In a city bubbling with new breweries and tasting rooms, Sigler’s Beer and Cigars remains something rare: a neighborhood place that feels like it’s always been there — and always will be.
Sigler’s didn’t begin with a grand business plan or corporate backing. It started the old-fashioned way: a group of regulars who loved the place too much to let it go. "When the original owners put Sigler’s up for sale, we put our heads together and decided to buy it and see what we could do with it," Phil Haymaker recalls. The dream was simple, craft beer, fine cigars, and community, but the result has been something even greater.
When Sigler’s opened its doors under new ownership in 2016, Chattanooga’s beer scene was just beginning to gain steam. “We were pretty much the first store of its kind in Chattanooga,” Phil says. Combining a rotating draft list with packaged beer and a curated cigar selection gave Sigler’s its unique identity — a place where beer nerds, casual drinkers, and cigar lovers could all find something to savor.
Sigler’s newest chapter, AlphaBrews, brings the story full circle. "We’ve started brewing our own beer under the name AlphaBrews. "We’re starting small, but we have big dreams." As always, the goal isn’t just great beer — it’s about bringing more value and connection to their customers. AlphaBrews has quickly become a fan favorite, and locals are excited to see how it continues to evolve. With the introduction of their own brewing line, Sigler’s is now offering even more personalized experiences for its customers, adding a new layer to its already rich story. The community can now look forward to exclusive, locally brewed beers with their favorite flavors and tastes
Spend an evening at Sigler’s, and you’ll understand. The vibe is unmistakably laid-back, but it’s not by accident. "Laid-back is exactly what we were going for," Phil explains. With plenty of cozy seating, a bustling patio for cigar smokers, board games, sports always on TV, and a soundtrack built for good times, the place feels less like a business and more like a gathering of old friends.
Their regulars, a colorful mix of doctors, lawyers, teachers, and mechanics, are just as much a part of the story. "We like to say that we’re not in the beer business; we’re in the people business," Phil explains. "We all come from different backgrounds, but here, we can just enjoy life together."
Sigler’s commitment to the community runs deep, supporting local charities, schools, and even a cycling club. Their mission is simple yet profound: good beer, good cigars, good people—in that order. "We’re not just a place to grab a drink, we’re a place where friendships are made," Phil adds, reflecting on the family-like atmosphere that Sigler’s has cultivated.
And if the steady hum of conversation and clink of glasses at Sigler’s tells you anything, it’s that in a fast-changing world, places like this are more important than ever.
We like to say that we’re not in the beer business; we’re in the people business. We all come from different backgrounds, but here, we can just enjoy life together.