15+ Breweries and Craft Beer to Try in Nashville
Going to breweries is a fun and relaxed way to spend time with friends or go on a solo adventure. Nashville is full of breweries all around the city. Most are locally owned, and it is a great way to support small businesses. I’ve been to 15 of these, by my count so far, and I still have many more to visit. Definitely make sure to scroll through the whole list, because some of my favorites are towards the bottom!
I love trying new beer, and I love the environment of breweries, so this is the perfect way to get out of the house. Most of these breweries also have trivia nights and events, so if you’re not looking to spend a ton of money, this is the activity for you.
This list ranges from places all around Nashville, so no matter where you live or where you’re staying, you’ll likely find somewhere close to you. So, here are the breweries I’ve visited, along with some pictures and information to help you decide where you want to go.
If you’re visiting Nashville and want to do a brewery tour, Music City Brew Hop could be the best option for you. They are a trolley tour that takes you around the city, stopping at most of these on my list + Barrique Brewing, listed on breweries I still want to visit. They stop at 7 different breweries, and you can get on at any stop. Tickets start at only $39 – for more information, click here: Music City Brew Hop.
1. Fait La Force Brewing
First up, we have Fait La Force Brewing. Located near the beautiful and new soccer stadium, Geodis Park, this is a favorite to visit before games. It is a fairly newer brewery in town, but it is definitely a favorite. It is decorated with old photos and art in gold frames, and it feels both modern and vintage. They have a small food menu, a solid beer selection, and it is meant to be Belgian-inspired.
Indoors, you can sit on the lovely velvet couches or at the tables, and you can even play an old arcade game. When the weather is nice, it is opened up with the garage doors that make up one side, and you can sit at the bar looking out or on the covered patio. Click here for more information: Fait La Force Brewing.
2. Tailgate Brewing
Almost everyone has heard of Tailgate Brewing. Since they have locations across town, it is one of the more recognizable Nashville breweries. You can find Tailgate in West Nashville (their Headquarters), East Nashville, Germantown, Music Row, Hendersonville, and even the airport. They also opened one up in Chattanooga!
While I have only visited the Headquarters location, it’s one of the best locations for a brewery here. The inside is large, with high ceilings, games, space for kids, and lots of TVs. The outdoor area is definitely what sells it. They have a covered outdoor space, often with events, and they also have picnic tables and string lights sitting atop the hill, looking over the gorgeous Tennessee mountains.
In the summer, they even do movie nights on Thursdays! That information is mostly on their Instagram – @tailgatebrewery. Sadly, I can’t find any of my pictures from here. For more information or to check out the locations and pictures, click here: Tailgate Brewery.
3. East Nashville Beer Works
For a relaxing day or evening spent drinking a variety of craft beer, head to East Nashville Beer Works. Their outdoor space is huge, with plenty of seating for groups or even solo. Like the name suggests, they are located in East Nashville, off of Trinity Lane. This is a favorite for many of my local friends, and people often suggest going here. They have string lights, tables, and you can even get pizza!
East Nashville Beer Works is family friendly and dog friendly. They have a playground for kids, so you will usually see lots of parents and families towards that side of the outdoor space. They also have different events, and you will see them at different pop-up events around town. To check out more information, click here: East Nashville Beer Works.
4. Smith & Lentz Brewing Company
If you’re looking for a brewery with a meal, this is one of the places for you (along with some others below). Smith & Lentz is definitely known for their pizzas, but they also have a wide selection of both beer and wine. Indoors, you’ll find seating at the bar or tables, but their back patio is definitely my favorite. It has both covered and uncovered seating and tables, with plenty of greenery to make it a relaxing beer garden.
After the entire building being destroyed by the 2020 tornadoes, this place has come back better than ever. They worked hard to get it back and reopened, so this is a great business to support local. For more information or to check out the menus, click here: Smith & Lentz Brewing Company.
5. Fat Bottom Brewing
Fat Bottom is a favorite in West Nashville. They have tons of indoor seating, with a second level adding even more space. But once again, the star of the show is the patio and beer garden, proving more tables and even yard games, like corn hole. Their beer selection is one of my favorites, and they are the craft beer partner for the Nashville Soccer Club. I mean, you know we love it in my family, because they catered my sister’s wedding!
Like I mentioned above, I will tell you when to get the food somewhere and Fat Bottom is definitely one of those places. I first had it when trying samples for the wedding, and I was blown away. Their Fried Brussels Sprouts were so good, I had to go back and order some as my full meal.
Again, their beer selection is great, and they sell the Bravazzi Hard Italian Sodas on tap, which is a must-have if you’ve never had one. The Knockout IPA is a classic around Nashville as well. For more information and to see the menu, click here: Fat Bottom Brewing.
