If you’re a beer lover, there’s never been a better time to call Birmingham home. Local breweries have gone from nonexistent to a full-fledged industry over the past fifteen years, thanks to the tireless efforts of grassroots groups like Free the Hops and Alabama Right to Brew. Breweries have also revitalized the social scene around town. Whether you’re a corn hole pro, looking for live music, or want to meet up with friends, local breweries are the place to be. Starting in the heart of downtown and working our way out to the ‘burbs, here’s our BHAM brewery guide.
Birmingham District Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Southside
More info: birminghamdistrictbrewing.com
Birmingham District Brewing Company pays homage to The Magic City’s mining origins with every glass they pour. Its unique brews are inspired by the resourcefulness of Birmingham’s beginnings, utilizing hidden mineral layers throughout the region, which led to the city’s flourishing. Located at The Battery, drop by Birmingham District for a Beyond Thunderdome Hazy IPA or a Pecan Lager and connect with the town’s history.
Good People Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Southside
More info: goodpeoplebrewing.com
Of course, Good People Brewing Company is an obvious choice to round out a Baron’s game as it is right across the street from Regions Field. But there is plenty to enjoy at Good People all year with its signature and specialty brews and its full schedule of rotating food trucks (with HotBox serving tasty dishes every Wednesday through Sunday). Its IPA has been the best-selling of its kind in Alabama for a decade, and other classics like the Coffee Oatmeal Stout and their Pale Ale have also become staples throughout the state. If you’re into sour ales, head on over to try their experimental Funk Farm brews for a unique taste you won’t find anywhere else.
Monday Night Social Club
Neighborhood: Southside
More info: mondaynightbrewing.com
Monday Night Social Club is the first venture outside Atlanta for Monday Night Brewing, a brewery from a part-Bible-study-part-homebrewing group. Monday Night Social Club is an experimental brewpub focusing on hoppy brews like Death Raptor Killer IPA and fruited sours like their popular Dr. Robot Berry Lemon Sour. The taproom boasts beers from their Atlanta breweries alongside house brews and guest taps. Grab a drink and a Tex-Mex-inspired dish from its full-service kitchen and enjoy the vibe at Monday Night Social Club.
Uproot Brewing
Neighborhood: North Lakeview District
More info: uprootbrews.com
Uproot is the newest brewery in our guide, but owner Nate Darnell has been working with area breweries long before branching off to focus on his own craft brews. Uproot moved into the original Ghost Train Brewing Company location earlier this year. Darnell honors that legacy with live shows and specialty beers while converting the space to fit Uproot’s earthy vibe. In addition to craft brews like the popular Todo Mal Mexican Lager, it offers a variety of rotating dinner plates, including Hot Honey salami pizza, house-smoked tacos, and pesto cheese bread.
TrimTab Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Lakeview District
More info: trimtabbrewing.com
Named one of the South’s Top 10 Breweries by Southern Living in 2022, TrimTab integrates balance and passion into every molecule of their brewery. Try the Trimtab 205 Southern Pale Ale, the award-winning Paradise Now Raspberry Berliner Weisse, and the top-ranking 006 IPA, just for starters. Pair your beer with Nashville-style hot chicken from Daddy Hot Bird’s food truck, parked at Trimtab every week. TrimTab supports other passionate creators with its rotating art gallery, live shows, and other events. Stop by and see what’s happening at TrimTab.
Back Forty
Neighborhood: Avondale
More info: backfortybeer.com/birmingham
Located at Sloss Docks, Back Forty immerses itself in the industrial landscape that put Birmingham on the map. Make a day of it at Back Forty and enjoy your brew with a pizza, sandwich, burger, or salad from its full-service kitchen. Catch a game in the welcoming taproom or enjoy the views of Sloss Furnace from a large beer garden and watch the trains roll by along the adjacent railway. The brewery keeps its core offerings freshly brewed in-house, including the popular Naked Pig Pale Ale, Truck Stop Honey Brown Ale, and the BamaMosa. If you crave variety, Back Forty is the place to be; it is constantly experimenting with a catalog of well over 100 (and counting!) original beers rotating on tap.
Ghost Train Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Avondale
More info: ghosttrainbrewing.com
Ghost Train Brewing Company strives to offer something for everyone at its new location on 1st Avenue South, which opened in 2022. Situated along the Hugh Kaul Trail, you can get your steps in and take a break with a cold one. In addition to the specialty craft beers and 96 taps, it also has its own line of Proven Spirits ready-to-drink cocktails. Join in weekly for trivia and bingo nights, and be sure to keep up with upcoming events. At Ghost Train, live music pairs nicely with any of the core brews or seasonal sips.
