Traveling the world as a beer pioneer, journalist and influencer, I’m always on the hunt for one of my favorite dynamic duos: great beer and food. And although I’ve experienced some incredible programs across the globe, I’m proud to say my own backyard of Atlanta boasts one of the best concentrations of destinations taking both seriously. Here are four of the favorites that I regularly visit and show love to because, yes, the beer program is on point, but the food is next level as well.
Now, I have rules. I avoid pork and beef, try to stay away from fried foods, and do my best to keep things healthy. Why? Besides staying in shape, I have to save some calories for the beer! There has to be a respectable tap list with seasonal specials on rotation, service must be consistently personable and the dishes recommended here need to be consistently delectable. I’m also mostly staying inside Atlanta’s I-285 Perimeter, limiting it to places I visit at least once a month, and excluding places actually brewing beer on-site. Otherwise, I’d be writing a book. That’s another installment. And with that, happy sipping… and noshing.
HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern — Brookhaven
Across its six locations throughout Georgia, HOBNOB lives up to the “neighborhood tavern” moniker with consistently personable service, a vibing atmosphere and a menu broad enough to satisfy virtually any craving. Burger lovers especially get love with plenty of options to choose from, while the long list of handhelds, Wagyu meatballs, and rotating daily specials—like the bourbon-glazed pork belly tacos I spotted while writing this—keep things interesting. Along with the housemade Hummus Duo and seasonal salads, my go-to pick is one of my favorite combinations anywhere: the Tavern Salmon with mashed potatoes and broccoli. Simple, spiced perfectly and satisfying. The draft beer list leans toward popular selections, especially local favorites, but there’s enough diversity in styles to make sure everyone craving an ale or lager is accounted for. Overall, HOBNOB is an easy Brookhaven selection when the crew wants good food, craft beer and plenty of options.
HobNobAtlanta.com
Brick Store Pub — Downtown Decatur
Going on 30 years in 2027, Brick Store remains a globally renowned beer institution. More than 30 taps show love to independently owned breweries, with predominantly domestic craft downstairs, Belgian selections upstairs and cask-conditioned pours adding another dimension to their beer game. The made-from-scratch, elevated pub fare keeps pace, from rotating cheese and charcuterie to house-smoked wings, St. Louis-style pierogies and the playfully named “Brick-Fil-A” fried chicken sandwich. My move is pan-fried trout over the chopped or arugula salad. My favorite nap-inducing meal is the hearty chicken pot pie topped with pillowy goodness. Do it. BrickStorePub.com
The Porter Beer Bar — Little Five Points
After beloved original owners Molly Gunn and Nick Rutherford moved on and The Porter took a break in 2022, thankfully this Atlanta institution returned two years later under new ownership. Co-owner and executive chef E.J. Hodgkinson is one of the nicest people in the industry, knows how to curate a beer roster and chefs his tail off. Everything—and I mean everything—I’ve tried is stellar, and friends with more adventurous diets back me up on the rest. My favorites include the Little Gem & Baby Kale salad with herbed chicken, black truffle deviled eggs, and tuna melt, while the fried fish sandwich for lunch and legendary goat cheese fritters form my cheat duo. With 60 taps, roughly 800 bottled beers and a no-joke culinary program, I strut through The Porter’s door at least twice a month.