6. Southern Grist Brewing Co.
Heading back over to East Nashville, we have Southern Grist. Well, really they have 2 locations, one in West Nashville (The Nations) and one in East Nashville, which is the original area. The location in East Nashville isn’t the exact original site, but it is only a mile and a half from the original taproom. Both taprooms have new restaurant concepts inside, but I have yet to eat there, so I can’t say if the food is any good. I have visited the East Nashville location, and I sat at their bar that wraps around the multiple taps.
As usual, a good way to try the beer at any new brewery is to get the flight. That’s what I did here, and I actually loved all of them, which doesn’t usually happen. They have SO many different options to try from at any given time, so you really can’t go wrong. The space is bright on the inside, and they also have an outdoor patio for nice days. For more information, to check out the beers on tap, or look at their food menus, click here: Southern Grist Brewing Co..
7. Black Abbey Brewing Company
Black Abbey is a super unique brewery located in the Berry Hill area, behind 100 Oaks. Made to look like a church or monastery on the inside, they have the wooden architecture and tables, with a darker atmosphere. In front of the building, there are also additional picnic tables and usually a food truck! Now I’ve only been here once before, so I got a flight to try out multiple different beers.
Black Abbey is definitely on the smaller side compared to some of these other ones, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less fun. It has a neighborhood feel to it, and if you’re in the Berry Hill area exploring, this is a great stop for drinks. If you want to explore more of Berry Hill, check out my guide here: 12+ Things to Do in Berry Hill. Berry Hill is in South Nashville, if you’re not a local. If you want to check out more about this brewery, click here: Black Abbey Brewing.
8. Crazy Gnome Brewery
Heading back over to East Nashville, you’ve got Crazy Gnome. This brewery is also on the smaller side, but they had really unique beers and great customer service. It’s always a plus when the bartenders know what they’re talking about and can direct you to the best beer. Like usual, I got a flight to try out different drinks. The wall has a really fun mural on it, and they do have games you can play.
This is located off of Main Street in East Nashville, so it’s also close to a bunch of other breweries and bars. It is sort of tucked away on the side of the building, but it has a patio outside if the weather is nice. They have trivia every Thursday with a food truck, as well as other events. You can check out these events and see the beers they have here: Crazy Gnome Brewery.
9. Monday Night Brewing
Next, head to Germantown for one of my favorite breweries in town: Monday Night Brewing. This is a brewery that is not local to Nashville, as they have locations all around the South. Monday Night has the most unique location and building, in my opinion. Located right next to the river, it is in an old warehouse, with tall ceilings, old brick walls, and big windows.
While their inside is full of tables, couches, and a long bar, their outside is also huge. It has plenty of seating on the deck, but go further down and you’ll see tons of tables, corn hole, and string lights underneath a covered outdoor area. They even have movie nights here! And trivia is on Monday nights, obviously. This is my favorite place to go do some work during the day by myself. The atmosphere during the day is relaxed, and the bartenders have always been so friendly.
Monday Night has a long list of draft beer, but they also do wine and cocktails if you’re not a beer drinker. This makes it a good spot for you or anyone in your group, regardless of what you want to drink. To see more information, click here: Monday Night Brewing.
10. Yee-Haw Brewing Co.
Okay, okay, if you’re looking for a high energy spot to go, head to Yee-Haw Brewing Co. While it also isn’t local to Nashville, it is local to Tennessee. Connected to Ole Smoky Moonshine, with White Duck Taco Shop also inside, there are always tons of people here. The whole place is also called 6th and Peabody because of its location, so this one is super close to downtown. I know a lot of people like to come here before heading over to the honky tonks.
Here, you can tour both the brewery and distillery on site, as well as do moonshine tastings. If the prices haven’t changed, it was only $10 for the moonshine tasting (with like 10 different ones you can try!) plus a Yee-Haw beer. They also have a few full bars, so you can get tons of different kinds of drinks, lots with moonshine.
The location has a large store to buy moonshine and merch, do the tastings. On the other side of the building is a ton of tables, a stage, a projector for watching the games, and White Duck Taco Shop. Head outside and you’ll be in the beer garden that has tables, chairs, multiple corn hole set ups, and multiple TVs. Keep going (I know, it’s big) and you’ll find another smaller indoor bar. So, while this is a brewery, it’s also so much more. To read more about this brewery, click here: Yee-Haw Brewing Co.
11. Yazoo Brewing Company
If you’re not on this side of town, Yazoo could be a little far away. Don’t let that stop you! Yazoo beers are a staple around Nashville. A few years ago they moved their brewery to Madison, but the property is big and spacious and so green. There is plenty of parking here, and you can also do a brewery tour if you want! Once you walk in, there is a large open area with a bar, some couches, and plenty of tables. If you go outside, they have a large patio area with fire pits, Adirondack chairs, tables, and string lights.
