Why Decatur’s craft beer scene is one of Georgia’s best
By Nash Dunn
Editor’s Note: This is the inaugural column on Decatur’s craft spirit scene by longtime beer industry veteran and Decatur Package Store GM Nash Dunn. He will be providing regular updates on where to go, what to try and why the Decatur community remains an incubator for the best in craft.
If you’ve spent any time in Decatur, you know the community has a way of turning even the simplest experiences into something memorable. A walk through the square becomes a lively conversation. A quiet afternoon can turn into an impromptu festival. And when it comes to craft beer, there’s a spirit of connection and curiosity in every pint.
Decatur’s craft beer scene didn’t just happen by accident; it’s the result of accessibility, affordability and a deep-rooted tradition that continues to shape the community’s identity. Having six breweries within walking distance of two MARTA stations makes Decatur and Avondale a dream for craft beer lovers. With so many excellent options, it’s hard to pick just a few.
In the early days of Georgia’s craft beer movement, finding a place to brew wasn’t easy or cheap. But Decatur and Avondale provided that rare combination of open space and accessible real estate. Pioneers like 3 Taverns and Wild Heaven planted their roots along College Avenue, transforming industrial spaces into community hubs where people gathered not just to drink beer, but to experience it. These early breweries didn’t just bring people in. They created places where the community could share in the craft and culture of beer.
While the breweries continue to flourish, Dunn says the foundation of this thriving scene owes a great deal to longtime local staples like Brick Store Pub and Twain’s. Both venues set the tone early and cultivated a passion for great beer long before the city had its own breweries. Each helped educate palates, introduced rare and innovative styles and built the loyal following that new breweries benefit from today. Without them, we wouldn’t have nearly the variety or quality of breweries and distilleries we see now.
Standing out from the crowd
Part of what sets Decatur’s breweries apart is that they’re built by people who are beer aficionados themselves. The early breweries here didn’t just diversify the styles they offered—they mastered them.
In an industry where some brewers approach the business purely as a numbers game, Decatur’s brewers have always led with passion and craftsmanship. That focus shows up in every glass. Whether you’re sipping a high-gravity stout to the soundtrack of metal music or relaxing in a family-friendly space with a bite to eat, Decatur offers a brewery experience tailored to every taste.
If you’re wondering where to start your own brewery tour, here a few of my favorite pours:
Inner Voice Brewing – Tasty Town Pale Lager: A classic, fizzy, golden beer that goes down easy in a 22-ounce mug—especially when paired with a slice of your favorite pizza.
Little Cottage Machinery Ov Torment – A classic West Coast IPA with a hit of Nelson hops to add a modern twist. Crisp and clear with a perfectly balanced bitterness. This is a beer I revisit every time I’m at Little Cottage.
Wild Heaven Peach Blackbird – A twist on their classic White Blackbird Saison, Wild Heaven added a boatload of peaches to make this a perfect summertime brew. Complex and juicy without being overly sweet. A beer you can’t have just one of.
So, what’s the best part of Decatur’s craft beer scene? It’s still evolving. Every pour tells a story of community, creativity and the kind of welcoming spirit that makes you want to stay for just one more round.
Whether you’re a hop head, a lager loyalist or just someone looking for a great place to gather, Decatur’s breweries offer more than great beer. They offer a taste of what makes this community truly special.
Nash Dunn has been in and around the alcohol industry for over a decade now. A Georgia transplant by way of North Carolina, he has watched the craft beer scene grow and evolve in multiple markets. The GM of Decatur Package Store has worked in many aspects of beer from cleaning draft lines to supplier sales management.
