throughout the year, such as music festivals and river cleanups.

New Realm Brewing Co.

Located in the Old Fourth Ward, New Realm Brewing Co. offers exceptional IPAs and pilsners, along with a beer garden and rooftop deck overlooking the Atlanta BeltLine. The brewery pairs its beers with dishes like burgers and wood-fired pizzas.

Monday Night Brewing

Once a men's Bible study group, Monday Night Brewing has become one of the most popular breweries in Atlanta. They offer a range of excellent beers in their taproom, including barrel-aged brews, and host events like discounted pint nights. The company also has a second location, Monday Night Garage, in Atlanta's historic West End neighborhood.

Scofflaw Brewing Company

Scofflaw Brewing Company boasts a highly-rated 18,000-square-foot brewery in the Bolton area, with a taproom that is open daily. The brewery is known for its popular Basement IPA and hosts events like yoga classes.

Wild Heaven Beer

Wild Heaven Beer, with locations in Avondale Estates and the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail, is one of Georgia's early craft beer pioneers. The brewery offers seasonal selections, like the Garden Beers and Happiest Hour series, and has a kid-friendly beer garden.

Halfway Crooks Beer

This Summerhill brewery, owned by an electrical engineer, a tech expert, and a Belgium-born brewer, offers a unique mix of European-style beers. The taproom features scattered table seating and two bars, one on each floor, with the upper floor having its own ordering counter. There is also a beer garden across the street that hosts food pop-ups and artist markets.

Atlantucky Brewing

Owned by the members of the Southern rap quartet Nappy Roots, Atlantucky Brewing offers a selection of pale ales, IPAs, hefeweizens, and stouts on tap. The brewery also features a prep kitchen with weekly pop-ups and occasional live performances by Nappy Roots and other musicians.

Hippin' Hops Brewery & Oyster Bar

Hippin' Hops Brewery & Oyster Bar is Georgia's first Black-owned brewery with a permanent location. The brewpub and oyster bar offer a creative lineup of seasonal ales and New Orleans-themed food, like oysters, po' boys, and gator bites. The brewery often features a live DJ and has a cornhole setup in the adjacent beer garden.

Inner Voice Brewing

Inner Voice Brewing, located in downtown Decatur, offers a variety of beers, from double IPAs and Mexican-style lagers to kolches and fruited sours. The brewery also includes an on-site pizzeria through a partnership with Glide Pizza.

Three Taverns Brewery

Inspired by travels to Belgium, Three Taverns Brewery opened in 2013 and focuses on IPAs and sours. The original Decatur location has been a popular spot for beer lovers, and the brewery recently expanded to a second location at Atlanta Dairies.

Second Self Beer Company

Founded by two Georgia Tech graduates, Second Self Beer Company offers a range of beers, including year-round options and seasonal IPAs, sours, and porters. The taproom is the perfect place to sample their unique creations.

Decatur

Decatur, just a few miles east of downtown Atlanta, is home to several great breweries. In addition to those mentioned above, Decatur is also known for Twain's, Brick Store Pub, Ale Yeah!, Sceptre, Lost Druid, and Little Cottage.

Popular beer types in Atlanta

Atlanta's craft beer scene has been thriving since the early 2010s, with new breweries opening almost every year. The city's beer culture got a boost in 2019 when new legislation was introduced to loosen the laws governing Georgia's craft breweries. As a result, Atlanta is now home to a diverse range of breweries, from well-established brands to up-and-coming spots. Here are some of the most popular beer types you can find in Atlanta:

IPAs

The India Pale Ale (IPA) is a popular style in Atlanta, with a wide range of variations available. Some notable examples include the Basement IPA and Double Basement IPA from Scofflaw Brewing Company, the Mosaic Single Hop Hazy IPA from SweetWater Brewing Company, and the Galactic Space Circus and Tropicália from Creature Comforts. Halfway Crooks Beer also offers a unique German Pilsner-style IPA called Active Low.

Stouts

Stouts are a favourite among Atlantans, with a variety of options available. The Irish BUH-BYE Wake-N-Bake from Terrapin Beer Company and the Oaxaca Choca from New Realm Brewing Company offer interesting takes on the traditional stout. Other popular options include the Barrel Aged Vanilla Absentium from Scofflaw Brewing Company and the Moo-HooChiato from Terrapin Beer Company.

Sours

Sour beers are also well-loved in Atlanta. The Athena Paradiso - Tart Cherry, Raspberry, Cranberry from Creature Comforts and Rapturous from Three Taverns Craft Brewery are perfect for those who enjoy a fruity, tart beer. For something more unique, try the Tears Of My Enemies - Apple Brandy Barrel Aged from Monday Night Brewing, a sweet stout with a twist.

Porters

Porters are another popular style in Atlanta, with a few options available. The Coconut Porter from Cherry Street Brewing Cooperative and the Double Koko Buni from Creature Comforts are both highly rated.

Lagers

When it comes to lagers, Atlanta has a few local favourites. The Yuengling Traditional Lager, first introduced in 1873, is a classic choice. For something more unique, try the Blue Moon Belgian White, a Belgian-style wheat beer with a refreshing twist.

Belgian Styles

Belgian-style beers are also popular in Atlanta, thanks in part to the Bold Monk Brewing Co., which offers a range of Belgians and other styles.

Frequently asked questions