This is the brewery me and my sister always go to when we want to catch up. I’m obsessed with the Sue beer they have here, and I never leave without buying a pack to take home. It’s definitely a dark beer, and very strong, so it might not be for everyone. Yazoo also has events one certain days and sometimes food trucks. If you can’t make it out to their taproom, you’ll be sure to find one of their beers around town. For more information, click here: Yazoo Brewing Company.
12. Living Waters Brewing
For a more relaxed, coffee shop experience, Living Waters is for you. I love going here to get work done or catch up with a friend, because it is typically quiet and open all day. Living Waters is both a coffee shop and a brewery, so you’ll see a lot of people working here during the day. They do have live music occasionally, trivia on Thursdays, and other events sometimes, so definitely check their Instagram for information about that.
It is located in East Nashville, off of Trinity Lane, down the road from East Nashville Beer Works. It is also located right next door to Grimey’s, a record shop, and Anaconda Vintage, if you want to do some shopping while you’re over there. To check out more about their coffee or beer, click here: Living Waters Brewing.
13. TennFold Brewing
If you haven’t been over to the Donelson area, you definitely should. Full of good restaurants and bars, this is a more relaxed area compared to other areas in Nashville (apart from the Opryland area). TennFold is off of Lebanon Pike, and it serves as both a restaurant and brewery. This is another place where you definitely should try the food if you’re going! I usually get the Brisket Cheesesteak with fries, and I’ve also had the cheese curds. I don’t think they sell the Cheesesteak anymore, but you can tell when you get there that they are smoking delicious meats.
TennFold has both indoor and outdoor seating, and they aren’t just beer. They also serve cocktails and wine, so there is something for everyone. The owners of TennFold also run Nectar Urban Cantina down the street, which is definitely another must-visit spot in Donelson. Click here for more information and to see their food and beer menus: TennFold Brewing
14. Diskin Cider
If you’re not a big beer fan, but you love ciders, then head over to Diskin Cider. It is the first and only craft cidery in Nashville, so it definitely deserves a spot on this list. Diskin Cider is located in the Wedgewood-Houston area, and it is a great space to hang out. They have a large open concept indoors, and a large outdoor space with games, a fire pit, hammocks, and more.
I definitely recommend trying a flight here, so you can taste as many as you want. They even have a flight where you can taste all of them! They have tons of other drinks as well, like beers, cocktails, and other weekend specials, like a Cidermosa. You can also go to drag brunch here, which includes a family style meal. Speaking of meals, Diskin Cider also has a food menu. I haven’t tried it, but the pictures look amazing. Click here to see more info and their menus: Diskin Cider.
15. Bearded Iris Brewing
Last but certainly not least is Bearded Iris, located in Germantown. I’ve been here a couple times, and one was for Twilight-themed trivia. Let’s just say the place was packed, and people were in costumes – it was perfect. The other time I went was around happy hour one day, and we almost had the place to ourselves. They have an indoor area where the bar is and plenty of tables, but I love sitting outside here. There are plenty of picnic tables with umbrellas, and I could easily get some work done out on that deck.
This is the original location, but if you’re over in the Sylvan Heights area, you can also find them at Sylvan Supply. The beer is delicious, so you can’t go wrong. At the original location, they also have a huge mural on the side of the building. This location is next to the Cumberland River Greenway, so head over to that side, and you’ll see it, big and bold. For more information or to see the locations, click here: Bearded Iris Brewing.
Still on My List of Breweries to Visit:
16. Barrique Brewing
Located in East Nashville, next to the river, close to Topgolf.
17. Jackalope Brewing Company
Located in the Wedgewood-Houston area.
18. Czann’s Brewing Co.
Located in The Nations.
19. Tennessee Brew Works
Been here once – helped my roommate by being in a commercial with her for her company. We got to try the food and a couple drinks, but I need to go back and actually experience it! They do live music sometimes, and it’s a fun atmosphere.
20. New Heights Brewing Company
Located between downtown and the Wedgewood-Houston area.
21. Harding House Brewing Co.
Located in The Nations.
22. Blackstone Brewing Company
Located near Centennial Park.
23. Honky Tonk Brewing Co./Hap & Harry’s
Unsure of location – pretty sure it is in The Nations now, just make sure you don’t go to the closed location.
24. Hops & Crafts
Located in the Gulch – a craft beer taproom, so it has rotating craft beers from different breweries.
For More of Nashville:
To check out all of the different lists I made, click here: Best of Nashville.
For more places to get drinks, click here: 15+ Fun Breweries and Bars to Visit in East Nashville.
To read about places to get brunch, click here: 20 Fun Places to Get Brunch or Breakfast in Nashville.
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