Is there anything better than kicking back with a cold beer and spending time with a few of your closest friends? Luckily for craft beer-lovers visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast, our slice of paradise is home to some awesome, small-town craft breweries.
If beer isn’t your go-to beverage, a variety of wine and craft sodas are usually available, with some breweries offering a small menu to order from as well. These options make it a perfect spot for families and people of all ages.
Whether you’re searching for that perfect pint or just want a nice place to wine down and relax, this list of local breweries will have something for everyone.
Big Beach Brewing Company
This local hot spot settled into Gulf Shores in 2016 and has been growing ever since. The two owners of Big Beach Brewing Company started brewing out of their house as a hobby before quickly realizing not only their passion for the craft but also the need for craft beer in their quaint beach town.
Big Beach Brewing Company FB Page
Wanting to set themselves apart, they first began by serving craft beers brewed right on the property, having a “tank-to-tap” operation and have continued this method to this day. Meaning, instead of having the usual keg set up like other breweries, their beer is held in 300-gallon vessels, guaranteeing the freshest beer around town.
Big Beach Brewing Company also includes a unique, open-air taproom that features a fireplace, plenty of seating in case you plan to sit a while and order food from the local eateries, and four garage doors that allow everyone to enjoy the cool breeze in the summer months.
Food trucks frequent the brewery most weekends and during special events—and weekends typically include live music, so you get to enjoy not only great craft beer and local food but awesome tunes as well.
Not a fan of beer? Don’t worry, the owners have added an assortment of wines and non-alcoholic craft sodas to their ever-growing menu, so there is always something for everyone.
Make sure to visit their Facebook page to see what’s on tap and who’s next to play in the taproom.
Fairhope Brewing Company
Head about 45 minutes north of Gulf Shores and you will find the Fairhope Brewing Company, a small brewery that started out as a fun idea among friends in 2012.
Fairhope Brewing Company FB Page
Fast forward to present day and you have one of the few local craft breweries in the Alabama Gulf Coast area that keep both locals and visitors coming back for more fresh local brews.
You can always find 14 beers and ciders on tap, with seasonal options added throughout the year. Whether you like ports, fruited beers, or IPAs, they have you covered—and if you find yourself craving Fairhope Brewing beers, you’re in luck! They currently offer their one-of-a-kind, made-in-house beer on draft and in cans all around Baldwin and Mobile Counties, as well as in Birmingham and coastal Mississippi.
Catch local bands and delicious food trucks there on the weekends, and live trivia every Thursday night in the taproom. You will need a group to participate, and if you win, there are great prizes in store. What’s better than being with friends, having a few beers, and showing off your trivia skills?
Never miss out on game night again and check their Facebook page for weekly updates.
Hop Hounds Brew Pub & Dog Park
For the dog-lovers, Hop Hounds Brew Pub & Dog Park—a brewery where dogs rule the yard—is just the ticket!
Hop Hounds Brew Pub & Dog Park FB Page
This dog-friendly brewery is not one to miss. Located in the historic district of Mobile, AL, Hop Hounds Brew Pub is a place where people can enjoy their favorite craft beer and bring their furry best friend along, too.
There is no shortage of beverages or food here, with more than 50 specialty craft beers, wines and soda offered, and a Sunday brunch menu that’ll satisfy anyone’s hunger.
Being able to experience all that Hop Hounds has to offer usually requires a membership to ensure the safety of everyone and their beloved pets; however, if you are just visiting the area on a quick trip, they do offer day passes so that you and your pup can join in on the fun!
If you’re planning to go on a Tuesday, grab three of your buddies and head over for their weekly Trivia night. Enjoy some cold craft beers and order some tacos from their Sticks & Stacks Craft Eatery menu while you’re at it to really make it a fun night.
Check out their Facebook page to catch the newest beers on tap and to see which furry friends are visiting that day!
Old Majestic Brewing Company
Another great brewery in the Mobile area is Old Majestic Brewing Company, known for providing a fun drinking experience and for educating guests about what it takes to properly brew a good beer and how to best enjoy it.
Old Majestic Brewing Company FB Page
Old Majestic Brewing Company gets its name from the United States’ national tree, the majestic oak, which is considered to be one of the largest and oldest trees in our nation’s history. The owners of Old Majestic wanted that to be represented throughout their brewery and to be known as a company with a strong presence that plans to stick around for a long time.
Their signature beer brands include the Majestic Blonde, the Four Fathers’ Stout and the Reflections IPA, and are always available for craft-beer lovers, while additional options circulate seasonally. Old Majestic’s rotating tap list means there is something for every taste.
Follow their Facebook page to keep up with events held throughout the year. Whether it’s a live music event or catching up with their running club, you won’t ever be bored.