9 Best Breweries in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga has been brewing great beer and filling pint glasses since the early 1800s. Beer is engraved into the city’s history and has withstood prohibition, cultural changes, and the new modern-day age. Craft beer lovers and those who enjoy a refreshing glass of ice-cold deliciousness will have no problem finding the perfect spot for a pint in Chattanooga.
While this southern town is most loved for its natural scenery, beer is another love affair for the city of Chattanooga. If you are ready to beat the heat in the summer, or let loose on an exciting Friday night, there is no shortage of options for a fresh craft beer.
Keep scrolling to discover 8 of the best and most beloved breweries in Chattanooga.
1. Chattanooga Brewing Co.
The Chattanooga Brewing Company is the rebirth of the original city brewing company from the 1890s and opened its doors in 2010. The company takes pride in restoring the original company as traditionally as possible pouring itself into research and recipes.
Once known for having the finest German beer in all the country, it stayed a legacy until prohibition closed its door. Today, the brewery keeps it classy and traditional, brewing German ales and lagers, keeping the original history in each pint. They collect ingredients from the local farmer’s markets, so everything goes from farm to barrel. Be sure to try, their best sellers, the Hot Mama and Chesmut St. Brown Ale.
2. OddStory Brewing Company
The OddStory Brewing Company is an experience all on its own. Built on the odd story of the town of Chattanooga, once being a victim of flooding and erosional issues over time, each craft beer tells a story. The brewery believes in good beer and good times, with no screens in sight, only music, and good conversations.
The brewery has a wide range on tap, from ales and lagers to stouts and sours. Some of the house favorites are the Queens Calamity, and Belgium Brew served with a friendly vibe and luscious green atmosphere.
3. Naked River Brewing Company
Naked River Brewing sits inside one of the oldest buildings in Chattanooga, just adjacent to Finley Stadium. Opening its doors in 2017, it is the city’s largest brewery, famous for its beer and southern BBQ. It provided a lot of natural lighting and open space, a friendly atmosphere, and a lot of energy.
Beer is sold on tap, and in cans for a craft to-go drink to enjoy an ice cold can on the opposite waterfront. Be sure to try the first ad original house favorite, Chocolate Moonpie Stout.
4. Five Wits Brewing Company
The Five Wits Brewing Company was opened in 2019 by a group of friends who met in Denver. They missed the flavors of home and decide to open up a brewery to resonate all their favored blends and flavors. It’s now one of the city’s most popular and vibrant breweries.
It’s open and spacious with a friendly and relaxing atmosphere, and a modern and contemporary design with a large covered porch. The friends put a lot of pride and passion into each one of their beer blends, well-crafted and favorable in each barrel. A brewery favorite with a classic flavor, the ABV Old Heller Helles Lager, is a must-try.
5. Wanderlinger Brewing Company
The Wanderlinger Brewing Company is open 7 days a week slinging beers for locals and visitors each day. They believe that the world is beautiful and that beer can keep people together living in peace and harmony. They were founded with inspiration in innovation, exploration, and adventure.
It’s a perfect place to relax with a beer, catch live music on the weekends, and grab a bite of delicious bar food. Be sure to build your own house sandwich, and taste their beer on tap, such as For The Record and Watch This.
6. Hutton & Smith Brewing Company
Hutton & Smith Brewing is hands-down one of the best breweries in Chattanooga. Named after the founders of modern geology, the brewery put pride and patience into each blend. Beers all have a rock-themed name, and geology puns and giggles are dotted around the establishment.
It’s a very cozy and homey place, perfect for a chill night out with friends or a nightcap after a long night. Beer is sold on tap, and in 6-pack-to-go cans to keep the party going long after closing. Be sure to try the Xenocryst, a complex with flavors from fruity, to caramel to coffee.
7. Tanasi Brewing
Tanasi Brewing is the real deal when it comes to unique craft beers and a fun environment for families and pets! There is a dog park on-site with an outdoor Biergarten so you can hang out at this cool place for hours with your pet. Outside games and a fire pit are just a bonus to enjoying the outdoor space here.
They also sell home brewing supplies if you’re interested in creating your own beer at home. The owners are really cool and can tell you more about the process if you’re interested in learning more.
And don’t forget about the craft beers! One of the most interesting flavors is the Watermelon Crawl Seltzer. Sounds so refreshing, especially if you head here after a long day of hiking or boating.
8. The Tap House & Empyreal Brewing Co.
The Tap House & Empyreal Brewing is the perfect spot for those who love craft beer and live music. Located in Chattanooga’s St. Elmo neighborhood, The Tap House offers a wide selection of local and regional beers on tap.
One of their most popular brews is Thomas’s Lemonade Shandy. It’s a perfect blend of tart lemonade and refreshing wheat beer that will transport you to a sunny day at the beach with each sip.
One of my favorites on the menu is the pimento bacon burger, and it was truly exceptional. Honestly, one of the best burgers I’ve had in a while. Served with perfectly crispy shoestring fries, it was a delightful meal. The juicy patty, tangy pimento cheese, and crispy bacon made every bite mouth-watering. The fries were an ideal complement to the burger.
The building itself is charming, with its brick walls, original floors and doors, Edison bulbs, and cozy couches. Even the bar top is unique! However, it’s worth noting that it’s located in a building with several other businesses, and the only sign is a relatively small one on one corner of the building.
9. TailGate Brewery
TailGate Brewery is another great option for beer lovers in Chattanooga. With a spacious outdoor patio, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy some brews with friends.
Their wide selection of beers includes everything from traditional lagers to unique experimental flavors like Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout and Jalapeno Pineapple IPA. They also have tasty food options like loaded tater tots and specialty pizza.
But what sets TailGate Brewery apart is its community feel. The owners are passionate about bringing people together through good beer, good food, and good company. They often host events like live music nights and trivia nights, making it a fun spot to hang out any day of the week.
Bottom Line
Whether you prefer ales, IPAs, stouts, or lagers, you kind find it all in a wide range of flavors in Chattanooga. Beer is a part of the city’s history, and the locals do their best to share that history with each and every visitor. We hope you have enjoyed this list of the best breweries in Chattanooga, and that you swing by for a sip of iced cold beer during your next visit.