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If you’re a beer lover, then you’ll definitely want to check out some of the best breweries Birmingham has to offer. From local favorites to nationally-renowned brands, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As a 40 year native to the city, I sat down this weekend with a tall glass to compile this list along with my take on what stands out about each of the best breweries in Birmingham Alabama.

I even took the time to drop you a map for each one and you can click any of them to open up Google Maps and route your way to some amazing local craft beer. Grab a pint and let’s get started!

Oh wait, one more thing! If you see this icon above the map, it means this particular brewery serves food!

This icon indicates that the brewery mentioned in this section serves food.

But if it’s not shown for a particular brewery don’t let that change your Saturday night plans!

I speak from experience – Just don’t sweat it at all! Almost every taproom in Alabama allows outside food and there’s usually a dope food truck nearby. In fact at the time of writing, that’s true of the entire list. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s take a look at the craft beer scene in Birmingham.

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1 – Cahaba Brewing Company

Founded in 2011, Cahaba Brewing Company is one of the early breweries to pop up in town shortly after the ‘Free the Hops’ movement helped allow such establishments to exist in Alabama. They quickly became a local favorite thanks to their delicious brews and friendly atmosphere.

Located in the historic Avondale district, Cahaba Brewing Company is the perfect place to relax with a beer after a long day. Be sure to try their flagship beer, the Oka Uba IPA, which was named one of the best IPAs in Alabama by Alabama NewsCenter.

Their spacious Taproom has quickly become one of the city’s favorite spots, with over 26 taps featuring Cahaba staples like Blonde, Pale Ale, and Lager, as well as Pilot Batch and Taproom-only offerings. The Taproom is also flexible, offering options for all varieties of private events from weddings and reunions to corporate events and birthday parties. So come on by and join in the fun!

A map showing the location of Cahaba Brewing.

2 – Good People Brewing Company

Good People Brewing Company is one of the most well-known breweries in Birmingham. They’ve been brewing award-winning beers since 2008, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. In addition to their delicious year-round beers, Good People also offers a rotating selection of seasonal beers that are sure to please your taste buds. Make sure to try the Snake Handler Double IPA if you’re feeling adventurous!

Good People Brewing Company is Alabama’s oldest and largest brewery and with a 4.8 star rating on their Facebook page at the time of writing, it’s easy to see how their popularity has fueled such growth. They distribute throughout the state of Alabama, Middle Tennessee (Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Franklin), and the Panhandle of Florida. Their core values are quality, creativity, authenticity, and community. They are truly Good People who make damn good beer and we love their fans.

A map showing the location of Good People Brewing.

3 – TrimTab Brewing Company

TrimTab Brewing Company is another fantastic brewery located in Avondale. They specialize in small batch brews that are big on flavor. Some of their most popular beers include the Paradiso Citrus Gose and the Berry Gose Sour Ale. If you’re looking for something truly unique, be sure to try the Space Camp Creamsicle Stout – it’s out of this world!

Brewing beer is an art form, and at TrimTab, they take it seriously. But not too seriously – this brand likes to have fun, too! They believe that craft beer can change the world, one pint at a time. And that’s why the founders started TrimTab Brewing Company – to make delicious craft beer that inspires people to think about their impact on the world and how they can create a better tomorrow.

Their vision and mission is simple: to Create A World You Love! TrimTab brews beer using only the finest ingredients and traditional brewing methods, because they want their beer to reflect on a passion for quality and craftsmanship. The brewery’s goal is to make great-tasting craft beers that inspire people to think about their impact on the world and how they can create a better tomorrow.

So come join the crew at TrimTab Brewing Company – where good times and great beers collide!

A map showing the location of TrimTab Brewing.

4 – Avondale Brewing Company

Avondale Brewing Company is one of the most popular breweries in Birmingham. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. They also have a food truck on-site for all concerts or you can bring in outside food of your choosing from nearby restaurants like Saw’s BBQ and Post Office Pies, so you can enjoy a meal with your beer.

The story begins over 100 years ago, when this area was known as “Avondale Mills.” It was a thriving hub of industry, producing textiles and clothing for the entire region. After decades of decline, Coby and Hunter Lake resurrected the spirit of Avondale by turning an abandoned warehouse into a state-of-the-art brewery.

