The complete Magic City brewery trail
February 13, 2023 · Culture & History, Dining, Engage, Entertainment, Live, Visit
Embark on a flavorful journey through Birmingham’s vibrant craft beer scene. This self-guided brewery trail showcases the city’s rich brewing heritage and innovative new spots. Whether you’re a hop enthusiast or a casual sipper, there’s something for everyone. Remember to drink responsibly and plan your transportation accordingly. Cheers!
Beer glossary for the curious sipper:
ABV (Alcohol by Volume)
The percentage of alcohol in a beer. Higher ABV means a stronger brew.
IBU (International Bitterness Units)
A scale that measures hop bitterness in beer. The higher the number, the more bitter the taste.
SRM (Standard Reference Method)
Used to describe the color of a beer. A lower SRM means a pale beer, while higher numbers indicate darker styles.
Sour
A style of beer that’s intentionally tart or acidic, offering flavors ranging from mildly tangy to intensely puckering.
IPA (India Pale Ale)
A hop-forward style of beer known for bold bitterness and aromatic citrus, pine or floral notes.
Hops
The cone-shaped flowers of the hop plant, used to add bitterness, aroma and flavor to beer. They also act as a natural preservative.
Ale
A beer brewed with top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures (typically 60–70°F), resulting in fruity, complex flavors.
Lager
A beer made with bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures (around 35–50°F), usually producing a clean, crisp taste.
Wort
The sweet liquid extracted from malted grains during brewing. Hops are added and the mixture is boiled, then yeast is added to ferment it into beer.
Have a specific area of downtown in mind? Jump to your desired district using the buttons below!
Parkside
Good People Brewing Company
114 14th Street South
Welcome to the O.G. of Alabama beer! Good People Brewing Company proudly holds the title of the oldest and largest brewery in the state — and for good reason. Nestled right across from Regions Field and just a stone’s throw from Railroad Park, this iconic spot is the perfect place to catch a game, hang with friends, or unwind with your pup on the patio.
The atmosphere is laid-back, the beer lineup is legendary, and the vibes? Always good. If you’re only making one brewery stop in Birmingham (but seriously, don’t do that), make it this one — you’ll leave feeling very HOPPY.
Beer Highlight: Snake Handler
This beast of a brew is not for the faint of hops. Snake Handler is a bold Double IPA and a true fan favorite — Good People’s most requested beer for a reason. It’s a full-on celebration of everything hoppy, with intense aromas of pine, citrus, tropical fruit and just a touch of floral spice. Balanced with a biscuit and caramel malt backbone, it’s big, brash and beautifully crafted.
- ABV: 10%
- IBU: 100+
- SMR: 9.6
- Hops: Columbus, Warrior, Cascade, Simcoe, Chinook
- Malts: 2-Row + 4 specialty malts
- Yeast: California Ale
Hold on tight — this one bites back (in the best way).
Monday Night Brewing – Social Club
14 12th Street South
Don’t let the name fool you — Monday Night Brewing is open way more than just Mondays. This taproom blends modern industrial charm with cozy touches, offering both indoor and outdoor seating, string lights, murals and plenty of Instagram-worthy corners. Known for their clever beer names and community-focused events, it’s a great place to start your crawl. Gather your crew for Trivia Night on Mondays — because who says the week can’t start strong?
Beer Highlight: Taco Tuesday
Taco Tuesday may sound like a midweek treat, but trust us — it hits any day of the week. This Mexican-style lager is light, crisp and ultra-refreshing with a subtle sweetness and a smooth finish. It’s basically the beer version of your favorite comfort food — easygoing, crowd-pleasing and always a good idea.
- ABV: 4%
- IBU: 20
Pairs perfectly with tacos… and fajitas… and burritos… and, yeah, pretty much everything else.
Southside
Birmingham District Brewing Company
2201 2nd Avenue South #102
Tucked into The Battery in Southside, Birmingham District Brewing Company has been pouring pints since 2018. The name pays tribute to the city’s roots — back when Birmingham was a small industrial hub built on rich geology and iron ore. A little history, a lot of hops.
Sure, it’s a nod to the “Magic City’s” beginnings… but also, let’s be honest: geologists just happen to make great beer. Coincidence? We think not.
Beer Highlight: Birmingham Pilsner
Light, clean, and refreshingly crisp, the Birmingham Pilsner is everything a classic American-style pilsner should be — with a local twist. This unfiltered beauty balances the subtle sweetness of Pilsner malts and flaked maize with the delicate bitterness of Cryo Loral hops. It’s easy-drinking with just enough complexity to keep you coming back for another sip.
