Table Talk

By Beer Me

September 26, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this

In Atlanta, the best I’ve been to is Rock Bottom. Much better beer (& beer selection) than Gordon Biersch (despite being owned by the same company). Much better food than 5 Seasons (c’mon…Grilled Rice Balls, Soy Beans, etc? If I’m going to a brewpub I want to at least be able to get ‘bar food’). Unfortunately, I haven’t beer to Max Lager’s yet.

But in general, Atlanta’s selection of brewpubs is pretty pathetic. I don’t know if that is because of the alcohol-unfriendly government, or if there are other reasons. Any other city or comparable size, and many much smaller, has a much better selection.

By Will Hinton

September 26, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this

There isn’t any question that the best brewpub in Atlanta is the Brick Store Pub in Decatur. Nothing comes close. Not only does the Brick have the widest selection of beer, they are the only place to find lots of hard to find beers, have great food, and a great atmosphere. There is a reason that BeerAdvocate and RateBeer have consistently rated the Brick Store as one of the best brew pubs in the country.

By Beer Me

September 26, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this

Will H: Does the Brick Store Pub brew beer? I didn’t realize that. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be a brewpub…it’s just another bar. (Okay, maybe not ‘just another bar’, but you know what I mean.)

By Kalena

September 26, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

5 seasons. i happen to like organic food with good beer. it would be awesome if brewpub patrons could take some brew home… but GA law prevents them from selling outside a distributor…

By Julian

September 26, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

The original 5 Season’s Brewing Company has the best beer in Atlanta. Their north location has a different brewmaster and the beer does not compare with Glen’s brews. Their food is good, but you go to a brew pub for beer, not food. Where else in Atlanta can you find an authentically brewed German beer?

By Julian

September 26, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Will H, do you consider Taco Mac a brew pub too? They sell beer.

By Nick Purdy

September 26, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

My friend Will let his well-placed love of the Brickstore cloud him just a bit - you guys are right, it’s not a brewpub. But I’d like to add that the lager-based swill at Gordon Biersch is the Outback Steakhouse of brewpubs. A crap chain. Max Lager’s is just a dead place. Rock Bottom works well for Buckhead types who will settle for a national chain (call this one the Longhorn of brewpubs). Twain’s in Decatur is a terrific place with decent beer and 5 Seasons is probably serving the best brewpub beer in Atlanta. But I haven’t found ANY Atlanta brewpub beer that I truly love.

By Roger Predactor

September 26, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

I actually like the beers at Park Tavern. The golden and red are my favs.

By Stryker

September 26, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Gordon Biersch HANDS DOWN Great beer, great service, the BEST NEW YEARS EVE SPOT in Atlanta. The food is excellent, you can bet an AWESOME burger or Asian Potstickers, cmon, where else can you get that kind of variety along with an excellent beer. Pool Tables upstairs a plus and the Management team there will know you by name after 3 visits. And NO I don’t work there, just love the place!

By Drew

September 26, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

Nick Purdy is right on - saying a chain brewpub is your favorite brewpub is not cool… and Gordon Biersch and Rock Bottom are chains. Beer Me is quite obviosuly intimidated by the real food and real beer provided at 5 Seasons.

By Beer Me

September 26, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Trust me, I’m not thrilled with Rock Bottom. Just saying that it’s the best of a bad lot. The beer was actually pretty good at 5 Seasons when I was there last; I just don’t go because their menu is so bad. I don’t know when it was decided that you can’t have good American food with good American beer.
This is just a really bad town for brewpubs.

By Nick Purdy

September 26, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Methinks Stryker protests his association with Gordon Biersch a bit much! Roger - good point about Park Tavern - forgot about that. It’s still just average beer with perhaps the best patio view in Atlanta (except maybe Canoe but that’s a different thing). I mean it’s drinkable and better than macro crap from Miller, Bud, etc.

By Darin

September 26, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

I agree with Nick - as far as what’s in the city limits of Atlanta, there are no high quality brewpubs. Not since John Harvard’s died a puzzling death in Buckhead many years ago have we had a good one.

Five Seasons in Sandy Springs is great. I hope I can get a chance to check out Twains soon.