Avondale Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Avondale
More info: avondalebrewing.com
With its signature brews, bustling beer garden, and a full calendar of events, Avondale Brewing Company is a prime spot for Magic City dwellers to gather. Avondale’s beers have become just as much of a community fixture as the local folklore they honor. Whether you’re there for a concert or to catch up with friends, Avondale Brewing Company connects patrons to the whimsy of the past and the joy of the present.
Cahaba Brewing Company
Neighborhood: East Avondale
More info: cahababrewing.com
While you can find Cahaba beer throughout Alabama, the 30-barrel brewhouse in East Avondale is the heart of the brewery’s mission to honor and emulate the diversity and free-flowing spirit of the Cahaba River. Try one of the core or seasonal brews in the taproom, or enjoy the weather on the patio and grab a bite from The Current, Cahaba Brewing Co.’s food truck.
Ferus Artisan Ales
Neighborhood: Trussville & Avondale
More info: ferusales.com
Named for the Latin ferus, meaning untamed, wild, and fierce, Ferus Artisan Ales packs adventure into every brew. Ferus began in Trussville, brewing various lagers, IPAs, and sours alongside their eatery menu, with something for everyone. The taproom opens into the heart of Trussville’s entertainment district so that you can enjoy the green space and a show on the nearby stage. In 2021, Ferus opened Ferus on 41st, a taproom bringing its Trussville brews to Avondale.
True Story Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Crestwood
More info: facebook.com/truestorybrewing
True Story Brewing Company is a microbrewery in Crestwood. There’s always something going on at True Story, from Jazz nights to comedy open mics to weekly karaoke. Keep up with updates on Instagram for weekly events and rotating food offerings, and stop by for the latest small-batch brew, great music, and a fun night.
The Grocery Brewpub
Neighborhood: Homewood
More info: thegrocerybrewpub.com
Grab a drink, some Cajun-inspired pub food, and a good time at The Grocery Brewpub in Homewood. You’ll find 24 craft beers on rotation, house-made cocktails, a bourbon bar, and premium wines so everyone can find what they’re looking for. The popular Aisle 22 IPA pairs nicely with Crab Claws or Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich.
Steele Hall Brewing
Neighborhood: Trussville
More info: steelehallbrewingco.com
With its lush beer garden and string-lit patio, Steele Hall Brewing offers a great space to relax and unwind in Trussville. The brewery hosts a variety of events along with frequent food truck stops. In addition to the Pilsner, IPAs, and sour ales, there’s also a variety of house-made fruity seltzers on tap.
Brock’s Gap Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Hoover
More info: brocksgapbrewing.com
The first brewery in Hoover, Brock’s Gap Brewing Company seeks to honor the region’s history while providing a community gathering point to enjoy the outdoors, a good time, and a great drink together. It hosts an array of events in its taproom and the sprawling beer garden, and there’s a rotating schedule of food trucks at the ready. Try the Miss B Haven Mango Sour Ale, the Going Going Blonde Ale, or the Malty Mistress Munich Dunkel Lager.
Oak Mountain Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Pelham
More info: oakmountainbrewing.com
The Oak Mountain Brewing Company brings its craft brews over the mountain and into the heart of Shelby County. Whether you’re out that way for a concert at the nearby Oak Mountain Amphitheater, ice skating at the Pelham Civic Center, or spending a day outdoors at Oak Mountain State Park, Oak Mountain Brewing Company offers the perfect watering hole to take a load off and grab a pint. With plenty of bar food options and specialty brews like the Pelham Pilsner and King’s Chair Barleywine, you can relax and refuel at Oak Mountain Brewing Company.
Oversoul Brewing
Neighborhood: Helena
More info: oversoulbrewing.com
Located in the heart of Old Town Helena, Oversoul Brewing is a small-batch brewery right on the banks of Buck Creek. With a multi-level patio overlooking the water, grab a cold one and enjoy the view while a train or two passes by. Oversoul hosts live shows and open mic nights and often has a food truck providing dinner. Pop in or check Instagram to see what’s brewing.
Siluria Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Alabaster
More info: siluriabrewing.com
Siluria Brewing Company celebrates the history and community of Alabaster in every batch of artisan craft beers. In addition to popular brews like the Quarry IPA and Buck Creek Stout, it also offers its own wine and hard cider under the Siluria Cellars brand. It hosts weekly trivia, Wednesday night bingo, and monthly events, including the Books and Brews Book Club and themed karaoke nights. For any beer-loving Swifties, Siluria is throwing a Taylor Swift: Your Version karaoke night in celebration of their newest beer release, Lavender Haze. The event is December 14th; check out their Instagram to stay in the loop.
Celebrate the creativity and community that makes Birmingham magic at these local breweries!
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