- ABV: 4.8
- IBU: 25
Uproot Brewing Company
2616 3rd Avenue South
Say hello to Birmingham’s freshest pour — Uproot Brewing Company. This brand-new brewery has taken root in the former Ghost Train space on 2nd Avenue South, and it’s already turning heads. Founded by Nate Darnell, former Head Brewer at Ferus Artisan Ales, Uproot is his first solo venture and a bold new chapter for the local beer scene.
With a focus on expressive, approachable beers and a welcoming taproom, Uproot is already becoming a go-to spot for curious craft drinkers and seasoned hopheads alike.
Beer Highlight: Uproot IPA
This flagship IPA bridges the gap between a classic American IPA and the fruit-forward character of a juicy one. The result? A smooth, balanced brew bursting with tropical aromas and a refreshing, clean finish. It’s the kind of beer that keeps things interesting without overwhelming your palate — and it’s available all year long.
- ABV: 7%
Lakeview
Back Forty Beer Company
3201 1st Avenue North
If variety is your vibe, Back Forty Beer Company is your next stop. With more than 50 different beers brewed annually and up to 25 on tap at any given time, there’s truly something for everyone — from the craft-curious to the die-hard beer nerd.
Located in a spacious, welcoming spot that’s perfect for events, Back Forty isn’t just about great beer. It’s also home to one of Birmingham’s most mouthwatering burgers (trust us — add it to your order).
Beer Highlight: Naked Pig Pale Ale
This iconic pale ale is a crowd-pleaser through and through. Naked Pig is crisp, clean and easy to love — especially for newcomers to craft beer. But don’t let its approachability fool you: the bold Cascade hop profile brings just the right amount of bite, complexity and citrusy charm to keep seasoned beer lovers coming back for more.
- ABV: 6%
- IBU: 43
- Hops: Cascade
TrimTab Brewing Co.
2721 5th Avenue South
Welcome to TrimTab Brewing — where creativity, community and craft beer collide. This lively taproom is known for its rotating lineup of bold brews, outdoor hangout space and events like high-energy bingo nights that keep the good times flowing. With food trucks rolling through and a wall of award-winning beer to choose from, it’s a must-stop on your Birmingham brewery crawl.
Oh, and fun fact: they’ve got a Great American Beer Festival medal under their belt — no big deal.
Beer Highlight: Paradise Now
Say hello to summer in a glass (although it’s available year-long). Paradise Now is a Raspberry Berliner Weisse brewed with real raspberry and tart cherry purée. It’s bright, crisp and refreshing, with just the right balance of fruit-forward tang and soft wheat backbone. A delicate mouthfeel and subtle acidity make it endlessly drinkable — perfect for patio sipping or cooling off on a sunny day.
- ABV: 5.2%
- IBU: 7
- SRM: 7
Beyond Downtown BHM
Avondale Brewing Company
201 41st Street South
Looking for great beer and even better entertainment? Avondale Brewing Company delivers both. Known for hosting an impressive lineup of live music, this beloved Birmingham brewery has turned its spacious outdoor stage and backyard into one of the city’s top spots for concerts, community events and big-screen sports nights. Located in the heart of Avondale, it’s the perfect place to wind down — or turn up — with a pint in hand.
Beer Highlight: Miss Fancy’s Tripel
Don’t let the elegance fool you — this Belgian-style Tripel packs a punch. Named after Avondale’s famous beer-loving elephant, Miss Fancy’s Tripel is a strong golden ale with rich aromas, a hint of spice and a remarkably smooth finish. At 9.2% ABV, it’s bold, complex and dangerously drinkable.
- ABV: 9.2%
Cahaba Brewing Co.
4500 5th Avenue South Building C
Named after Alabama’s longest free-flowing river, Cahaba Brewing Company is all about keeping things easy, approachable and undeniably local. Their spacious taproom spills out into an inviting outdoor area — perfect for soaking up the sun with a cold pint in hand.
Fuel up at The Current at Cahaba, their on-site food truck that dishes out crowd-pleasers designed to pair with your beer of choice (especially their beloved blonde ale). Whether you’re inside watching the game or outside catching up with friends, it’s a go-to spot for laid-back sipping in Birmingham.
Beer Highlight: Cahaba Blonde
This easygoing American Blonde Ale is a staple in Birmingham for a reason. Cahaba Blonde is light-bodied, smooth and brewed with a balanced blend of European malts and hops for a crisp, clean finish. With just enough malt sweetness and hop presence to keep things interesting, it’s the perfect beer for Alabama summers — by the pool, at the lake or floating down the river that inspired it.
- ABV: 5.2%
- IBU: 23
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