By Sheryl

September 26, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

5 seasons north and prado are my favorites! The beer is awesome and the food is wonderful! I will admit that i’ve been to both on occasions where i wasn’t thrilled about any of the beers but they rotate them out on a regular basis to please a wide variety of people. I always tell people that if you’ve been there and you didn’t like the beer that day you should at least try again.

I enjoy mostly dark beers and usually over the summer they carry light ones so i just wait til winter when the yummy porters come out!

I go to 5 north most of the time because it’s close to home but i’ll stop by 5 prado when i’m in the area. Besides, i don’t know of any other places that have a weekly cask conditioned keg!

The food at 5 seasons is different but the grilled pizzas and pomme frites should be enough to satisfy your “bar food” urges. The lamb tenderloin with a belgian ale rocks though!

By Billy

September 26, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

TAP is a pretty decent new addition. I know they have their own brewed beer, but not positive that it is brewed onsite. The beer is good though and they have good, albiet a little pricey food.

By Sam

September 26, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

I would have to go with Atlanta Brewing Company. In the summer the Red Brick Blonde is for me and wanting nice winter drink? then you got to go for the Red Brick Winter. Don’t believe me? come take a tour of the brewary on Wednesdays and Fridays, and Sunday. Live music on Wed, and Fridays too! http://www.atlantabrewing.com

By ElDiablair

September 26, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

5 Seasons North on Old Milton Pkwy is the best in the metro area right now. Crawford Moran, the former owner of Dogwood Brewing, is the brewmeister there and is brewing some of the best beer around. The English Mild Ale on the hand pump tap is extremely good.

By Drew

September 26, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Beer Me - I don’t know why you think brewpub food has to be pre-fab hamburgers and crinkle cut french fries from Sysco. Are you scared of an establishment that serves food of good quality? Why are we even discussing food when this blog is about beer? If you think that the watery brew at Rock Bottom is the greatest thing around, keep going there and leave the real beer lovers more to drink at 5 Seasons.

By Julian

September 26, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

Beer Me probably thinks that Miller Lite is a fine lager!

By BRAVESGYRL

September 26, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

TACO MAC TACO MAC TACO MAC

Over 100 beers on tap and 283 beers in the bottle… I know its not really a Brewhouse but certainly the wideset selection i’ve ever seen!

By Beer Me

September 26, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Drew- The blog isn’t about beer. It’s about the best brewpubs. Look it up: Brewpub: “A RESTAURANT that sells beverages brewed on the premises.” I like good quality food. I don’t like the eclectic menu at 5 Seasons. I never said the beer wasn’t good; it’s just not worth going there if I then have to go somewhere else to get something to eat. And I never said that Rock Bottom was great; it’s just that Atlanta has a terrible selection of brewpubs.
Now, if Sweetwater or even ABC would/could open a restaurant, then I’m sure that either would be a great brewpub.

By Frank

September 26, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

I have to agree. The food at 5 Seasons sucks. But, the beer’s good and it’s close, so I drink there and then go somewhere else to eat and sober up.

By JayBird

September 26, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Beer me—you are exactly right, a Sweetwater Brew Pub/Restaurant would be great. They are by far the best brewer in Atlanta and one of the best in the entire country. Can’t wait for the Festive Ale, the best tasting beer around.

The best brew pub I have been to is in Denver, Wynkoop Brewing Co. in the Lower Downtown area. Great food and great beers.

By Beer Girl

September 26, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

If you could have the best Brew pub in the world here in the ATL, Besides great beer, What kind of food would you hope to find?

By Kristin

September 26, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

I like Twains,one of the Dogwood guys brews for Twains and I belive another is at 5 Seasons. The last time I went to 5 seasons the service was sooooo bad, I just haven’t gone back.

I miss Dogwood, damn Georgia laws.

By Tina

September 26, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

I was just at 5 Seasons last night. Their Big “O” beer was really good!!The service was great and I like that their food menu isn’t your average bar burgers, fries, nachos and wings.

By DW

September 26, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

5 Seasons, hands down!

By John Evans

September 26, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Don’t gripe so much guys, we have only Moon River here in Savannah. Moved here from Atlanta 2 years ago and gotta say the variety of brew pubs is about the only thing I miss. But, I rather have just one pub and be here than be there.

By Kelley

September 26, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Come to Portland, OR. Home of the BEST brewpubs!