Since opening their doors in 2011, They’ve become an integral part of this fast-growing Birmingham community. Avondale Brewing Company was proud to have created dozens of jobs in a neighborhood that’s seen too many layoffs over the years prior to revitalization. If you’re looking for a good time, you’ve come to the right place. Avondale Brewing Company is your go-to spot for great beer, live music and mouthwatering food.

A map showing the location of Avondale Brewing Company.

5 – Back Forty Beer Company

Welcome to the Back Forty Beer Company! Their name is inspired by an old agricultural term referring to the 40 acres of land situated furthest from the barn – ‘the back forty’. This is often seen as the most challenging land to maintain and is often overlooked due to its remote location. Just like Alabama, which is widely seen as the wasteland for craft beer in America. Our state has been largely ignored due to the fact that mass-produced beers dominated the market for years. However, if you dig a little deeper into the story of Alabama’s craft beer culture, you will see that because the soil is rarely used, it’s very fertile and is actually capable of producing a tremendous yield. And just like the farm, the Deep South’s craft beer culture is fertile and primed for harvest thanks to innovative breweries like the Back Forty Beer Company.

Their mission at Back Forty Beer Company Birmingham is simple: put people at the heart of commerce and empower them to thrive. The brewery founders believe that when people come together over a great product, they can create something truly special. That’s why They’re committed to brewing world-class beers and building a community around them here in Birmingham – so that everyone can share in a passion for great taste and good times.

This icon indicates that the brewery mentioned in this section serves food.

A map showing the location of Back Forty.

6 – Ghost Train Brewing Company

Ghost Train Brewing Company is one of the newest breweries in Birmingham. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Their mission is to produce more of your favorite liquids with much less impact on the environment, while also being proudly distributed across the entire state of Alabama, Mississippi, & panhandle of Florida.

The original brewery and taproom was opened at 2616 3rd Ave South, Birmingham, AL, but in 2022 a brand new, state of the art production facility and tap room just down the street at 3501 1st Ave South, Birmingham, AL opened with state-of-the art systems meant to reduce environmental impact from the brewing process.

A map showing the location of Ghost Train Brewing in the Lakeview District.

7 – Birmingham District Brewing Company

Birmingham District Brewing Company was founded with one goal in mind: to deliver high-quality beer to local patrons in the Birmingham area. Their name is a unique nod to the geologic formation that contains Birmingham’s plentiful supplies of iron ore, limestone and coal – all the ingredients needed to make steel. These same ingredients were considered responsible for the ‘magic’ growth of the city many years ago at the height of the industrial era.

BDBC crafts world-class beers in a variety of styles, from pilsners and IPAs to stouts and fruited sours. Their artisans take pride in their work, and you’ll taste the difference that passion makes. Stop by their taproom soon and enjoy outdoor games and activities while you raise a glass with friends and celebrate all the amazing beer Birmingham has to offer!

A map showing the location of Birmingham District Brewing located in The Battery.

8 – Ferus Artisan Ales (Trussville and Birmingham Locations)

Welcome to Ferus Artisan Ales, where they’re serving up everything from appetizers to IPAs in the recently developed Trussville entertainment district. It’s just a short drive from downtown Birmingham, but don’t call an Uber just yet! The team at Ferus just opened a new taproom—Ferus on 41st—in the former Fancy’s on Fifth location in Avondale!

This icon indicates that the brewery mentioned in this section serves food.

A map showing the location of the new Ferus location in Birmingham.

9 – Monday Night Social Club

Based out of Atlanta, this brewery recently opened a Birmingham location that’s near the Denim Lofts and in walking distance of Good People if you’re planning a bar crawl. This experimental brewpub is focused on collaboration and community. They have a wide variety of beers on tap, including house-made brews, small batch IPAs, barrel-aged and sour beers, and rotating guest taps from many local breweries. They boast about their food menu, which features one of my personal favorites the cauliflower taco. They also have steak tacos, which are amazing, but you’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t at least try one of the cauliflower tacos when you visit!

Their brewery boasts a 5-barrel experimental brewhouse, a bevy of stainless steel tanks, French oak puncheons, American oak barrels, and plenty of Fast & Furious references. The team at Monday Night is dedicated to making delicious beer and creating a fun atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

This icon indicates that the brewery mentioned in this section serves food.

A map showing the location of the Monday Night Social Club near the Denim Lofts.

