Craft Breweries: An Overview
Nashville’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, transforming Music City into a legitimate destination for beer enthusiasts. Local breweries offer everything from traditional lagers and Belgian-style ales to experimental sours and hop-forward IPAs. Most Nashville breweries feature taprooms where visitors can sample fresh brews, often accompanied by food trucks, live music, and family-friendly atmospheres.
Types of Craft Beer Styles
Nashville breweries produce a wide variety of beer styles:
IPA (India Pale Ale): Hop-forward beers ranging from bitter West Coast styles to juicy, hazy New England IPAs. Nashville is particularly known for its hazy IPA scene.
Best for: Hop lovers who enjoy citrus, tropical fruit, and pine flavors.
Lagers and Pilsners: Clean, crisp, and refreshing beers that are perfect for Nashville’s warm weather. These sessionable brews are ideal for backyard hangouts.
Best for: Those seeking approachable, easy-drinking beers.
Sours and Wild Ales: Tart, fruity, and often complex beers made with wild yeast or bacteria. Many Nashville breweries experiment with fruit-forward sours.
Best for: Adventurous drinkers who enjoy wine-like complexity and tartness.
Top 3 Breweries in Nashville, TN
1. Tennessee Brew Works
Best For: Traditional craft beers with Tennessee character, a full-service restaurant, and a downtown location perfect for tourists and locals alike.
Philosophy: Founded with the mission to create high-quality craft beer that pays homage to the land, traditions, and culture of Tennessee. They use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and proudly introduced Tennessee’s first All-Tennessee grain beers.
Featured Beers:
Southern Wit: Belgian-style witbier brewed with orange peel and coriander.
Basil Ryeman: A unique saison made with Thai basil and rye malt, honoring the Ryman Auditorium.
Cutaway IPA: A balanced American IPA with citrus and pine notes.
State Park Blonde Ale: All-Tennessee grain beer supporting Tennessee State Parks.
Amenities:
Two-story taproom with brewery views
Full-service restaurant with beer-centric menu
Live music most nights
Dog-friendly patio
Brewery tours available
Crowlers, growlers, 6-packs, and kegs to go
Location: 809 Ewing Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203 (SoBro/Downtown)
Contact: (615) 436-0050 | tnbrew.com
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 11am to 10pm | Sunday: 11am to 8pm
Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 3pm to 6pm with $6.99 to $8.99 bites
Pricing: Pints typically $6 to $8 | Flights available | Full food menu
2. Southern Grist Brewing Company
Best For: Creative, boundary-pushing beers including fruited sours, hazy IPAs, and experimental brews with a cult following.
Philosophy: Southern Grist constantly pushes the boundaries of what beer can taste like. Originating in East Nashville in 2016, they have earned a reputation for innovative flavors and Southern hospitality.
Featured Beers:
Mood Ring Series: Rotating fruited IPAs and sours with bold flavor combinations.
Newton’s Cradle: West Coast double IPA with Amarillo, Centennial Cryo, and Simcoe hops.
Hill Series: Rotating hazy IPAs showcasing different hop profiles.
Various Fruited Sours: Creative combinations like mango, passion fruit, and guava.
Amenities:
Two taproom locations (East Nashville and The Nations)
In-house restaurant Lauter at East Nashville location
40 tap handles with up to 25 different beers available
Large patios and outdoor seating
Family and dog-friendly
Beer to go in cans and crowlers
Locations:
East Nashville: 754 Douglas Avenue, Nashville, TN 37207 | (629) 203-7159
The Nations: 5012 Centennial Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209 | (615) 864-7133
Website: southerngristbrewing.com
Hours (East): Monday to Wednesday: 12pm to 8pm | Thursday: 12pm to 9pm | Friday to Saturday: 11am to 10pm | Sunday: 11am to 6pm
Pricing: Pints typically $7 to $9 | Flights available | Full food menu at Lauter
3. Bearded Iris Brewing
Best For: Exceptional hazy IPAs, a relaxed industrial-chic atmosphere, and serious hop enthusiasts seeking world-class New England-style beers.
Philosophy: At Bearded Iris, every beer is crafted to meet you where you are and deliver the experience you seek. They believe variety is essential, exploring the multitude of possibilities within hop varietals and carefully selected ingredients.
Featured Beers:
Homestyle IPA: Their signature hazy New England IPA with Citra hops, smooth and citrusy.
Double Homestyle: Imperial version of their flagship, creamy and intensely hoppy.
Tunnel Vision: Another beloved hazy IPA showcasing different hop combinations.
Mood Ring Series: Rotating fruited IPAs with tropical flavors.
Pep Talk Lager: A crisp pilsner for those seeking something lighter.
Amenities:
Two taproom locations (Germantown and Sylvan Supply)
Industrial-chic atmosphere with pool table and music
Visible brewhouse from taproom
Indoor and outdoor seating
Food trucks regularly on-site (Cabin Attic Burgers is a favorite)
Extensive merchandise selection
Beer to go in cans
Locations:
Germantown: 101 Van Buren Street, Nashville, TN 37208
Sylvan Supply: 4101 Charlotte Avenue, Suite 40, Nashville, TN 37209
Contact: (615) 928-7988 | beardedirisbrewing.com
Hours (Germantown): Monday to Thursday: 1pm to 10pm | Friday to Saturday: 12pm to 10pm | Sunday: 12pm to 8pm
- Pricing: Pints typically $7 to $9 | Half pints available | Flights available
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are Nashville breweries family-friendly?
Yes, most Nashville breweries welcome families with children. Tennessee Brew Works, Southern Grist, and East Nashville Beer Works are particularly known for being kid-friendly with outdoor spaces, games, and non-alcoholic options. Some breweries even have designated play areas. However, it is always best to check individual brewery policies, especially for late evening visits.
2. Do Nashville breweries serve food or should I eat beforehand?
Many Nashville breweries offer food options. Tennessee Brew Works has a full-service restaurant with a chef-driven menu. Southern Grist’s East Nashville location features Lauter, their in-house restaurant. Other breweries like Bearded Iris regularly host food trucks. It is recommended to check ahead for food availability, especially on weekdays.
3. Can I bring my dog to Nashville breweries?
Most Nashville breweries are dog-friendly, at least on outdoor patios. Tennessee Brew Works, Southern Grist, and many others welcome well-behaved dogs on leashes. Indoor policies vary, so confirm before bringing your pet inside the taproom.
4. What is a flight and how much does it cost?
A flight is a sampler of multiple small pours (typically 4 to 6 beers, each 4 to 5 ounces) that allows you to taste a variety of beers. Flights in Nashville typically cost $10 to $16 depending on the brewery and number of samples. This is an excellent way to explore different styles before committing to a full pint.
5. Can I buy beer to take home from Nashville breweries?
Yes, most Nashville breweries sell beer to go. Options typically include crowlers (32oz cans filled to order), 4-packs or 6-packs of canned beer, and sometimes growlers (refillable jugs). Tennessee Brew Works also offers cases and kegs. Availability varies by brewery and beer selection.