By Drew

September 26, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Beer Me - First, you will probably agree that the beer at a brewpub is truly the reason you contemplate visiting a brewpub. That’s why I was saying that we’re talking about beer, not food. But let me ask you a question, would you call these items eclectic…?

Bratwurst Pizza Burgers Steak Pork Chops French Fries Mashed Potatoes

…they are all on the menu at 5 Seasons.

By Tommy

September 26, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

…Blondie, from the Clermont Lounge….oopps, thought it read “best blow*“…

By Brewers Wife

September 26, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

While I’m not the beer connoisseur in our house (my husband actually is), 5 Seasons is by far our favorite brew house in Atl. Sure it’s not bar food but since you can get bar food anywhere who cares? Where else can you get great beer AND great (non-bar) food? If you’ve never been there for dinner you need to try it- the chef’s specials are always wonderful.

My hubby’s favorite local brew (without the house) is Sweetwater. Sweetwater actually just partnered with someone to open a restaraunt in the Atlanta airport. Now we just have to find an excuse to fly somewhere in order to visit it since it’s in Concourse B. Or maybe it will go well enough there that they will venture into the ‘open’ market and serve their regular clientele sometimes soon. We can only hope!

If you just want a wide variety of beer and bar food, then yes, Taco Mac is a great watering hole but if you’re looking for a great brew house- 5 Seasons is the place you’re looking for.

By BeerNerd

September 26, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

5 Seasons in the Prado is hands down the best brewpub in Atlanta. It’s even good compared to the West Coast brewpubs I used to go to when I lived in CA. The Flanders beer at that location is probably the best beer I’ve ever had at a brewpub anywhere. The food rocks. Buffalo quail? How cool is that! The Trout fish ‘n chips just flat out rocks. This is a higher end establishment than Gordon Biersch or Rock Bottom, so you will find a higher level of beer and food. The service is inconsistent from one visit to the next. They always manage to know when you need another beer, though. But, unless the service is just flat out rude, which has never happened there, I will keep going back.

By David Greco

September 26, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

The best brewpub in Atlanta is by far 5 Seasons brewing. The rest cannot hold a candle to it. Was just at Gordon Biersh? and the beer was so bad… their Oktoberfest was a sad attempt… Been going to 5 Seasons for many years and they put a lot of effort in the beer making and it shows. In regards to food, 5 Seasons has a great lunch menu and I find the food to be great

By SonnyJim

September 26, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

I agree that ATL is pathetic when it comes to Brewpubs. Asheville, NC has more… Also Richmond, VA — both much smaller places than ATL. Just be glad you don’t live in Gwinnett, where we have NONE now. Of course the ones we had weren’t anything special, although it pains me to admit that I really liked Hops, prior to its demise. Max Lagers at the Mall of GA sucked from day 1 and it’s demise was not unexpected.

By jc_atl

September 26, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

5 Seasons - it’s not even a contest.

Taco Mac is NOT, repeat NOT a brewpub.

If you want the best “beer” bar then that’s the Brick Store in Decatur.

By Nathan

September 26, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

5 Seasons is the best brewpub in Atlanta. But the real problem here is the question that was asked—What’s the best brewpub? Quite simply, there aren’t enough real brewpubs in Atlanta to even make this a real discussion. Something—either the laws or the culture—has got to change if we’re going to get infusion of high quality brewpubs in the area. Thankfully, 5 Seasons is good enough to warrant repeat business. Good food, and really great beer.

By Greg

September 26, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

The original 5 Seasons in Sandy Springs is by far the best in Atlanta. I have brought many visitors from Europe; particularly Germany, and they compare Glen’s brews equal to any from the homeland. The lagers; Pils, Helles and Munchner cannot be matched in the U.S. and the ales are excellent as well. Fabulous food and drink. My guests are never disappointed

By Nathan

September 26, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Now, regarding “beer-oriented” bars specifically: Taco Mac has okay food, but I’ve always been disappointed by the fact that they rarely have the beers they claim to. What’s the point of a big, tempting beer list if you don’t actually have the beers in stock? The Vortex is okay, too. At least it carries the beers it claims to. But let me give a shout out to one place whose patrons know and care about their beers: Muss & Turner’s. The man at the bar knows his stuff, their food and beer pairings are spot on, and they feature Brother Thelonius. ‘Nuff said. And yes, I really do need to pay The Brick Store a visit.

