Insider’s Guide to the Topside Tap Trail
In Food + Drink
North Fulton is quickly becoming one of the hottest craft beer regions in Georgia! In honor of Small Brewery Sunday on November 28, 2021, we put together this nifty guide to help you plan your Topside Tap Beer Trail adventure. Quench your thirst with seven awesome breweries in a ten-mile radius. The #TopsideTapTrail will help you navigate the area’s vast craft beer offerings, whether you’re a trendy hophead or occasional drinker. You’re guaranteed to find satisfying, sudsy sips on this adventure through the North Fulton brewery scene!
Meet The Topside Tap Trail Breweries
Alpharetta Breweries
Perfectly situated along Downtown Alpharetta’s Main Street, Currahee Brewing is serving up the best in German and Belgium-style beers including a crisp Belgium golden ale, hoppy German lager and a rich coffee stout. The two Currahee Brewing Company founders built a brewery with beer aficionados in mind focusing on German and Belgium-styled ales. Currahee’s favorite brews include Frankenstark, Garand IPA and Wayah Lager with seasonal and limited releases also offered.
Alpharetta’s first brewery and namesake pays honor to Georgia’s first brewery which opened on Jekyll Island in 1738. Each brew on tap offers up cool nods to the South with clever nomenclature like Cooter Brown, Big Creek, Southern Juice IPA and Hop Dang Diggity. While you’re at Jekyll Brewing, kick back to enjoy a flight of their greatest hits and be sure to tour the brewery to see just how the magic’s made. Jekyll Brewing has recently expanded. The brewery has brought its beers and a new restaurant to Downtown Alpharetta. Their second location includes a tasting room, restaurant and a rooftop patio three stories above Academy and Market Streets in the heart of Downtown Alpharetta.
Roswell Breweries
The first brewpub in Roswell features locally sourced cuisine, world-class beer, and craft cocktails in a fun, easy-going environment. The brewpub offers 10-12 house beers, 4-6 rotating local/regional drafts and a non-alcoholic root beer. The kitchen features chef-driven seasonal fare at a reasonable price. From the Earth is known for naming each of their beers after songs. Additionally, the brewpub books some of the best live entertainment in the Roswell area throughout the week.
Gate City, Roswell’s first brewing company, is located in Roswell’s beautiful historic district. The name is rooted in neighboring Atlanta’s historical moniker as the “Gate City of the New South,” due to its reputation as a hub for culture, commerce and transportation. Gate City strives to brew beers that embody the very same independent spirit. Gate City offers a large taproom filled with highboys, a long bar, and soft seating – with several garage doors that open to outdoor space with tons of picnic tables and a separate private event space.
Variant Brewing Company crafts quality brews with a flavorful taste that compels patrons to share. Their collaborative approach and passion for the art of the brewing process creates experiential blends for the occasional beer drinker and craft beer enthusiast. Matt Curling, Variant’s owner and brewmaster, says the focus is on variety. Variant features a taproom style environment with bar, highboys and tables, as well as a large brick outdoor patio with plenty of room to spread out.
Sandy Springs Breweries
Pontoon Brewing Company was the first microbrewery to open in Sandy Springs. Founded by longtime friends with a passion for craft beer and a laid-back lifestyle, they opened the doors to the taproom in 2017. Pontoon’s beers are made with “a relaxing day on the water” in mind, which is perfect for a brewery just minutes away from the Chattahoochee River. Pontoon rotates a list of seasonal and limited-edition beers that are unique and full of flavor.
Porter Pizza & Brewery evolved out of owner Allen Porter’s home brewing hobby. His mission was to serve craft brew lovers a variety of rotating beers while still staying small. Thus, Porter Pizza & Brewery was established as a restaurant with an onsite microbrewery. You can now enjoy a large menu featuring brick oven pizza, pasta, salads and sandwiches alongside Porter’s continually rotating beer list at this modern yet casual brewpub.
Conquer Them All on the Passport Adventure!
The Topside Tap Trail 2021 – 2022 Passport Adventure makes hopping from tap to tap a brewery breeze! Hit the trail with your passport and get a stamp at each stop along the way. Turn the completed passport in at your final destination between now and June 30, 2022, to claim a Topside Tap Trail koozie (while supplies last)! Luckily, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to go about the passport adventure. Start at any brewery and tackle them in whichever order you please—from South to North, North to South, or at random! Only in town for the weekend? Make your way to each location in one day (or maybe two to give yourself some time to savor each location) or visit a different brewery each time you visit North Fulton.
You’re going to need a place to rest your head after a full day of touring the Topside Tap Trail! Throughout Alpharetta, you’ll find a whopping 30 accommodation options – many of our local hotels boast complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and exclusive access to sparkling pools – so don’t forget to pack your swimsuit! Start planning and book your Topside Tap Trail road trip today!