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$26.99 (as of December 20, 2024 21:41 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Have you ever wondered what makes football season so special in the South? As August rolls around, football teams gear up for the season, and so begins one of the most cherished traditions in the Southern United States. It’s not just about the touchdowns and field goals; it’s an all-encompassing experience that involves craft brews, barbecues, and a sense of community that’s second to none. The South, particularly Georgia, boasts 18 collegiate football teams and over 180 craft breweries, making it a haven for football fans and beer aficionados alike.
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Football Season in the South: A Cultural Extravaganza
In the South, football season kicks off in late August and is likened to a national holiday. It’s a time for family, friends, and fans to come together. One can almost smell the barbecues grilling in the neighborhood and hear the clinks of beer glasses amidst cheerings of touchdowns. It’s a grand celebration that encapsulates more than just the sport itself.
Barbecues and beer are staples in these gatherings and form the backbone of Southern hospitality. As fans flood stadiums and homes to catch every game, the allure of delicious food and refreshing craft beers augments the football experience.
The Criteria for the Best Breweries
Not all breweries are created equal, especially when you’re searching for the perfect setting to watch your favorite team. Several key features can make a brewery stand out as an ideal spot for football enthusiasts:
- Ample Seating & TV Setups: Places equipped with multiple TVs or even large screens facilitate a communal viewing experience.
- Dog-Friendly Areas: For those who consider their pets as part of the family.
- Family-Friendly Environment: Offering a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all ages.
- Diverse Beer Selection: From pale ales to stouts, a varied tap list can satisfy the most discerning palate.
- Food Options: Whether it’s in-house kitchens or rotating food trucks, good grub is essential.
Now, let’s dive into some of the notable breweries in Georgia that elevate the football-watching experience.
Dr. Scofflaw’s Laboratory at The Works
You and your furry friend might find Dr. Scofflaw’s Laboratory at The Works an exceptionally inviting place. This brewery prides itself on being dog-friendly while offering ample seating. With 76 taps featuring various beer styles, you’re bound to find something you love. Plus, an adjacent food hall means excellent grub is just steps away.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Dog-Friendly | Yes |
| Seating | Ample |
| Number of Taps | 76 |
| Food Options | Adjacent food hall |
SweetWater Brewing Company Taproom
Recently renovated, SweetWater Brewing Company Taproom provides a large patio where you can enjoy the fresh air while savoring West Coast-style brews. Do try their signature 420 Extra Pale Ale, which has become a crowd favorite. The spacious layout is perfect for accommodating large groups, making it ideal for game day.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Space | Large patio |
| Signature Beer | 420 Extra Pale Ale |
| Specialty | West Coast-style brews |
| Setting | Recently renovated |
Wild Heaven Beer
Located along the Beltline, Wild Heaven offers a family-friendly atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Beyond craft beers, they also offer wines, making it an excellent spot for diverse tastes. Outdoor activities ensure that even the youngest members of your group stay entertained.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Beltline |
| Atmosphere | Family-friendly |
| Beverage Options | Craft beers and wines |
| Additional Activities | Outdoor activities |
Variant Brewing Company
For an intimate setting, Variant Brewing Company in Roswell provides a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere. While it may be smaller compared to other breweries, its varied beer menu ensures there’s something for everyone. It’s a perfect suburban gem to enjoy a quieter, albeit equally thrilling, football experience.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Setting | Intimate, suburban |
| Beer Selection | Varied menu |
| Location | Roswell |
| Ambiance | Cozy |
Bold Monk Brewing Company
Located in Upper Westside, Bold Monk Brewing Company offers different spaces to match your mood. Whether you prefer a TV lounge, a beer garden, or a library lounge, the varied ambiance makes it an exciting option for game day. Their diverse menu complements the different settings to ensure you won’t go hungry.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Upper Westside |
| Ambiance Options | TV lounge, beer garden, library lounge |
| Menu | Varied |
| Special Experience | Different spaces for different moods |
Glover Park Brewery
Situated in Marietta, Glover Park Brewery provides a smaller, but varied selection of beers. It’s an excellent spot for dog owners and families, thanks to its kid-friendly environment and dog-friendly policies. Food trucks offer a rotating selection of eats, ensuring you always have something new to try.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Marietta |
| Beer Selection | Small but varied |
| Environment | Dog- and kid-friendly |
| Food Options | Rotating food trucks |
Reformation Brewery
Nestled in Woodstock, Reformation Brewery boasts a laid-back vibe that encourages you to relax and enjoy the game. Their diverse beer selection offers something for everyone, and rotating food trucks ensure you always have tasty options at your fingertips.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Woodstock |
| Atmosphere | Laid-back |
| Beer Selection | Diverse |
| Food Options | Rotating food trucks |
Round Trip Brewing Company
New on the block, Round Trip Brewing Company specializes in German-style beers and features a large inflatable screen for an immersive viewing experience. Their new East Cobb taproom is both kid- and dog-friendly, making it a perfect spot for families to gather on game day.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Specialty | German-style beers |
| Screen | Large inflatable screen |
| Location | East Cobb |
| Environment | Kid- and dog-friendly |
Fire Maker Brewing Company
If you’re looking for proximity to stadiums, Fire Maker Brewing Company near Truist Park and Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a fantastic choice. With 14 TVs, you won’t miss a single moment of the action. The diverse selection of beer styles caters to an array of preferences, making it a great pre- or post-game hangout.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Truist Park and Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| TVs | 14 |
| Beer Variety | Diverse |
| Setting | Ideal for pre- or post-game |
Monday Night Garage
True to its name, Monday Night Garage stays open late on Mondays to accompany Monday Night Football games. Specializing in barrel-aged brews, this spot is a go-to for beer connoisseurs. The large space offers plenty of room to settle in for a night of football and fantastic drinks.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Barrel-aged brews |
| Open Late | Mondays |
| Ambiance | Large space |
| Ideal For | Monday Night Football |
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General Features That Enhance the Experience
These breweries collectively offer some core features that enhance every football season gathering. It’s not just about having a good seat or a large screen — it’s the confluence of exceptional beers, a family-friendly environment, and often, delicious food options that elevate the experience.
Family-Friendly and Pet-Friendly Environments
Many of these breweries recognize the importance of being inclusive to everyone in the family, including the four-legged members. Spaces that welcome kids and dogs make it possible for families to spend more quality time together.
Unique Twists to the Game Day Experience
Each brewery harbors a unique twist that sets it apart. From SweetWater’s signature 420 Extra Pale Ale and Bold Monk’s various ambiances to Monday Night Garage’s specialization in barrel-aged brews, these nuances create a distinctive and memorable game-day experience.
Conclusion: Craft Brews, Barbecues, and Touchdowns
Football season in the South is more than just a series of games; it’s an indulgent celebration of community, fantastic food, and extraordinary beers. With a multitude of breweries offering diverse atmospheres and extensive beer selections, there’s something for everyone. So whether you’re a dedicated football fan or just someone who enjoys great beer and food, Georgia’s breweries provide the perfect stage for your autumn weekends.
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