By Gary

September 26, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

The best brew pub hands down is the 5 Seasons in the Prado. It is locally owned, not a chain (like Rock Bottom whose beer is sub-par at best)and has a great selection of the best brewed beer in Atlanta. Seasonal brews also make this a unique place in Atlanta.

By MD

September 26, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

5 Seasons Roswell Rd without a doubt.
Gordon?? Rock Bottom?? Y’all are too funny. Or obviously pretty young. Walk over to Frankie’s for your grub if you can’t handle the great food they’ve got. Lemme guess, you probably wish they had more tv’s and Golden Tee machines too…nice.

By Reid in EAV

September 26, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Five Seasons (North and Sandy Springs) and Twain’s are the best out of a fairly thin pack. One day we’ll get a place like Elysian Brewing in Seattle where you can a broad array of Belgian-style ales with your high-class grub, but until then most of my trips will be to the Brick Store Pub.

By EAVDad

September 26, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Twain’s in Decatur is now a brew pub and the beer is really good!

By Debbie

September 26, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

The 5 seasons brewery in sandy springs brings out only the best. Glen knows exactly what he is doing and it shows. there is always a crowd and friendly people,laughing,smiling,telling jokes or just hanging out. i happen to love the place!!!

By JW

September 26, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

The 5 Seasons Prado is clearly the best. Glenn Sprouse is an incredible brewmaster. I saw many comments that the food is bad there…Are you smoking crack? David Larkworthy, who is the head chef, used to be the Sous Chef at Pano’s and Paul’s….HELLO?!?!?! Anybody home??? No, it’s not greasy onion rings and frozen cheese sticks. HINT - Go next door to Frankie’s and order a Coors Light and freezer burned, reconstituted chicken fingers… You will fit in better there.

By Jim M.

September 26, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

5 Seasons wins hands down simply due to the quality of brews served. No one comes close. Granted this is not going to be the choice for the red neck crowd, this is a source of quality beer, and quality, locally produced foods for a sophisticated crowd. By definition it is a Brew Pub, but not in the traditional sense. But then again, you will have a hard time finding greasy cheeseburgers, stale chips & salsa & hot wings in England, Belgium, & Germany where true Brew Pubs originated. What you will find is spectacular Fish & Chips, Lamb Chops, great stews & soups, and killer Bratwursts, most locally produced and organically grown.

Wait a minute, throw in some coal dust and I think I just described the 5!

By Julian

September 26, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Seems like this blog has finally got some action from people who know what a brewpub is and love fine beer paired with great food. Glen’s beers blow away the watered down swill that you’ll find at the competition!

Maybe the AJC will post a blog for best BEER bar and the rest of you can argue over who has the coldest Bud Light and the greesiest cheeseburger.

By Hockeyfan

September 26, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

5 seasons.

I will be most happy when the newest one opens up near Phillips so I can grab great beer on the way to watch the Thrashers

By DJ

September 26, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Gorden Biersch??? did somebody say that is the best place to celebrate new years eve????? oh my god. let me guess - they have that old guy from the 50’s with the shellacked hair - dick clark - on the big screen, and they pass out noisemakers just before midnight. proof that chain businesses are for people who have no imagination. at least go to an actual local pub, like smith’s or manuel’s, or county cork (no - don’t go there - please!) or the righteous room. on second thought, stick with the chain stores. the righteous room doesn’t have enough seats as it is ;-)

By rustydiamond

September 26, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Reid, why you gotta bust out Elysian Brewing on us?! Not fair…some of the best beer in the US that unfortunately we cannot get here. Best Atlanta Brewpub- 5 Seasons. Folks that don’t like their stuff probably like their beer in FROZEN glasses and eating squirrel wings at Taco Mac. Runner Up- Twain’s in Decatur. Beer is constantly improving plus they bust out cask-conditioned ale from time-to-time. My pal Cletus likes that Cherry Saison.

By Ryrich

September 26, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Brewers wife - Don’t bother going to the Sweetwater at the airport for food. The beer is amazing and they pour the 20oz pints. Food overpriced and not much of it, but hey your at the airport, what do you expect? 5 Seasons is the brewpub you visit for great food and great beer that is brewed on site. Twains is the best brewpub if you want to play pool or watch the game or play shuffleboard, and have a couple of their beers and some other great microbrews…………on a side note……..the best beerbar hands down for microbrews and atmosphere is Brickstore.