10 – Hi-Wire Brewing’s Birmingham Location

Hi-Wire Brewing Birmingham is the newest location of Asheville, NC’s Hi-Wire Brewing. Offering 20 taps of Hi-Wire’s flagships, seasonals, and specialty beers, this taproom is perfect for a fun day out with friends. With indoor murals, interactive games (soccer pool, table tennis, foosball, & shuffleboard), and an outdoor seating area next to a lazy river in a large green space – there’s something for everyone at Hi-Wire Brewing Birmingham.

A map showing the location of Hi-Wire's new location in Birmingham.

11 – Oak Mountain Brewing Company

Birmingham area resident Peter Genereux had a vision in mind when he left his job with a statewide beer and wine distributor—the Pelham & Oak Mountain area was the perfect place to open Birmingham’s next craft brewery. With its prime location surrounded by neighbors such as Oak Mountain State Park, the Oak Mountain Amphitheater, and Pelham Civic Complex, it’s no surprise that the corner of Highway 31 and 119 is now home to Birmingham’s newest drinking hotspot –Oak Mountain Brewing Company! On its expansive outdoor patio, visitors can sip locally crafted beers and wines while partaking in an array of tasty food. As the Birmingham craft beer scene continues to grow and expand over the mountain, so does Oak Mountain Brewing Company. Birmingham is sure to be thirsty for more!

This icon indicates that the brewery mentioned in this section serves food.

A map showing the location of Oak Mountain Brewing in Pelham.

12 – Brocks Gap Brewing Company in Hoover

One of Birmingham’s newest breweries, ‘Brocks Gap Brewing Company’, has its original story rooted in an afternoon bike ride and a plot of local land. A member of the founding team was teaching his son to ride his bike in the Hoover Met Sports Complex parking lot when he spotted a piece of prime real estate beside it – prompting his vision to create an all-encompassing brewery and community space. And that’s exactly what Brocks Gap Brewing Company has become; more than just your average craft beer drinking spot, it also offers delicious locally sourced food and drink, hosts Birmingham’s biggest events and live music showcases – as well as its overall aim to be a place for people to meet, bond, relax and enjoy each other’s company surrounded by quality Birmingham crafted drinks. It really is the perfect place for Hoover locals and visitors alike to looking for something cultured and locally crafted in their area.

A map to the new Brock's Gap brewery in Hoover.

13 – The Grocery Brewpub

Birmingham’s Grocery Brewpub is a great spot to grab your favorite drink, whether it be beer, wine, or a craft cocktail. Located in downtown Homewood, this local brewery offers 24 rotating taps of craft beverages from Birmingham and beyond. And with their dedicated food truck serving up pub-style grub with a Cajun seafood twist, you’ll be sure to have the complete experience when visiting Grocery Brewpub! And if you do overindulge just a bit, don’t worry because this downtown location is nearby many of the luxury hotels on the north side of Birmingham in case you need to sleep it off. You can wake up Sunday, dust yourself off and stumble on over to Roots and Revelry for brunch.

This icon indicates that the brewery mentioned in this section serves food.

A map showing the location of The Grocery Brewpub.

14 – Hop City Beer and Wine

Hop City Beer & Wine has something for everyone, with two convenient locations in Atlanta (Krog and West End), one Birmingham, AL and now in Fayetteville this regional favorite certainly won’t disappoint! Beer aficionados will find exactly what they’re looking for- local brews, made-to-order drinks, and even imports from around the US -all served up with skill and enthusiasm. Wine lovers won’t be disappointed either; they source natural sustainable wines that offer great flavor at an affordable price.

Equally impressive is their dedication to quality; they were named as one of the “Best Beer Shops in the South” by Wine Enthusiast, selected as “Atlanta’s Favorite Wine Store” on CitySearch.com, and even won “#2 Best Beer Bar in America” – all testament to their appreciation for what locally brewed craft drink has to offer.

A map showing Hop City's Birmingham location.

15 – The Sour Room at Avondale

The Sour Room at Avondale Brewing Campus is the perfect place to sample some of the finest sours Birmingham has to offer. This full bar provides customers with a variety of options, from small-batch brewed sours to classic cocktails and specialty beverages. Dimly lit and intimate, stepping into The Sour Room is like taking a step back in time. Whether you’re looking for a sour beer flight or cider, or even a mixed drink – there’s something for everyone! Step outside and enjoy a few pints on the patio while watching Birmingham come alive; The recently relaunched Sour Room at Avondale is sure to become one of Birmingham’s favorite spots.

