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If you’re a fan of beer, then Chattanooga is the place for you. With so many breweries and brewpubs in the area, it can be hard to know where to start!
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best Chattanooga breweries for 2023. Whether you’re looking for a craft brewery tour or just want to find the best place to get a pint, we’ve got you covered. My Dad is a huge fan of local beer, so whenever we travel with him we always make sure to try out a new local brew.
Some of these breweries are family friendly and offer great food along with their craft beer, but others are 21 and over only, so save these for a Chattanooga date night.
Different Types of Breweries in Chattanooga
Chattanooga is quickly becoming known for its craft beer scene, and with good reason! There are so many great breweries and brewpubs in the area, each with their own unique style and offerings.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new place to try or a visitor looking for the best Chattanooga breweries to check out, here’s a guide to some of the different types of breweries you’ll find in the area.
Microbreweries: A microbrewery is a small, independently-owned brewery that produces a limited amount of beer. These breweries are usually focused on quality over quantity, and often use local ingredients to create their unique brews.
Brewpubs: A brewpub is a restaurant that brews its own beer on-site. These establishments are usually casual and family-friendly, and offer a wide variety of food to pair with their brews.
21+ Only Breweries: These breweries are geared towards adults only, so leave the kids at home for these ones! 21+ only breweries often have a more relaxed atmosphere, making them perfect for a night out with friends.
Now that you know a little bit more about the different types of breweries in Chattanooga, let’s get into the guide!
The Best Chattanooga Microbreweries and Brew Pubs
Chattanooga Brewing Company
Chattanooga Brewing Co. is the oldest brewery in the city, dating back to 1890, and they’re still going strong today. This local brewery offers a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of brews to choose from and a delicious menu of pub fare.
Famous for: 4 “Core Beers” – Hill City IPA, Faultless Lager, Chestnut Street Brown, Hot Mama Habenero Beer, as well as a seasonal variety of beers that rotate and 2 “guest taps”
Location: 1804 Chestnut St, Chattanooga
Learn more about the Chattanooga Brewing Company here
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Naked River Brewing Company
Naked River is just on the other side of Finley Stadium from the Chattanooga Brewing Company, so stop into both while you’re in the area. They also offer amazing BBQ, tacos, burgers and fried moon pies! It’s also family and dog friendly (leashed dogs allowed on the patio).
Famous for: Chocolate Moonpie Stout and a rotating menu of lagers, stouts, IPA’s and so much more. Check the website for current offerings.
Location: 1791 Reggie White Blvd, Chattanooga
Learn more about the Naked River Brewing Company here
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Oddstory Brewing Company
Oddstory Brewing Company is a 21+ microbrewery located in downtown Chattanooga. This brewery is known for their unique and innovative beers with many unique brews to choose from. This is a great casual place to go with groups as they have open, community style tables and they offer both indoor and outdoor dining.
Famous for: Four foundational “flagship” brews, and a changing assortment of traditional German Lagers, historic Trappist Ales, Sour Ales, dessert inspired Stouts, and so more.
Location: 336 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga
Learn more about the Oddstory Brewing Co here
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Hutton and Smith Brewing Company
Hutton & Smith is a 21+ microbrewery located in downtown Chattanooga – not far from Oddstory. This brewery has a taproom with a rotating selection of their own brews – 20, to be exact. You won’t find much food, here, though, so eat before or plan on eating after you visit.
Famous for: A variety of beers including IPAs, stouts, sours, and more. 20 beers on tap and open 7 days a week, where a lot of local breweries are closed on Mondays!
Location: 431 E M L King Blvd #120, Chattanooga
Learn more about the Hutton and Smith Brewing Co Here
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WanderLinger Brewing Company
Wanderlinger Brewing is another great microbrewery located in Chattanooga’s Southside. This brewery’s goal is to provide a place for artists of all kinds to congregate and share their work, so you’ll see amazing paintings and musicians here. You can also find excellent artisanal food here.
Famous for: Their live music scene, artisanal food and WanderLinger Lager, along with a wonderful selection of other craft beers.
Location: 1208 King St, Chattanooga
Learn more about the Wanderlinger Brewing Co here
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Heaven and Ale Brewing Company
Heaven and Ale is located just minutes from downtown Chattanooga on the Southside and offers quality food and a good selection of craft beer.
Famous for: Quality craft beers with a focus on hop-centric ales. They have a large craft beer menu with 15 different ones on tap. There are a few core beers and the others change seasonally.
Location: 342 E Main St, Chattanooga
Learn more about Heaven and Ale Brewery here
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Big River Grille and Brewing Works
If you’re looking for a great family-friendly option, then look no further than Big River Grille and Brewing Works. This brewpub offers a wide variety of food, including their famous pizzas, as well as a selection of their own brewed beers. It’s a short walk from the TN Aquarium and is one our family has visited – definitely delicious!
Famous for: Amazing menu of food with fish and chips, pizzas, appetizers, salads, steaks, seafood and more. They have the best kid’s menu out of all the brew pubs, in our opinion. Also, a great selection of signature handcrafted beers to go with your grub.
Location: 222 Broad St, Chattanooga, with another location at Hamilton Place
Learn more about the Big River Grille here
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Five Wits Brewing Company
Five Wits is one of the newest breweries in the area and is located in downtown Chattanooga. This place has a great variety of tap beers including seasonal favorites. They don’t serve much food here, so be prepared to eat before or after your visit.
Famous for: Their rotating selection of local craft beers.
Location: 1501 Long St, Chattanooga, near the Chattanooga Choo Choo
Learn more about the Five Wits Brewing Co here
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Benefits of Drinking Local Beer
When it comes to beer, there are plenty of reasons to drink local. Not only do you get to support your community, but you also get to enjoy fresher, tastier beer that’s made with love.
Chattanooga is home to some of the best microbreweries and brewpubs in the area, so be sure to check them out the next time you’re in town.
Not only will you be supporting local businesses, but you’ll also be treated to some of the best beer around!
Tips for Exploring Chattanooga’s Craft Beer Scene
Some of these breweries are in very close proximity to each other, so if you are heading to one of these areas, plan on checking out more than one brewery to find your favorite.
Chattanooga’s Northshore is home to Cherry Street Brewing at Northshore and the Brewhaus.
The Southside is home to Chattanooga Brewing Company, the Naked River Brewing Co, Wanderlinger and Heaven & Ale.
Downtown Chattanooga is home to the Oddstory Brewing Company, Hutton & Smith and the Big River Grille Downtown.
No matter how you choose to explore Chattanooga’s craft beer scene, be sure to drink responsibly and have a great time!
Conclusion
Chattanooga is home to some of the best breweries in the area, so be sure to check them out the next time you’re in town. With a wide variety of styles and offerings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a group of friends and head to one of these Chattanooga breweries today!