By Busboy

September 26, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

I’m just thrilled that there is even discussion on the subject. A few years ago, there weren’t enough beer drinkers to warrant the issue. Fight all you like, keep drinking local.

By CBL

September 26, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Rock Bottom suits me fine for beer- especially like the IPA and brown ale. Pils is decently hoppy too. It’s a helluva lot better than the swill you’ll get down the street at Moondogs or Hole in the Wall (which is usually where we end up after going to RB). Food at RB is a step above bar food, but isn’t as interesting as 5 Seasons. Especially like the tomato-basil pizzas for a latenight or seared salmon for dinner.

Denver has some great microbrews. Heard Portland is good too. For the ultimate beer experience, Germany remains undefeated.

By Peter

September 26, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Well folks this isn’t a Brew Pup kind of town, and frankly most readers here are talking about BARs not Brew Pups……

With out a doubt 5 Season’s is the best….. Best Beer…. Great healthy organically inspired food…..

By the way.. BY BEER ME…. have you tried the buffalo burger at 5 seasons? It might give you that FIX you require……close to a burger, without the poison that comes in most……

You know red dye, chemicals that give your colon, and other organs fits….

Try eating some CLEAN food every now and again…… your system will be pleased !!!!

By ElRodNino

September 26, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

I’ll second the 5 Seasons vote and Twains as runner up. Twains gets a lot of my business as it’s a mile away. My pal Rustydiamond who posted above likes dingleberry ipa;-)

By Cletus Winslow III

September 26, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

I’ll second the 5 Seasons vote and Twains as runner up. Twains gets a lot of my business as it’s a mile away. My pal Rustydiamond who posted above likes dingleberry ipa;-)

By steve-o

September 26, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

Decatur is the beer capital of Georgia! You can’t go wrong with The Brick Store or Twain’s!

By Chris

September 27, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

Without question it is Six Feet Under on Memorial.

By Paul

September 27, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

The best beer around is what we make at home - the real thing can’t be beaten!

By Thatguy

September 27, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

5 Seasons is good, Max’s was, and I miss John Harvard’s, chain that it was. However, for the best craft-brewed beer in the state, get up to Copper Creek Brewing Company* in Athens.

Matt Buley, the brewer, makes some of the finest, most consistent, brews around, from all styles (i.e. not just German/Belgian/English/American). The food is passable to good, with one of the highlights being the handmade Fillipino Eggrolls, which are the recipe of the owner’s wife’s family.

Make the trip to Athens, get a hotel room downtown, hit CCBC, and when you’ve had your fill there, head over to The Globe which was just rated as America’s Best Bar by GQ Magazine.

By lance

September 27, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Twain’s in Decatur is the best Brewpub in the Atlanta area. A wide ever-changing selection with some creative but not outlandish flavors and some great takes on old standards. Plus the place is huge and a lot of fun (pool tables, darts, shuffleboard) and you can actually get a table (sometimes a problem at the smaller Brick Store.

Outside of ATL…I recommend The Canon in Columbus, GA: they even brew their own Rootbeer!

By BPJ

September 27, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Max Lager’s in Downtown Atlanta is excellent. The AJC’s former columnist Michael Skube, who wrote an excellent regular feature on beer, declared it the best.

By Jeff

September 27, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

5 Seasons - hands down; Twains is steppin it up though. They have shuffleboard!

By Fluffy

September 27, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

5 Seasons is the best wine bar. Their wine selection is just devine and I love the rice balls. What do they use those big tanks for?

By Charles

September 27, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

I’m very surprised not to see any mention of Twain’s in downtown Decatur. I know it’s only been a year or so since they started making their own beer but their beers are FAR superior to any I’ve had from 5 Seasons or Park Tavern.

By GadgetGeek

September 27, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

5 Seasons has my vote, I like the Dunwoody location best but Crawford Moran is coming along and does produce some good beer. Glenn Sprouse is an incredible brewmaster, we should be pleased that he is in our town.

GG2 .

By AtlGuy

September 27, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

The best brewpub in the state is in Athens, Copper Creek Brewing Company. The brewmaster is incredible with his versatility and has won multiple awards. Beers range from an Espresso Stout, Nut Brown Ale, Belgian Blonde, etc. Definitely worth the drive and the food’s good too!