A map showing the location of the Sour Room, which is located on the Avondale Brewing campus.

16 – Siluria Brewing Company

Siluria Brewing Company is one of Birmingham’s newest craft breweries located over the mountain in the Old Alabaster Post Office on 1st Avenue West. Serving up a selection of classic beers and new craft brews, this team strives to give the Alabaster area an opportunity to experience quality beer made with love and care. With food served up fresh daily and an inviting atmosphere, this taproom is the perfect place to grab a pint after work if you live somewhere down 65-South or catch up with friends over the weekend and enjoy some of Birmingham’s best brews and eats! Whether you’re looking to sample one of their signature beers or explore more of Birmingham’s unique foodie scene, Siluria Brewing Company is the perfect destination for classic drink and craft beer exploration!

Siluria Brewing Company is one of Birmingham's newest craft breweries located over the mountain in the Old Alabaster Post Office on 1st Avenue West. This map shows the precise location.

17 – Oversoul Brewing

Oversoul Brewing is the perfect spot. Located in Helena, AL, this brewery is owned by Birmingham natives and brothers, Scott and Jason Pruitt. Here you can enjoy some of Birmingham’s finest craft beer that features all the classic flavors such as browns, porters, IPAs and different versions of pale. Pruitt also mentions that they will be incorporating seasonal fruits like blackberries and peaches from the local farmers’ market during the summer months into their beers! Whether you are looking for a hangout spot with your friends or just want a cold one after work, Oversoul Brewing provides customers with locally brewed beverages and an atmosphere perfect for relaxing.

The map location of Oversoul Brewing.

18 – Carrigan’s Beer Garden

Birmingham’s Carrigan’s Beer Garden is a place to discover great drinks, food, and atmosphere. Located in the former Plant Odyssey building at 2910 6th Avenue South, it’s a German-themed bar and restaurant where you can find craft beers on tap along with sausages, pretzels, pickles and schnitzel. There are lots of plants surrounding the outdoor patio for a secret garden feel. Plus all draft cocktails are just $6, and you can even rent out the entire space on Sundays for private garden parties. Carrigan’s Beer Garden is Birmingham’s perfect spot for enjoying local beer, good food and great company in a charming outdoor setting.

This icon indicates that the brewery mentioned in this section serves food.

A map showing the location of Carrigan's Beer Garden.

19 – The Beer Hog

Here, you can sip on your choice of 64 craft beers on tap and more than 300 craft beers in bottles while enjoying a great selection of thin crust pizzas. Whether you plan to drink and watch TV or take in the views from their outdoor patio, it’s guaranteed that The Beer Hog will create a memorable night out. For Birmingham natives looking for a unique drinking experience in the Pelham area, The Beer Hog is the perfect spot to gather with friends and explore a selection of 364 beers. You might as well make it a daily tradition and try them all in a year!!!

This icon indicates that the brewery mentioned in this section serves food.

The Beer Hog's location on a map.

20 – True Story Brewing Company

Birmingham’s True Story Brewing Company is a local, hidden gem. Here you can take part in the craft beer revolution and sample some of Birmingham’s finest drinks. Their philosophy is that every beer tells a story, and this nano brewery offers a range of unique flavors for you to sample and enjoy with friends. Whether you’re sipping on an IPA or relaxing with one of their popular sours, True Story also has some delicious restaurant-quality food to snack on. From tacos to hot dogs to their famous pickle sandwich, there’s something for everyone here. Plus you can hang out in their cozy taproom or the beautiful and serene back patio – both the perfect places to get together with friends and try something new!

A map of the location of True Story Brewing Company.

This Concludes My List of Breweries For Now…

Hopefully our craft beer scene continues to grow!

I’ll keep an eye out to see if there a new micro brewery to add to this list every few months. In the meantime, thanks for reading and CHEERS friends!

Whether you’re a seasoned local like me looking for new craft beer to try or a tourist just looking for a fun activity to pass a Sunday afternoon in the Magic City, Birmingham’s breweries won’t disappoint. With so many great options to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong. So grab a pint and enjoy!

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