Citrus-forward? Malted IPA? Or a tart sour? When it comes to looking for a good laugh or a quiet place to unwind with a chilled beer, Chattanooga houses a wide selection of unique taprooms where it’s easy for kind people to become your kind of people.
Barley Chattanooga: Taproom & Bar
Nestled at the corner of UTC, Barley Chattanooga is poised to host intimate parties, weekly happenings, and private meetings in any of its three lavish rooms. Featuring 64 beer taps, craft cocktails, and growler service, Barley invites guests from near and far to discover untapped flavors of Chattanooga. With a flair for the rare from the plush couches, eclectic art for purchase, and seasoned bar, Barley is the perfect place for conversation and entertainment while sipping on one of its many craft beers, including the hazy Baby Kittens IPA, the fruited Baked Goods: Blueberry Lemon Cobbler, and the Southern Crisp pilsner. In addition to the plethora of events offered – such as game night, comedy acts from locals, and live music – Barley welcomes four-legged friends to attend with the lure of organic dog treats overflowing from the quarter vending machines. With the functionality of a library, bar, and art gallery, Barley guarantees an enjoyable evening.
Fountainhead Taproom
Making for an alluring destination, Fountainhead Taproom is a Southside gem that toasts to its nonconformity as a self-pour beer taproom. Guests are invited to bartend to any of the 60 quality craft beers available in Chattanooga, including the tangy Cherish Life, the botanical Dr. Dank IPA, and the refreshing Vanilla Affogato Cream Ale. With the power of self-pouring comes great responsibility, and Fountainhead thoughtfully programmed its tap system to periodically stop pouring at a certain point to guarantee no overserving. The large leather couches stand out against the rustic brick and stained wood interior, perfect for anyone to snuggle in and comfortably converse with those surrounding them. With the motto of Building Bridges with Beer, Fountainhead Taproom has manifested itself as a quality beer destination in Chattanooga.
Five Wits Brewing Company
With a Shakespeare reference in its name, Five Wits Brewing Company invites guests to tap into their senses. Comfortably located in the Market South building, this urban warehouse space sparkles with bistro lights and exotic botanicals. Two large roll-up doors lead to the outdoor patio, showcasing a picturesque courtyard with large heaters hovering over the high-top tables – perfect for anyone wanting to sit with their pet while breathing in the fresh air. Like no other taproom, Five Wits expands into a food court, providing easy access to delicious dining options such as pizza, burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, and other taproom favorites. One of the many unique accessories Five Wits showcases is the foeder – an oversized barrel that holds beer for up to 18 months while it develops a sour note – proudly displayed behind the bar. By taking a seat at this taproom, guests can try any of the seasonal favorites featured, including the mellow Old Heller Helles Lager, Pool City Pale Ale, or the Alpine Highway Saison, and fall in love with the world of craft brew.
The Tap House & Empyreal Brewing Co.
The Tap House & Empyreal Brewing Co. features over 30 taps with periodic rotations – including quality craft and domestic beers, ciders, kombucha, wine, and sake cocktails – perfect for family and friends to sit, stay, and drink. Veteran-owned and operated and a central hub in historic St. Elmo, this family-style taproom boasts large televisions coated along the walls, weekly trivia night, and quality food favorites for kids of all ages, ranging from mac n cheese to burgers and hot dogs. From its convenient location, guests and their pets are welcome to drink up the great views of Lookout Mountain in the spacious outdoor seating while sipping on one of three flights: the Empyreal Brewing (house-made beers), Local Flight (beers from around Chattanooga), and the mix-n-match flight, each complemented with a side of warm salted pretzels. For those looking for the best bang for their buck, The Tap House & Empyreal Brewing Co. provides weekly promotions – don’t miss Saturday and Sunday’s all-day $15 pitcher of mimosas or sangria. The Tap House & Empyreal Brewing Co. continues to be a taproom treasure of Chattanooga, and all are welcomed to see why.
American Draft
Believing in beer for better days, American Draft is a traditional beer hall neatly tucked in a historic train car at The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. Amidst red velvet benches, antique wrought iron tables, and twinkling globe lights, American Draft blends an outdoor beer garden with the classic charm of an indoor pub. Inside this charismatic train car is a self-serve beer bar where guests can choose from any of the 29 exclusive draft beers, including local beers, craft beer, and favorite domestics, for a one-of-a-kind beer hall experience. Guaranteeing a good time, American Draft welcomes outside food, and pets are encouraged – if not mandatory – to attend the live music and seasonal events.
OddStory Brewing Company
With a name that speaks for itself, OddStory spreads the message on how stories matter – myths, legends, and true ones alike. Striving to craft an experience in a pint glass, OddStory invites anyone to join in on the laughter, banter, music, and energy of life that is embodied in this organic chic taproom. Whether you’re sitting at the community table or petting any of the welcomed animals on the patio, OddStory establishes itself as the greenhouse of taprooms, housing a range of plants available for purchase including Swedish ivy, monstera, pothos, and air plants. Unlike Fountainhead and Five Wits, OddStory is not a family-style bar but a haven for beer-lovers to relax, drink, and dine on any of the weekly events, such as Tuesday’s Pint & Pizza Night, Wednesday’s Trivia Night, and Friday’s $4 Flights Night. Using four different strains of yeast, OddStory’s beer list is as wild and wonderful as the greenery growing inside. Invite OddStory to be a part of your day and taste from rotating menu items including the Obsidian Sea lager, the malt-forward Nordic Ember, and the Monkey’s Heart IPA.
Let Chattanooga bartend your evening as it pours a craft of laughter, relaxation, and memories into your pint glass.