By Brandon

September 27, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

FYI - 5 Seasons in Sandy Springs is having their Octoberfest this Sat. All you can eat and drink for $55 (or just drink for $35). I think you have to buy tix though!

By Martin

September 27, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

No question the best brewpub is downtown…Max Lagers. Their brewer is the best in teh State!

By B Dog

September 27, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

I agree, Copper Creek Brewing Company is the best in the state, with 5 seasons a close second. The brewmaster at Copper Creek actually puts out high gravity beers from time to time that are incredible!

By Fox

September 27, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Gordon Biersh Gordon Biersch Gordon Biersh Gordon Biersh Gordon Biersh Gordon Biersh Gordon Biersh Gordon Biersh Gordon Biersh

By Fed Up

September 27, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

I’ve got to stand up for Max Lager’s. I’ve had many a good pint there and the brewmaster is very nice and easy going, always willing to discuss his brews (when he’s not crazy busy!).

5 Seasons has darn good beer, no doubt about it. I’ve even enjoyed the cask ales at Rockbottom (though the regular brews there are swill).

I’ll have a go at Twain’s, hopefully this weekend… always on the look out for good home brews!

By Bill

September 27, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

.

What is a Brew Pub? A Pub that Brews it’s own beer? Or, a Pub that Sells Brews?

If you’re asking about the best Pub in Town, then by far it’s Elliott Street Deli and Pub …

Best Sandwiches in Town, too …

.

By Sunday Fan

September 27, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Gordon Biersh works for me. I get what all of you are saying but I go to this place for the Sunday service. Jeff at the bar is fantastic and I have been going on Sundays for 6+ years. I will admit that the food is not always the best but service will go a long way to make you happy.

Sweetwater is my number one fav. as far as beers go and I agree that it would be fantastic if they could offer food, I do wonder if it would take something away from the care free times that are had on a Wed. Thurs. and Friday. Yea it has become a bit more of the yuppie crowd but who cares. I still love it there.

By don watkins

September 27, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

The 5 Seasons master braumeister, Glen Sprouse (Sprouse, get it?), has no serous competition in Atlanta nor even in the entire S.E.US. He is nationally reknowned for his authentic German beer, Belgian ales and Irish stout. I visit brew pubs all over America, including the west coast, and most of the brewers know or know of Sprouse, e.g., I will be in Savannah this weekend and will be at the Moon River Brewing Co. every night where the owner, Bekoe, and the braumeister, Pinkerton, have told me they are personal friends and admirers of Sprouse. The local Germans including the consul hold their cafe klatsch (sp?) there regularly.

AND it is one of Atlanta’s finest restaurants, recognized by virtually ALL of Atlanta’s most celebrated chefs, most of whom have dined there — some regularly. Just ask Guenter Seeger, an admirer and friend of The 5’s chef David Langworthy, or Anne Quatranno. Atlanta’s leading food critic, Christiane Lauterbach, a regular at the 5, is one of its most ardent supporters and has written numerous glowing reviews of its food and beer — not to mention its excellent, if abbreviated wine list. It is Sandy Springs’ ONLY award winning restaurant. For those who think brew pubs should serve bar food, God knows, isn’t there enough already of that garbage on every street corner? Gimme a break! Taco Mac and red neck chicken wings is the place for you.

The 5 is a priceless jewel, the real thing, among also-rans.

By johnny t-bone

September 27, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

5 Seasons is the closest we have to a decent brew pub. Max Lager’s, Gordon Beirsch, Rock Bottom all suck. It’s like going to Outback for steak. Why bother when you have Hal’s, or Chops, or Kevin Rathbun Steak?

This is why I skip the brew pub scene and go to The Brickstore Pub for the best beer available in Atlanta. It’s not a brew pub but it clearly has the best beer selection in Atlanta. That’s why it’s my pick. Until Atlanta has a great brew pub, like that’ll ever happen, The Brick Store wins.

By Syd

September 27, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Based on all the previous comments, I am announcing a winner. And the handsdown winner is…5 Seasons!! Along with that, I also declare that GB and Rockbottom are complete jokes.

And on a side note, Brikestore is by far the best beer pub with Taco Mac being somewhere to go only if you have to. Taco Mac was last a cool spot in about 1989. But most of you probably weren’t drinking back then.